Date: September 28, 2004
Place: Building 31C, Conference Room 10
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, Maryland
The 177th meeting of the National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council (NADCRC) was convened on September 28, 2004, at 8:30 a.m., in Building 31C, Conference Room 10, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland. The meeting was open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the closed session for Council business and consideration of grant applications from 11:20 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. until adjournment at 3:30 p.m. Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak presided as Chair.
Members Present:
Dr. Eli I. Capilouto
Dr. Matthew J. Doyle
Dr. Linda G. Griffith
Dr. Mark C. Herzberg
Dr. Howard K. Kuramitsu
Dr. Josephine Lai
Dr. Francis L. Macrina
Dr. Linda C. Niessen
Dr. Michael J. Reed
Dr. Jonathan P. Schuermann
Dr. George W. Taylor, Jr.
Members of the Public Present:
Mr. Jack Bresch, Associate Executive Director, American Dental Education Association (ADEA), Washington, DC
Dr. Clifton Carey, Director of Administration, Paffenbarger Research Center of the ADA Health Foundation, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce, Gaithersburg, MD
Dr. Robert J. Collins, Deputy Executive Director, American Association for Dental Research (AADR), Alexandria, VA
Dr. Christopher Fox, Executive Director, AADR and International Association for Dental Research, Alexandria, VA
Dr. Kassahun Hailu, Instructor, Howard University, Washington, DC
Dr. Stephen Harden, Instructor, Howard University, Washington, DC
Dr. Frank A. Kyle, Jr., Manager, Legislative and Regulatory Policy, American Dental Association (ADA), Washington, DC
Dr. Georgetta Manning-Cox, Associate Professor, Howard University, Washington, DC
Ms. Monette McKinnon, Director, Grassroots Advocacy and State Issues, ADEA, Washington, DC
Ms. Myla Moss, Director, Congressional Relations, ADEA, Washington, DC
Dr. Grace Robinson, Instructor, Howard University, Washington, DC
Dr. Rick Valachovic, Executive Director, ADEA, Washington, DC
Dr. Richard Weaver, Associate Director, Center for Educational Policy and Research, ADEA, Washington, DC
Federal Employees Present:
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research:
Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak, Director, NIDCR
Ms. Carolyn Baum, Committee Management Specialist and Council Secretary, Office of the Director (OD)
Dr. Sangeeta Bhargava, Health Scientist Administrator and Program Director, Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Division of Basic and Translational Sciences (DBTS)
Dr. Henning Birkedal-Hansen, Acting Deputy Director, NIDCR
Dr. Patricia S. Bryant, Health Scientist Administrator and Program Director, Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Program, Division of Population and Health Promotion Sciences (DPHPS)
Dr. Lois K. Cohen, Associate Director for International Health, NIDCR, and Director, Office of International Health (OIH)
Mr. George J. Coy, Chief, Financial Management Branch, Office of Administrative Management (OAM)
Mr. Kevin Crist, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Extramural Activities (DEA)
Ms. Mary Daley, Chief Grants Management Officer, Grants Management Branch (GMB), DEA
Ms. Jody Dove, Public Information Specialist, Public Information and Liaison Branch, Office of Communications and Health Education (OCHE)
Ms. Yvonne H. du Buy, Associate Director for Management, and Chief, OAM
Mr. William Foley, Grants Management Specialist, DEA
Dr. Isabel Garcia, Acting Director, Office of Science Policy and Analysis (OSPA), and Co-Director, Residency Program in Dental Public Health at NIDCR, DPHPS
Ms. Christen Geiler, Computer Specialist, Office of Information Technology (OIT), OD
Dr. Sven-Ulrik Gorr, Director, Applied and Translational Research Program, Center for Biotechnology and Innovation (CBI)
Dr. Kevin Hardwick, International Health Officer, OIH, and Special Assistant for Research Infrastructure and Curriculum Development, OD
Dr. H. George Hausch, Acting Director, DEA
Dr. Rosemarie Hunziker, Director, Technology Development and Industrial Relations Program, CBI
Ms. Lorrayne Jackson, Extramural Research Analyst and Outreach Specialist, OD
