Implications of physician-scientist training programs and research for the development of dentist-scientist training programs

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.