J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 63(4); 2025 > Article
Journal of Korean Dental Association 2025;63(4):117-128.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22974/jkda.2025.63.4.001    Published online April 30, 2025.
의과학자 양성 프로그램과 연구가 치의과학자 양성 연구에 주는 시사점
Implications of physician-scientist training programs and research for the development of dentist-scientist training programs
Jeonghee Lyu1  , Yoon Min Gil2  , Eunhee Kang3  , Young-Seok Park4  , Shin-Hye Chung5  , Jihyun Lee2  , Ryan Jin-Young Kim2  , Shin-Young Park2 
1Department of Dental Education, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
2Department of Dental Education, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
3Center for Future Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
4Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
5Department of Dental Materials Science, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
Correspondence:  Shin-Young Park, Tel: +82-2-740-8667, 
Email: nalby99@snu.ac.kr
Received: 9 January 2025   • Revised: 18 February 2025   • Accepted: 20 February 2025
Abstract
The rapid advancement of dental science in South Korea, often referred to as “K-Dentistry,” highlights the growing importance of research-driven dental education and workforce development. Despite the increasing demand for dental healthcare services due to aging populations, the domestic training system for dentist-scientists remains insufficient compared to its medical counterpart. Physician-scientist training programs, particularly the MD-PhD model, have successfully integrated clinical practice with biomedical research, providing a valuable framework for developing dentist-scientist training programs (DDS-PhD). However, previous efforts to establish DDS-PhD programs in South Korea have faced significant challenges, including high tuition costs, a lack of institutional support, and the tendency of graduates to enter private practice rather than research. This article reviews domestic and international physician-scientist training programs and research trends to propose a structured framework for training dentist-scientists. By benchmarking successful MD-PhD and DDS-PhD models from leading countries, we aim to identify key strategies for fostering interdisciplinary research, strengthening financial and institutional support, and enhancing collaboration between universities, hospitals, and industry. Additionally, this study examines the role of the recently established National Institute of Dental Research in facilitating policy development and innovation in dental science. The findings of this research provide actionable insights for policymakers and educators to establish a sustainable training system for dentist-scientists, ensuring the integration of clinical expertise with research innovation to advance global oral healthcare and treatment solutions.
Key Words: Biomedical research, Research Personnel, Physicians, Dental research, Interdisciplinary Research


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