About NZIDT » Research Fund
The New Zealand Institute of Dental Technologists recognise that the profession is rapidly developing and that new technology and materials have an enormous impact on the industry. With so many materials and new technologies constantly been developed it is important for the profession to recognise the importance of research. It is also important that the profession support independent research done for our profession, by our profession. The NZIDT therefore is proud to promote the research environment and would like to support research projects undertaken by individual practitioners in industry and assist graduates that undertake research for advanced degrees. The Research Fund will be managed by the CPD sub-committee, which will make recommendations to the NZIDT executive for final approval. It will be the CPD Sub-committees role to disperse the grant in accordance with the objective. The funding will come directly from CPD activities that the NZIDT run and will initially be up to a maximum of $5,000 per year, with potential increases as a result of sponsorship. The full amount applied for or part thereof can be awarded to one or more applicants, at the discretion of the NZIDT.
The NZIDT Research Funding Grant will provide financial support for research projects related to dental technology and clinical dental technology that have a direct benefit to the NZIDT membership. It is also hoped the fund will promote the practice and science of dental technicians and clinical dental technicians in New Zealand.
The committee will review application and award grants to applicants that best comply with the objective statement. If it is deemed that there is no suitable application in any given year, then funds will not be allocated. Applicants do not need to be NZIDT members, but there must be a obvious benefit to the NZIDT membership. The successful applicants will be selected on merit and will need to show the ability to complete quality research and have the correct resources to ensure a high likelihood of success. Yearly reports must be provided to the NZIDT CPD Sub-committee on the anniversary of the grant and or on completion of the research.
First you need to think what research you want to do. Then do a bit of a background checking to see it is worth doing and or that it has not already been done. Once you have an idea you need to read the below information sheet and put in an application. Please provide as much information as possible, the more information you provide makes it easier for the NZIDT to assess your application. Remember you might not be the only researcher applying for the limited money.
The NZIDT is looking to support research that has a relevance to its members and or contributes to the knowledge base of the profession. This includes dental technology and clinical dental technology.
It is a good idea to look for others with a similar interest, because research is always best done with a team. Different team members typically bring certain expertise to the table, for example it is always good to have someone in the team that has had experience doing research.
The NZIDT has developed a relationship with The Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Otago to gain access to facilities available at the University, for example testing equipment and library resourses and expertise. There is a number of different staff with varied interests that are keen to help and be involved in your research. The Faculty has resourses and access to the testing equipment and library can be arranged if you team up with a staff member. Contact John Aarts via email: john.aarts@dent.otago.ac.nz with your ideas and he will try and direct you to an appropriate staff member with similar interests.
1 Applications for grants are open, but will be dealt with in order of date of receipt. Applications will first be screened by the CPD subcommittee and then forwarded to the NZIDT executive for final approval. The NZIDT executive typically only meets three times a year, Feb, June and Oct. So decisions could take some time to process depending when your application is received.
2 Please fill out all relevant sections of the grant application. All applications need to be typed on A4 paper, single sided, using font size 12 or larger. Appendices such as quotations should be submitted on A4 size paper.
If applicable, a completed ethical agreement (Section 3a), health information privacy acknowledgement (Section 3b) MUST be included. Section 3a & 3b are not required if only applying for travel grant.
An administrative agreement (Section 4) using the attached form, MUST be included.
3 Grants are made at the NZIDT’s discretion. Grants may be activated at any time within six months of the date of the award.
4 The cost of domestic travel may be requested if essential to the research (Section 2).
5 Expenses related to appointment of staff and equipment may be requested, but it is not the main intention of this research fund to resource these areas (Section 2).
6 An electronic version should be emailed to: nzidtadmin@clad.co.nz
Signed Hard Copies of the administrative and ethical agreements can be sent to:
NZIDT Secretariat
PO Box 290
Waipukurau 4242
Please direct enquiries concerning the application procedure to the Chair of the CPD Sub-Committee, (John Aarts, Email: john.aarts@dent.otago.ac.nz or Phone Wk: 03 479 7060).
Download the Research Fund application form here
Download the powerpoint introduction to the research fund
For information on approved Research Projects go to the Research Projects page.