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Oral Health Disparities Research Program

Overview

Despite remarkable improvements in the oral health of Americans, chronic oral diseases and conditions remain among the most common health problems across the lifespan. These conditions can be particularly prevalent and severe for individuals and communities that face economic or other barriers to health care. Given the complexity of oral health disparities research (OHDR), interdisciplinary research teams must collaborate with affected communities and populations for research conceptualization, planning, implementation, and dissemination. 

Oral & Comprehensive Health Program

Overview

The Oral and Comprehensive Health Program aims to promote clinical research to advance knowledge in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of dental, oral, and craniofacial diseases in the context of systemic health. The program supports research that evaluates the interaction between oral health and general health throughout the lifespan considering advances in science and  health care integration to investigate promising directions for improving oral and comprehensive health. Relevant research topics include, but are not limited to: 

Clinical Trials Program

Overview

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is committed to identifying effective preventive, diagnostic, and treatment approaches for dental, oral, and craniofacial diseases and disorders. To advance these efforts, the institute supports well-designed and well-executed clinical trials (Phase I, II, III, and IV) that test interventions with the potential to improve dental, oral, and craniofacial health.

Clinical Research & Epidemiology Program

Overview

The Clinical Research and Epidemiology Program promotes research that aims to advance knowledge in prevention, diagnosis, and clinical management of dental, oral, and craniofacial diseases and conditions. This program supports rigorous applied study designs and statistical analyses of dental, oral, and craniofacial diseases and disorders to improve patient and population health. Examples of supported research include:

Clinical Operations Support

The Clinical Operations Support page provides a clear overview of the core services offered by the Office of the Clinical Director to support clinical, administrative, and research excellence at NIDCR. This resource is designed to help staff, clinicians, and researchers easily access essential CORE support functions, including:

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Overview

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a condition that occurs when the bone of the jaw dies and may become exposed in the oral cavity.

Most cases of ONJ occur after a dental procedure, such as a dental extraction.

Causes

There are several possible causes of osteonecrosis of the jaw: