Dental research strives to find better ways to prevent, identify and treat oral diseases. Researchers are engaged in the process of discovering new knowledge relating to oral health and ways to improve the oral health of the general public.  As per our mission statement, one of the roles of NZDA is "to promote dental and allied sciences". Although the Association does not undertake research of its own, it promotes and funds for the continuation of dental research in New Zealand through the New Zealand Dental Research Foundation. The Foundation has been supported by donations from dentist members for over 50 years.