Contact: Dr. Ruth Nowjack-Raymer (301) 594-5394, ruth.nowjack-raymer@nih.gov
Despite remarkable improvements in the oral health of many, not everyone in the nation has benefited equally. Oral, dental and craniofacial conditions remain among the most common health problems for low-income, racial/ethnic minority, disadvantaged, disabled, and institutionalized individuals across the life span. Dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral and pharyngeal cancer are of particular concern.
The Health Disparities Research Program supports studies that:
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provide a better understanding of the basis of health disparities and inequalities;
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develop and test interventions tailored/targeted to underserved populations; and
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explore approaches to the dissemination and implementation of effective findings to assure rapid translation into practice, policy and action in communities.
Types of Research Supported
The NIDCR supports:
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research that seeks to understand a broadened array of determinants of disparities/inequalities in oral health status and care at multiple levels;
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research that explores the biological, including genetic, environmental, social, behavioral, psychological, cultural and contextual aspects of disparities/inequalities as well as their interactions; health literacy; and systems-level all of which to inform subsequent tailored/targeted interventional research;
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interventional research designed to have a meaningful impact on oral health status and quality of life and that will influence action in health care, public policy, or disease/disability prevention in communities;
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cost analyses of interventions as well as comparative effectiveness studies;
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behavioral and social science intervention research that is grounded in theory and considers mechanisms of action;
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research that utilizes new technologies and approaches that are practical, culturally appropriate and sustainable, and that can be utilized by individuals, caregivers and workers that are readily available in communities; and
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novel interventions as well as those that have previously been untested with vulnerable populations.
Disadvantaged and Vulnerable Populations
Disadvantaged and vulnerable population subgroups that are the focus of research supported include:
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All race/ethnic populations with health disparities including African American, Hispanic (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race), American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islanders;
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Low income rural (e.g. Appalachian) or urban dwellers;
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Special needs populations including those with acquired or developmental physical or intellectual disabilities and people living with HIV/AIDS;
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Elders; and
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Home-bound and institutionalized individuals
Types of Researchers
Given the complexity and cross-cutting nature of health disparities that may require multiple levels of analysis and intervention, multi- and inter-disciplinary teams, and strong community-based partnerships are essential.
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Researchers from many backgrounds and disciplines contribute to health disparities/inequalities research. Some of the disciplines of researchers on health disparities/inequalities research teams are genetics, social and other types of epidemiology, dentistry and dental hygiene, medicine and nursing, occupational therapy, clinical nutrition, pathology, medical anthropology, behavioral sciences, psychology, microbiology, health promotion, informatics, health service, economics, health policy, social work, law, child development, biostatistics, communications, education, engineering and bioethics.
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Teams that conceptualize, plan and conduct health disparities/inequalities research should include community members of the disadvantaged and vulnerable population subgroups as partners in the research enterprise.
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Increasing the cadre’ of researchers pursuing health disparities research particularly those from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds is essential. Opportunities for training, career development and loan repayment exist.
Mechanisms for support
Investigators are encouraged to refer to the NIDCR 2009-2013 Strategic Plan, the NIDCR website for a full listing of Funding Opportunity Announcements for health disparities research, and contact the Program Official.
Investigator-initiated applications in response to parent grant announcements are also encouraged. Please see:
For information on design, planning, or implementation of clinical trials, see the “Clinical Trials Program.”
Additional Information
For further information about the Health Disparities Research Program, please contact:
Ruth Nowjack-Raymer, M.P.H., Ph.D.
Director, Health Disparities Research Program
Division of Extramural Research
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
6701 Democracy Blvd.
Room 640, Mail Stop 4878
Bethesda, MD 20892-4878
Telephone: (301) 594-5394
Email: Ruth.Nowjack-Raymer@mail.nih.gov