Several advisory committees help guide NIDCR's strategic and research initiatives.
- National Advisory Dental & Craniofacial Research Council - Responsible for advising, consulting with, and making recommendations to the NIDCR Director and the HHS Secretary on matters relating to the directions of research, research funding, training, and career development supported by the Institute.
- Board of Scientific Counselors (Division of Intramural Research) - Conducts biomedical health related research in its own laboratories and provides advice to the Institute in carrying out its programs with respect to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental diseases and conditions and craniofacial research.
- Special Emphasis Panel - Provides concept review of proposed contract or grant solicitations and reviews grant and cooperative agreement applications.
- Special Grants Review Committee - Provides scientific merit review of applications for support of fellowship, career development and training programs, and applications submitted to the NIDCR Small Grant Program.