The qualifications and skills needed to start a career in dental research vary depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position you wish to pursue. Dental researchers may be doctors of dental medicine (DMD) or doctors of dental surgery (DDS). Lead researchers may have a doctorate (Ph.D.) in biomedicine, bioengineering, or a related subject, and they may have assistance from researchers with bachelors’ or masters’ degrees. For clinical tests, other dental staff, such as licensed dental assistants and dental nurses, may also be on the team.