TMD Collaborative for IMproving PAtient-Centered Translational Research (TMD IMPACT)

Background

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a set of more than 30 conditions that can cause debilitating pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint, chewing muscles, and surrounding tissues. They affect 5%-10% of the U.S. population and are twice as common in women than in men. TMDs are driven by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, but significant gaps remain in scientists’ understanding of the underlying mechanisms. TMDs have long confounded medical and dental professionals, often resulting in delayed or ineffective treatment. The complexity of this set of conditions calls for a coordinated and multilevel approach to address them.

NIDCR’s Response

In partnership with multiple NIH institutes, centers, and offices, as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, NIDCR issued a notice of funding opportunity (formerly known as a funding opportunity announcement) inviting applications to conceptualize the design and implementation of a future, national, interdisciplinary, patient-centered research collaborative. The aim of the collaborative, called Planning for the TMD Collaborative for IMproving PAtient-Centered Translational Research (TMD IMPACT), is to advance basic, translational, and clinical research to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of TMDs.

The planning grants were awarded in 2023 (see table below) and are intended to enable institutions to develop the necessary partnerships, infrastructure, and capabilities to address the goals of the future collaborative. They are also intended to enhance institutions’ competitiveness for participation in the future collaborative.

RFA-DE-25-003: TMD Collaborative for IMproving PAtient-Centered Translational Research (TMD IMPACT) (U54 Clinical Trial Optional)

Released on October 18, 2024, this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications for the TMD Collaborative for IMproving PAtient-Centered Translational Research (TMD IMPACT) (U54 Clinical Trial Optional). The purpose of this NOFO is to establish a national, interdisciplinary, patient-centered research collaborative that will advance TMD basic and clinical research, research training, and translation to evidence-based treatments and improved clinical care. The TMD IMPACT Collaborative will be composed of one or more center(s) designed to coordinate and leverage shared resources, expertise, and collaboration across multiple topic areas and interdisciplinary teams. The application deadline is January 10, 2025. 

For additional details, please see: Technical Assistance Webinar: TMD Collaborative for IMproving PAtient-Centered Translational Research (TMD IMPACT) (U54 Clinical Trial Optional) and the related FAQs.

2023 Funded Planning Awards