Tips towards securing research funding in implant dentistry

Steven Eckert
ITI research grant applications

Research teams depend on funding in order to be able to carry out their study and arrive at meaningful results. ITI Research Committee member Steve Eckert gives a couple of practical tips on how to optimize your chances.

What is the hardest thing to do when thinking about a research project?

I think most people would say that the hardest part is writing the protocol, and by this I think that they would be relating concerns to the development of a ‘materials and methods’. Indeed, it is easy to understand how critical the overall protocol is but I think it is more likely that the very first impression, obtained through the title, is the more critical concern. If a study has the wrong title, it could result in a less effective reading of the study – poor reading translates into smaller research budgets.

Why is the research study title so important?

The title of a proposed research article provides the reader/reviewer with an understanding of the subject and it demonstrates the commitment that the investigative team has to the study.

It is critical to make a favorable first impression; this is what the title does. This is the first contact between the research team and the research funding group and it is the first and only time that the investigators can put their idea out for assessment by the funding team. An unambiguous title that clearly and concisely conveys the research that is to be performed goes a long way towards capturing the attention of the funding group by providing a cogent reason why the research should be performed. It will also provide an opening view of the research question that the study should answer. So, if a study has the wrong title, it could result in a less effective reading of the study – poor reading translates into smaller research budgets.

Meeting funding criteria and more

The other thing that I think is absolutely critical is for the potential investigatory team to demonstrate an ability to follow the preparation guidelines provided by the funding group. Relative to the study itself, it is essential that the study identify all the factors that should be followed. There must be appropriate sample sizes and clear sample size calculation. The research team is important in that their previous experiences are likely to create a foundation for future investigation. A coordinated team will demonstrate the ability to collaborate in an effective way.

Learn more about research funding opportunities at the ITI

Authors

Steven eckert
Steven Eckert
Dr. Eckert is a diplomat of the American Board of Prosthodontics and a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, Academy of Prosthodontics, Academy of Osseointegration, American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics and the ITI. He is past president of the AO, AAMP and the AP and a Director and Examiner for the American Board of Prosthodontics, where he is currently Vice President. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the IJOMI.
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on whatsapp
Practice development

Expert tips to assure dental patient satisfaction

The goal of any dental treatment is to achieve maximum patient satisfaction. However, dental phobia can get on the way to having a pleasant experience at the dentist for many people. Following some of the measures and tips in this article, we can improve the overall experience of patients.

Read More »
Clinical insights

Implant surface decontamination in peri-implantitis therapy by means of photodynamic laser therapy

Abstract Various implant topographies are susceptible to peri-implantitis pathogen adherence and growth, resulting in biofilm formation. In combination with systemic, local, and implant-based risk factors, these pathogens can trigger an excessive inflammatory response in the peri-implant tissue, causing peri-implantitis onset along with hazardous bone resorption. Implant surface decontamination is an

Read More »
News

Catastrophic earthquake in Turkey

In the worst disaster of the region’s history, the series of earthquakes that have devastated Turkey and northern Syria continue to take a high toll of victims and have inflicted unimaginable chaos and suffering on the region with the destruction of vital infrastructure. The lives of many of our ITI

Read More »