Headlines: Spring 2022

In December, NIDCR announced the release of a report that provides a comprehensive snapshot of oral health in America, detailing 20 years of advances and challenges and drawing on data from public research and evidence-based practices. For more on the report, including a video message from the NIDCR director, monthly report snapshots, and more, visit NIDCR’s Oral Health in America webpage.

Drawing on findings and recommendations from Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges, NIDCR Director Rena D’Souza, DDS, PhD, Science Advisor to the President and former NIH Director Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, and US Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, MD, MBA, write in a recent New England Journal of Medicine Perspective that addressing oral health disparities will require changes that include a better understanding of the intersection of oral, overall, and mental health, as well as efforts to make oral health care accessible and affordable for all Americans.

From March 21 to 26, NIDCR leadership, program staff, investigators, and trainees will be attending the 2022 AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting, a hybrid event held virtually and in person in Atlanta, Georgia. Attendees are welcome to make an appointment to meet one-on-one with NIDCR program officers and other staff. To learn more about NIDCR-sponsored symposia and other events, access the schedule on NIDCR’s website or follow @NIDCR on Twitter.

NIDCR has released a new strategic plan outlining its research and training priorities for the next five years. The plan aims to advance fundamental knowledge about dental, oral, and craniofacial health and disease, and to translate these findings into prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies that improve overall health for all individuals and communities across the lifespan.

On January 3, Lynn Mertens King, PhD, was named director of NIDCR’s Division of Extramural Activities (DEA). Prior to her new role, King held several other positions within DEA since 2001, including chief of the Research Training and Career Development Branch, chief of the Scientific Review Branch, and scientific review officer.

Dr. Rena D’Souza reflected on her career and inaugural year as NIDCR director in a recent interview published by NIH’s chapter of the Federal Asian Pacific American Council. She highlighted the importance of being proactive and setting goals in one’s career. As a leader, Dr. D’Souza works to unite people towards a shared vision through transparent communication and valuing individuals.