Each year the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry holds an annual Scientific Day where dental students, dental hygiene students, residents and graduate students present findings from their research projects or describe new and innovative clinical techniques. Area dentists, hygienists, faculty and staff attend this event, so it is a great opportunity to network and meet new colleagues. This year's event will be held at the Champion Convention Center in Oklahoma City, OK on April 16, 2026.
Detailed information about abstract submission, poster preparation, and the Ishmael Essay Contest can be viewed on the Presenters and Mentors page.
Students and residents are required to attend this event. Students who do not attend Scientific Day will be required to attend a similar number of hours of continuing education and complete a written review of the scientific literature on an assigned topic.
A number of awards will be presented at the awards ceremony for the Ishmael Essay Contest and for poster presentations in various categories, including the ADA/Dentsply Sirona SCADA award to the highest-ranked dental student poster. The latter award sponsor the winner’s travel to present their project at the annual SCADA competition and the annual meetings of the American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research. In addition, all students are eligible for several door prizes that will be offered during at the awards ceremony.
Scientific Day Deadlines:
- January 23: Abstract submission site opens (mentors only)
- January 23: Poster printing signup opens (mentors only)
- January 28: Ishmael Essay submission site opens
- January 28: Judge registration site opens
- February 2: Registration for Scientific Day opens
- February 18: Ishmael Essay submission site closes
- March 9: Abstract submission site closes (mentors only)
- March 9: Judge registration site closes
- March 16: Ishmael Essay finalists announced
- March 27 – April 7: Printing of posters from OKC site
- April 1: Registration for Scientific Day closes
- April 3: Poster printing signup closes (mentors only)
- April 8 - 9: Printing of posters from remote sites
- April 16: Scientific Day
2026 Scientific Day Keynote Speaker
Agenda
- 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Judging (closed session)
- 8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Attendee check-in
- 9:00 a.m.– 10:40 a.m.: Breakfast, vendor fair and pPoster viewing
- 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Keynote Address
- 12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.: Lunch break (buffet lunch for registered attendees)
- 12:50 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.: Ishmael Essay Contest Finals
- 2:20 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Afternoon break
- 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Awards Ceremony
- 3:30 p.m.: Check-out (for students and for CE credit)
Save the date on your calendar for next year's Scientific Day to be held in Oklahoma City on April 15, 2027.