It is such a distinctive honor to be the recipient of an AAE Foundation research grant. The field of virology in endodontics is still mostly blank, and I believe our project will answer some of the perplexing questions.
—Dr. Hong Li, Class of 2008, Oregon Health & Science University
For scientists, every answer invites another question. The specialty depends on their insatiable curiosity to define the future.
Although researchers represent a fraction of AAE members, they have great influence on the specialty's development. That connection can easily be overlooked. No one would argue that the work of Drs. I.B. Bender and Samuel Seltzer is fundamental to clinical practice today. But, you might wonder what relevance an article like, “Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression in Cyclooxygenase-2–deficient Primary Osteoblasts,” could have for you.
Research is becoming increasingly complex. New knowledge about the human genome has drastically changed the way investigators work. Now, instead of looking at a single gene or protein, one experiment may involve thousands of different molecular systems. This broad biological approach means that a seemingly esoteric study can have profound implications both for our specialty and for the entire dental health community.
In a rapidly changing research environment, we share the responsibility to ensure that endodontics keeps pace with other health care disciplines. We must maintain a strong, vibrant and creative research agenda, and we must continue to produce great thinkers and innovators to achieve that goal. Our current icons should not be our last heroes. The editor of our Journal, Dr. Kenneth M. Hargreaves, summarized that idea succinctly when he advised that we “grow our own new pioneers.”
It is critical to nurture fledgling scientists. Recently several young researchers shared their perspectives on the scientific environment, and the challenges and rewards they anticipate. Drs. Natasha Flake, acting assistant professor at the University of Washington; Jennifer Gibbs, class of 2008 at the University of California, San Francisco; Mo Kang, assistant professor at the University of California, Los Angeles; and Asma Khan, assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, each earned a Ph.D. prior to specializing in endodontics.
They observed that endodontics has not benefitted from the large federal grants that jumpstarted research in some other specialties. But, that deficit has become one of our greatest strengths. It motivated us to build our own independent source of support for research.
These investigators view the AAE Foundation as the catalyst for stimulating funding and elevating the overall quality of research. Ten years ago, the majority of grant applications were for relatively simplistic projects. Now, instead of dye leakage studies, we are producing proposals to investigate biologically based diagnostic techniques or new methods for the treatment of pain. Research that translates biological findings to clinical applications creates another dimension for clinical practice.
The trend towards evidence-based practice has also raised the scientific bar and encouraged variety in the types of protocols that are being developed. “Publications in the JOE over the past four or five years are of a much higher quality,” noted Dr. Flake. “There are more reviews, better designed clinical trials and more relevant results.”
Dr. Khan added, “we are becoming more modern. There are more studies looking for the molecular basis of pulpal and periodontal pathology. This gives us better insight into the mechanisms that underlie disease. It also provides a broader application to dentistry in general.”
One reason for the increased interest in the biological aspects of endodontic therapy is the discovery of stem cells in the pulp. This seminal development has opened a new avenue of investigation. Regenerative endodontics is a two-way mirror. It reflects the specialty's past and creates a vision for the future. “We need to go back to our roots by studying the vital pulp therapies and finding ways to do more than just root canal therapy,” says Dr. Gibbs. “To really strengthen our profession we need to have a good understanding of basic science processes.”
Dr. Kang argues for an even greater emphasis on basic research. He believes that the specialty's focus on clinical outcomes and diagnosis has diverted attention from this critical area. “The paradigm has shifted,” cautions Dr. Kang. “The future relies on advances in biomedical research and we have to follow the mainstream within medicine. Of course, we always want to have a clinical goal in mind. Regenerative endodontics is a productive area because it involves basic research and at the same time has a tangible clinical application.”
The group agrees that this is an exciting time to be a scientist, but they are also acutely aware that their chosen career path can be precarious. “There are jobs all over the country for educators,” says Dr. Gibbs, “but due to budget cuts, there is limited NIH funding.” Dr. Flake agrees, “There are very few schools that are research intensive and have the ability to nurture young scientists, and there is nothing designed to help people who are not yet receiving NIH funding.”
The investment of years of study in a profession that offers limited job security is testament to the commitment these talented investigators share. As scientists they are willing to walk on thin ice to reach the truth. Their work will be our specialty's source of credibility and creativity. We must recognize that contribution by supporting the AAE Foundation, as well as the academic institutions researchers depend on for their livelihood. By investing in our young scientists, we will also be creating a new generation of pioneers. Franklin Roosevelt said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for our future.”
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