Dr. Lynn King, Scientific Review Administrator, DEA
Dr. Eleni Kousvelari, Director, CBI
Dr. John W. Kusiak, Health Scientist Administrator and Program Director, Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology Program, DBTS
Dr. Dennis F. Mangan, Acting Deputy Director, DBTS, and Chief, Infectious Diseases and Immunity Branch, DBTS
Dr. Richard L. Mowery, Chief, Clinical, Epidemiology and Behavioral Research Branch, DPHPS
Dr. Mostafa Nokta, Health Scientist Administrator and Program Director, AIDS and Oral Manifestations of Immunosuppression Program, DBTS
Dr. Ruth Nowjack-Raymer, Health Scientist Administrator and Program Director, Health
Disparities Research Program, DPHPS
Ms. Helen Pham, Grants Management Specialist, GMB, DEA
Dr. Bruce L. Pihlstrom, Acting Director, DPHPS
Ms. Rebecca Roper, Scientific Review Administrator, DEA
Ms. Diana Rutberg, Grants Management Specialist, GMB, DEA
Dr. Ann L. Sandberg, Acting Director, DBTS
Dr. Robert H. Selwitz, Chief, Health Policy, Analysis, and Development Branch (HPAD), and Co-Director, Residency Program in Dental Public Health at NIDCR, DPHPS
Dr. Yasaman Shirazi, Health Scientist Administrator and Program Director, Epithelial Cell Regulation and Transformation Program, DBTS
Dr. Lillian Shum, Health Scientist Administrator and Program Director, Physiology, Pharmacogenetics, and Injury Program, DBTS
Dr. Rochelle Small, Health Scientist Administrator and Program Director, Developmental Biology and Mammalian Genetics Program, DBTS
Ms. Traci Walker, Committee Management Assistant, OD
Ms. Dolores A. Wells, Program Analyst, OSPA, OD
Other Federal Employees:
Dr. William Maas, Director, Division of Oral Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chamblee, GA
Ms. Nancy Middendorf, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy, Office of the Director, NIH
OPEN PORTION OF THE MEETING
I. CALL TO ORDER
Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak, Director, NIDCR, called the meeting to order. He noted that NIDCR embarked on an effort 4 years ago to enhance the quality and increase the quantity of translational research on dental, oral, and craniofacial diseases. The overall aim was, as always, to support the most meritorious research to improve oral health and the practice of dentistry. Dr. Tabak said that NIDCR is seeing the fruition of this effort as staff present nine concepts at the meeting for Council’s clearance and approval.
Dr. Tabak emphasized that the concepts are a broad and robust package of exciting initiatives that integrate past successes in research with the promise of future possibilities. The concepts range from building a tooth to developing the next generation of salivary fluid-based diagnostics, validating new clinical assessment technologies, pursuing a novel approach to understand orofacial pain, stimulating clinical research on dental implants and Sjögren’s syndrome, developing new strategies for approaching the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS, and encouraging minority institutions to join in the research to reduce oral health disparities. Two cross-cutting themes in the package are the applicability of systems approaches for oral health research and the desire to attract new investigators to this research.
Dr. Tabak announced that the terms of three Council members are expiring: Drs. Raymond Fonseca, Howard Kuramitsu, and Linda Niessen. Dr. Tabak thanked Drs. Kuramitsu and Niessen for their 4 years of service, and he presented each with a certificate of appreciation and a small gift. He also thanked Dr. Raymond Fonseca in absentia; Dr. Fonseca was unable to attend the meeting and will receive the certificate and gift by mail.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the Council’s meeting on May 25, 2004, were considered and unanimously approved.
III. FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING DATES
The following dates for future Council meetings were confirmed:
January 28, 2005
June 10, 2005
September 23, 2005
January 23, 2006
May 22, 2006
September 18, 2006
IV. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR
Dr. Tabak encouraged the Council to read his written Director's Report (see Attachment III).
V. CONCEPT CLEARANCES
NIDCR extramural staff presented the following nine concepts for Council’s review and approval.
