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About Loan Repayment Programs

The NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) are a set of programs established by Congress that are designed to retain highly qualified investigators, including health professionals, in biomedical or biobehavioral research careers.
Although organized around broad research areas, the LRPs do not fund research projects. LRP awards are based on an applicant's potential to build and sustain a research career.

Oral Cancer: Causes and Symptoms & The Oral Cancer Exam

Part of the "Oral Cancer: What African American Men Need to Know" series, this fact sheet highlights oral cancer's risk factors and signs and symptoms, and the importance of the oral cancer exam. Also includes a list of additional reading.

The Tooth Decay Process: How to Reverse It and Avoid a Cavity

Information for parents of school-age children on how the tooth decay process starts and how it can be stopped.

Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Mouth Healthy

This easy-to-read booklet teaches people how diabetes can damage teeth and gums and how this damage can be prevented. Focuses on proper dental care and frequent dental visits. Part of a series on preventing diabetes problems.

The Story of Fluoridation

Tooth Loss in Seniors

Overall, the prevalence of both partial and total tooth loss in seniors has decreased from the early 1970s through the latest cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2016). In spite of this improvement, significant disparities remain in some population groups.

Tables 1 and 2 present information about tooth loss for seniors aged 65 years and older and for selected population groups.

Number of Teeth Remaining (Table 1)

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss is a significant indicator of overall dental health and access to dental care.

Overall, the prevalence of both partial and total tooth loss in adults and seniors has decreased since the early 1970s. In spite of this improvement, significant disparities remain in some population groups, particularly those of low income.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults.

Overall, the prevalence of both moderate and severe periodontal disease in adults and seniors has decreased from the early 1970s. In spite of this improvement, significant disparities remain in some population groups.

Oral Cancer

Approximately 54,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2022, and about 11,000 people will lose their lives to this disease. This largely preventable type of cancer affects the mouth and/or pharynx. Overall, since 2000, the rates of new oral cancer cases have not seen a significant increase. However, 5-year survival rates from these cancers have increased from the mid-1970s until the latest (2012–2018) National Cancer Institute survey. For both of these indicators, there are significant disparities in some population groups.