Overview
The Robin Davies Research Awards are for research conducted by Dental Care Professionals (DCPs). A maximum of four grants of up to £5000 each, are awarded on the basis of an application for support of investigations of clinical relevance, particularly in the field of preventive care.
Celebrating our past winners
Legacy Awardees and Supervisor
At the celebratory luncheon held for 2024 Colgate® Robin Davies DCP awardees, Colgate® captured the reflections of three legacy awardees and a supervisor. Hear from Leon, Fiona and Susan as they share their reflections on how this award has impacted their careers, and hear from Aylin as she reflects on on her experience as a supervisor.
What does the Robin Davies Award mean to you?
Leon Bassi,
Dental Hygienist/Therapist 2018 Winner
How has the Robin Davies Award impacted your career?
Dr Fiona Sandom,
Dental Hygienist Therapist 2013 and 2014 Winner
What are your top tips for a successful application?
Dr Susan Bissett,
Dental Hygienist 2011 and 2014 Winner
What did being a supervisor mean to you?
Professor Aylin Baysan,
Faculty EDI Lead and Clinical Reader Clinical Supervisor 2018
Testimonials from previous awardees
Janani Sivabalan
Dental Hygienist / Therapist
Thanks to the Robin Davies Research Award, I have gained a wealth of knowledge about the research process, which I have been able to apply to future projects. Along the way, I have also picked up many valuable skills. I am very grateful that following the success of the Dental Walk-in-Clinics project, the clinics have become integrated into the University of Portsmouth’s Dental Academy curriculum. This has enabled DCP students to see patients from the local community on a weekly basis, benefitting both patients and students.
Being the Chief Investigator on this research project was a significant milestone for me. It was the first time in such a role, and the learning experience has been immense. I have learned so much and gained so much confidence in research. Winning the Best Local Oral Health Initiative at the Clinical Dentistry Awards in 2022 was a proud moment for myself and the team. Now, seeing the project integrated into our undergraduate curriculum for the benefit of patients and student DCPs is incredibly rewarding. This achievement is the highlight of my career, and I am thankful for the opportunity provided by the Robin Davies DCP Research Award.
Lisa Davies
Dental Nurse
Since receiving the Robin Davies DCP Research Award in 2022 my career has taken off. It gave me the confidence to believe in myself and I am now presenting at dental symposiums, holding webinars, writing articles and getting involved in more research within my work place. I am considering taking a degree to further my career in the field of research. I thoroughly enjoyed my research and learnt so many new skills in which would never have been possible without the award. If any DCP is considering applying for this award, my advice would be to believe in yourself, ensure you have a mentor who can help and guide you, preferably with experience. Especially if like me, it is a completely new area. I would not have managed without my mentors support. Try to find an interesting area that you would like to know more about and think about the outcomes of your research and how these would impact your area of dentistry.
Donna Holden MBE
Dental Nurse
The Robin Davies Research Award provided me with a development opportunity to enhance my skills on knowledge in research and research methodology. It enabled me to undertake a study that supported career development and enhanced patient care.
As a dental nurse the opportunities were quite limited and other research avenues were closed to DCPs. Having the opportunity to carry out research through this award developed my skill in critical appraisal which has been invaluable in the roles I have undertaken since completing my research project.
How to apply for a Robin Davies DCP Research Award
The Robin Davies Research Awards are for research conducted by Dental Care Professionals (DCPs). A maximum of four awards of up to £5000 each, will be made on the basis of an application for support of investigations of clinical relevance, particularly in the field of preventive care.
Whilst the applicant must be a DCP, it is anticipated that a research team will be formed to include a mentor or supervisor with an established research record. If you work within a general dental practice, this may be an educational supervisor working within a training practice, an academic advisor working within a local clinical research network or a link with a local training institution.
Applications should summarise the background, aims and methodology of the research proposal and the role to be played by the applicant in the study. The way in which the award will support the investigation must be specified, together with details of the funding requested, including a breakdown of what the award will be used for.
2026 applications will be open from 1st October 2025. Visit the ODRT website and click on Robin Davies Research Awards or apply by clicking below.
Complete the small grant application form. Don’t be deterred by this form, it is there to provide structure to your application. If any question is not relevant to your situation such as previous publications etc. please move through and complete what you can starting from the aim(s) and objectives(s) question. Follow the guide in terms of word count for each question and give as much information as possible.
Top tips for a successful application
The following top tips have been highlighted by a cross section of previous successful applicants and the awarding body, the ODRT.
From previous awardees:
- Choose a supportive mentor or supervisor with experience in research
- Be clear and concise about your research area
- Do background research on your chosen topic
- Set clear objectives
- Set clear and realistic timeframes
- Decide what you would like to achieve
- Believe in yourself & be confident
- Make sure you budget for each step accordingly
- Always ask questions
- Be open-minded
From ODRT:
- Start with a simple research question
- Make sure the proposed research is feasible and not overly complicated
- Think about the structure – ‘tell a story’, including background so the reviewer better understands your research proposal
2026 awards – key dates
Background
Colgate® has long been a sponsor of dental research within the UK and has had links with the Oral & Dental Research Trust (ODRT) since its inception in 1988. Colgate® and the ODRT first partnered in 2004 to offer Professionals Complementary to Dentistry (PCDs) the opportunity to conduct clinical research projects. The aim of these awards remains to support investigations of clinical relevance, particularly in the field of preventive care.
A celebratory luncheon has been held annually to celebrate the awardees achievements. The name of the awards changed to the Colgate® DCP Research Awards in 2005, to reflect the mandatory registration of Dental Care Professionals (DCPs) involved in clinical activity. In 2017, the name of the awards changed again to honour Professor Robin Davies’ contribution to dental research. The legacy of these awards continues as we celebrate over 20 years of DCP research.
Professor Robin Davies