Building a Tooth: Bridging Biology and Material Sciences
Dr. Eleni Kousvelari, Director, Center for Biotechnology and Innovation (CBI), presented a concept for an initiative to move oral health research from isolated discoveries and non-systematic accumulation of data to integrated, quantitative analyses that would enable scientists to fully understand each tooth structure and surrounding tissues as a unified system. The desired endpoint would be the complete characterization of teeth and their supporting tissues as integrated biological systems in a format that could provide the engineering specifications required to create blueprints for the design of new dental and associated structures. Dr. Kousvelari noted that no other tissue is as exciting to engineer as a tooth and that the “engineering” of a complete tooth is a great challenge. Different and innovative strategies will be needed to integrate quantitatively the information emerging from studies of cell–cell interactions in different scales (nano-, meso-, macroscales), and new engineering tools will be needed to design tissues. NIDCR currently supports 51 extramural research grants related to tooth formation, genetic diseases that affect tooth structures, and the functions of tooth-forming cells. In addition, NIDCR supports approximately 30 grants addressing tissue growth, biomineralization, or biomimetics. While much has been learned from these efforts, relatively little is known about some areas. A new, integrated approach is needed to acquire information at the nano-, meso-, and macroscales that could “drive” novel approaches (design principles) to regenerate or “build” teeth.
NIDCR proposes to issue a Request for Applications (RFA) for exploratory grants (P20s) to support 6 months of organizing a research team and writing a concept plan. Awardees would be asked to share their ideas at a meeting which would help NIDCR develop a final RFA to invite applications for cooperative agreements (U54s) to support research on building a tooth. NIDCR anticipates issuing the RFA for the P20s in Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 and the RFA for the U54s in FY 2007.
Discussion. The Council strongly supported the proposed concept as a necessary step to bring together research and research communities generating data relevant to understanding and predicting the formation of structures, such as teeth. The Council noted that NIDCR is supporting excellent research on diverse aspects of tooth formation and that the data generated could now be integrated using a systems biology approach. The proposed concept appropriately encourages research on design principles, rather than design specifics, and across the linked scales (nano-, meso-, and macroscale).
Noting the complexity and importance of the effort, the Council agreed that NIDCR should engage the research community in determining the most effective strategic approach, implementation plan, and research priorities. NIDCR will want to identify key strategic, or “breakthrough,” areas; establish a timetable with incremental goals and a means to track progress toward the goals; organize a portfolio management capability to facilitate, coordinate, and terminate aspects of the research as needed; review its existing portfolio of projects and prune, “sunset,” or expand activities as appropriate; and designate a full-time staff person and NIDCR team leader to oversee the effort. Noting that the concept represents “big science,” the Council encouraged NIDCR to leverage the initiative with other NIH researchers and activities.
The Council specifically suggested that NIDCR modify the concept to give additional emphasis to the engineering (e.g., biomechanical) and computational biology aspects of the effort and the desire to link two different research communities—genetics and developmental research with molecular and biomechanical research. The Council modified the stated objective of the concept to include [per italics] “…integrated biological and biomechanical systems in a format that could provide the engineering specifications and design principles required to create blueprints….”
The Council unanimously approved the concept.
Development of Technologies for Saliva/Oral Fluid-Based Diagnostics
Dr. Kousvelari presented a concept to support recompetition of seven cooperative agreement awards (U01s) made in September 2002 as a result of RFA DE-02-002, entitled “Development of Technologies for Saliva/Oral Fluid-Based Diagnostics.” Dr. Kousvelari noted that the current grantees possess the necessary infrastructure, organization, and leadership to finalize the integration of the individual fluidics platforms, the fabrication of portable integrated miniaturized micro-fluidic diagnostic systems able to diagnose multiple analytes of oral and systemic diseases and disorders in oral fluids, and the validation of these diagnostic devices. She shared with the Council a sample micro-fluidic platform that could, when developed, be used to isolate components of saliva, generate reactions, and analyze 20 parameters within 10–15 minutes. The researchers continue to face many challenges. NIDCR funding of the proposed renewal of these awards would support completion of the integration of individual micro-fluidic devices and the fabrication of portable and automated diagnostic systems; validation of the devices; analyses of the feasibility of large-scale manufacturing of the devices (to meet estimated market demands); and testing of the devices in clinical settings. Partnerships with industry and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are anticipated.
