The Journey of a Resident Research Grant
The Foundation for Endodontics actively supports research and endodontic education. These two areas of
focus intersect in many places, often beginning in residency. Dr. Sarmed Toma, an endodontic resident at the University of Detroit Mercy, class of 2024, experienced firsthand how the Foundation for Endodontics can support resident research.
In Fall 2023, Dr. Susan Paurazas, associate Clinical Professor and Program Director for the Graduate Endodontic Program at the University of Detroit Mercy, received a Resident Research Grant for each resident in the program. This grant provides $500 per resident to support research projects.
Dr. Toma’s grant funds supported his research project titled Antibacterial Efficacy of Benefect Botanical Disinfectant Compared to Sodium Hypochlorite and Chlorohexidine Against Multiple Endodontic Pathogens: An Ex Vivo Study. Dr. Toma and his team determined that BenefectTM botanical disinfectant has comparable antibacterial efficacy to NaOCl and CHX against S. mutans and E. faecalis.
Dr. Toma presented his research at the AAE’s Annual Meeting in Los Angeles in Spring of 2024, where his oral presentation won a Resident Award. This $1,000 award is given to the top ten presentations in each category (Oral Research, Poster Research, Table Clinic.)
After the conclusion of AAE24, Dr. Toma applied for and received an Annual Meeting Resident Development Scholarship. This award is available to offset the costs that residents incur in attending the AAE’s Annual Meeting to present their research, up to $500 per resident, per year.
The Foundation for Endodontics values the research that drives our specialty forward and is honored to support Dr. Toma and all residents in their pursuit of knowledge.
“The Foundation for Endodontics grants supported my research by investigating a new biomaterial that could be potentially used as a new advancement in disinfection of the root canal system. I appreciate the Foundation’s efforts to support research to ensure evidence-based endodontic practices.” – Sarmed Toma, DDS