Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award

This award prepares promising dentists, clinicians, post doctorates, and early stage investigators with clinical doctoral degrees for careers in dental, oral and craniofacial health research. It provides support and protected time at a minimum of 75 percent effort time for an intensive three to five years of supervised research experience that integrates didactic studies with mentored basic biomedical and behavioral research, including translational research.

NIDCR encourages dentists and clinicians to use this award to pursue a program that includes didactic and supervised research experiences that result in the Ph.D. degree. Candidates may devote the remaining 25 percent effort not supported by the award to clinical activities (including specialty training) that are consistent with goals of the K08 program.

Through this sustained period of research career development and training, K08 awardees are expected to launch independent research careers and become competitive for new research project grant (e.g., R01) funding or other sources of independent research support.