Successes and Challenges in Bench-Side Research as a Dental Student

Objectives: Many dental students have scientific knowledge allowing them understand bench-side protocols but lack the laboratory skills to conduct related procedures and lack experience in research. The goal of this study was to provide an account of the successes, challenges, and experience of a dental student who had no previous research experience in the learning and conduct of laboratory procedures for a clinical study.
Methods: A second-year dental student was trained by the study principal investigator (who has extensive knowledge and experience in basic, translational and clinical research) in handling, preparing, and storing human saliva samples for DNA/RNA analysis. The principal investigator also trained and mentored the study team in effective and clear communication as well as project management. Organizational skills were used to account for the multiple samples and facilitate quality assessment. Hygienic, aseptic techniques and delicate material handling skills used for dental procedures were translated into the laboratory.
Results: Complications arose during the study and modifications had to be made, including tracking down un- or mislabeled sample tubes, adjusting to new laboratory materials and modifying pre-existing protocols as needed. The overall quality of the preparation and storage of the collected samples was excellent. Clear communication with the team facilitated the optimization of sample collection and proper storage and organization. Valuable experience in the technical skills of pipetting, assay transfers, and cryogenic freezing, as well as problem solving skills were gained.
Conclusions: The research experience and laboratory skills gained by being part of this study was tremendously valuable and refreshing. Learning was easy and pleasant, and the conduct of research was efficient due to highly effective communication techniques learned and practiced as part of this study.