A love for research fosters a passion for care in DDS student

The scientific method is nothing new for Clara Stein, DDS ’29. Scientific research has always been part of her life—and it continues to mold who she is as a student today.

There wasn’t much question of whether Stein would be involved in research. The daughter of a chemistry professor, Stein has engaged in experimentation for as long as she can remember—exploring surface tension, wavelengths and color and other projects. “He showed me how interesting it can be to investigate a scientific question, and he taught me to be creative in finding solutions for various challenges,” Stein recalled of her father. “His passion for science encouraged me to pursue research opportunities during my undergrad at the University of Minnesota.” 

Stein graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience before joining the School of Dentistry this fall. Dentistry seemed like an ideal career path for Stein, who shared that “it felt like the best field where I could utilize my creative and analytical strengths to most directly impact my community.” And pursuing her degree isn’t Stein’s first experience with the school—one of her many research experiences during her undergraduate career was the Minnesota Craniofacial and Oral Health Research Program (MNCORE).  

A ten-week summer program for undergraduate students, MNCORE seeks to introduce new generations of researchers to questions in craniofacial, oral health and dental research. Students complete a research project, engage in weekly seminars, learn about dental and oral biology careers and receive mentorship. 

Stein was excited to participate in MNCORE to “join a research lab focused on oral health and receive mentorship specifically for preparing for dental school.” Stein worked with Kim Mansky, PhD, professor of orthodontics and director of MNCORE, on the bone’s response to inflammation. “I was able to learn new lab skills and improve my techniques with others,” she recalled.

Stein enjoyed the mentorship and seminar aspects of the fellowship, which helped her to stay on track with her research project and learn more about the process of research and the School of Dentistry. “Overall, this experience helped me develop a stronger idea of how I want to incorporate research into my future practice,” she said. “Interacting with other members of the dental school’s research community exposed me to the wide variety of research currently happening in oral health.” 

In addition to the inspiration and planning for her future, Stein was able to turn the project she began in Mansky’s lab into her undergraduate honors thesis. 

Stein’s experience with MNCORE confirmed her desire to attend the School of Dentistry—knowing that she would have the opportunity to pursue research, gain strong clinical skills and further connect with a network she had already begun to develop. As she moves through her dental school career, she knows she will find ways to incorporate research into her education—whether through the Summer Research Program, engaging in the DDS Research Career Track or exploring other opportunities she hasn’t yet discovered. But no matter the path she takes, she’ll keep moving forward with the heart of a scientist.

“I plan to stay up to date with research trends in dentistry, so that I can continue to provide high-quality care for my patients,” she said. “I will be able to use the problem-solving skills and creativity that I developed during my research experiences throughout my practice, too.”