Discussion. The Council strongly supported the proposed concept, noting that salivary oral fluid diagnostics are critically important, consistent with the NIDCR strategic plan, and fundamental to working and making progress in a variety of oral and systemic medicine areas. Members noted that the previous awardees appear to have made progress in developing prototype technologies, establishing partnerships, and conducting preliminary assessments of the feasibility and costs of various technologies. They emphasized that the next stage of research is critical and should be monitored carefully with a view of moving toward clinical trials. The Council encouraged NIDCR to be an active partner in the research, to establish minimum criteria of success, and to manage performance expectations in order to support the best science possible. The Council suggested that NIDCR fund only three or fewer awards in this next stage and require awardees to meet specified criteria of success within 1.5–2 years after awards are made. Dr. Tabak said that NIDCR will continue to play a proactive role in this research and will be selective in the funding of this research.
The Council unanimously approved the concept.
Validation of New Technologies for Clinical Assessment of Tooth Surface Demineralization
Dr. Bruce L. Pihlstrom, Acting Director, Division of Population and Health Promotion Sciences, presented a concept for an initiative to stimulate research that will validate the use of existing high-resolution, real-time imaging technologies for accurate and early clinical assessment of tooth surface demineralization. In recent years, NIDCR has sponsored several meetings on new diagnostic methods for caries and future clinical trials of caries. Most recently, the participants at a symposium sponsored by NIDCR and industry in May 2004 highlighted the need and opportunity for validating new technologies that might be used to measure tooth surface demineralization as an endpoint in dental clinical trials. A number of new technologies are available for assessing early demineralization of enamel. If they could be validated, they would enhance the efficiency of clinical trials and could change the practice of dentistry by enabling dentists to diagnose and evaluate early lesions. The NIDCR research portfolio includes a few studies of imaging technologies for assessing tooth surface demineralization, but no concerted effort is under way to validate the technologies.
Discussion. The Council agreed that the research proposed was critically needed and would help to establish acceptable validation methods for all stakeholders. The research could help to answer lingering questions about the pathogenesis of dental caries across the lifespan, revolutionize dental education, and reduce the costs of dental care. The Council encouraged NIDCR to focus on existing and new technologies that potentially offer high yield for dental education and practice. The members agreed that the initiative should be developed in partnership with industry, and they suggested that the Food and Drug Administration could participate in funding the research.
The Council recommended that NIDCR modify the objective of the concept as follows: “to stimulate research that will validate the use of existing high-resolution, real-time imaging technologies and/or the application of new technologies for accurate and early clinical assessment of tooth surface demineralization.”
The Council unanimously approved the concept as modified.
Clinical Research on Osseointegrated Dental Implants
Dr. Pihlstrom presented a concept for an initiative to encourage clinical research on osseointegrated dental implants regarding (1) outcomes when using various surgical and prosthetic protocols (e.g., immediate placement vs. delayed placement; implant placement following osseous grafting and/or sinus augmentation; immediate vs. delayed prosthetic loading); (2) the role of systemic disease in the success rate of osseointegrated implants; and (3) quality of life and patient preferences for dental implants compared with other prosthetic methods for restoring the dentition. Osseointegrated dental implants are a very popular option for replacing missing teeth arising from various oral conditions. Dentists currently use a wide variety of surgical protocols and implant designs. Yet, scientists know very little about the relationship between systemic health and implant success. In addition, relatively few clinical trials have related patients’ satisfaction with various surgical protocols for implant placement. NIDCR currently supports only two clinical research grants on surgical protocols and implant design, one focused on single maxillary anterior teeth and the other on overdenture prostheses.
Discussion. The Council agreed that the proposed concept is important and timely. Members noted that dental schools could be “prime movers” in stimulating this research, that collaboration with industry also is important, and that the research could be funded in cooperation with FDA and dental practice-based networks. The Council suggested that NIDCR encourage researchers to utilize the NIDCR and Department of Veterans Affairs registries on dental implants—a valuable resource. The Council recommended that NIDCR modify the objective of the concept to add the following: “… and (4) needs in children who have congenitally missing teeth or suffer from developmental disabilities.”
The Council unanimously approved the concept as modified.
