Parting Gift from Dentistry Canada Fund Enriches Research

Creating a research environment where students can pose questions, seek solutions and learn from established scientists is a top priority at Schulich Dentistry. Thanks to a significant donation from the Dentistry Canada Fund of more than $125,000, increased funding will be available annually, on a competitive basis for students to undertake summer research roles, helping to build our research mission.

The Dentistry Canada Fund was created in 1994 as Canada's charity for oral health. Its mission was to mobilize and allocate resources for the advancement of oral health though education, research and public outreach. It is now winding down its services and contributing its funds to organizations whose mission is similar in nature to their own.

The donation, recommended by the Ontario Dental Association, will be directed to the endowed dental student researchship fund. The gift fills a critically important need as it increases the School's capacity to internally fund more dental students in their research projects, providing salary support. And given the climate of funding cuts from federal and provincial agencies, this support is especially welcome.

"Schulich Dentistry is committed to train life-long-learners and leaders in education and science, and research is a key component of our educational program." said Dr. Harinder Sandhu, vice-dean, Dentistry. "This donation will be help us expose more students to research, building their knowledge and experience in applying scientific discovery to patient care, while working alongside world renowned researchers."

Although winding down their services, through this donation, the mission of the DCF will live on. In total, the charity has donated more than $240,000 to Western University.