The Role of Neuronal/Glial Cell Interactions in Orofacial Pain Disorders
Dr. John W. Kusiak, Health Scientist Administrator and Program Director, Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology Program, Division of Basic and Translational Sciences (DBTS), presented a concept for an initiative to stimulate basic research on the role of glial cells in orofacial pain disorders and, in particular, studies of the interactions between glial cells and neurons that lead to pathological pain states. Dr. Kusiak noted that the current focus of pain research is neurocentric and emphasizes neuronal function and nerve networks that convey nociceptive information from the periphery to the central nervous system (CNS), with feedback to peripheral tissues. While these studies have been extremely useful, few studies have addressed the role of non-neuronal cells in the initiation and maintenance of chronic pain and, specifically, the mechanisms by which activated glial cells influence the function of neurons and neuronal networks in pain pathways. Researchers also have not explored in depth the anti-inflammatory and regenerative/repair capability of these glial cells. The three types of glial cells in the CNS are microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, and the first two clearly are important in maintaining chronic pain states. Interest in studying the interactions of glial cells and neuronal cells in normal and disease states is increasing, but research on how these interactions influence pain processes is lacking. The methodology and tools to study glial cells and to selectively modify the function of these cells are available. Dr. Kusiak noted that the initiative is likely to attract new researchers to NIDCR who could apply novel approaches to better understand the molecular mechanisms of orofacial pain, which could lead to new therapeutic approaches and targets for analgesia.
Discussion. The Council noted that the concept is timely and is responsive to the emerging field of research on neuronal/glial function and chronic pain states. The research is tremendously needed and has great promise for improving understanding of the function of neuronal/glial cells in the nervous system and for identifying new targets for treatment. The concept also represents a new venture and opportunity for NIDCR to attract neuroscientists, in particular, to research on orofacial pain. The Council suggested that emphasis should be given to the translational aspect of the research, which includes the availability of new experimental therapeutics (i.e., pharmacological agents) for exploring the mechanisms underlying chronic pain.
The Council unanimously approved the concept.
Sjögren’s Syndrome: A Model Complex Disease
Dr. Sven-Ulrik Gorr, Director, Applied and Translational Research Program, CBI, presented a concept for an initiative to stimulate research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of Sjögren’s syndrome. Emphasis is being given to integrative, multidisciplinary research. Dr. Gorr noted that Sjögren’s syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease affecting at least 1 million Americans, 90 percent of whom are women who are typically diagnosed in their 50s or 60s. The disease results in irreversible damage to salivary gland tissue, with loss of saliva and accompanying effects, and is associated with a 40-fold increase in lymphoma. This complex disease involves the interplay of genetic and environmental factors that are not well understood. Current treatment is only palliative, and gaps in scientific and clinical knowledge must be addressed in order to develop preventive measures and therapies. Research is needed, for example, to identify human genetic risk factors, develop and validate new animal models, identify critical triggers and molecular pathways, delineate immunological aspects, and identify in vivo markers for early diagnosis and determination of disease progression and individuals at high risk. Researchers could access well-characterized biological specimens from the International Sjögren’s Syndrome Registry, which NIDCR supports, and could apply recent unprecedented advances made in genetics, proteomics, autoimmunity, and immunobiology. At the NIH, the NIDCR intramural program is a leader in research on Sjögren’s syndrome and the NIDCR extramural program supports almost one-half of all NIH awards (13 of 30 awards) for research on this disease.
Discussion. The Council agreed that the proposed concept is timely and exciting. It builds on the recommendations from the NIDCR workshop on Enhancing Clinical Research in Sjögren’s Syndrome: Critical Issues, held in September 2000, and takes advantage of recent advances in science. Dr. Tabak noted that NIDCR has a long-standing commitment to development of an understanding of and new treatments for Sjögren’s syndrome. The International Sjögren’s Syndrome Registry is proceeding well, and the research is ready to enter the next stage of progress. International collaboration will be important in understanding the genetic and environmental triggers interacting in Sjögren’s syndrome and in improving diagnosis and treatment. The Council suggested two revisions in the text to note that (i) most of the in vivo markers identified would be measured ex vivo and (ii) Sjögren’s syndrome stands to benefit from unprecedented advances in genomics and transgenic biology, in addition to proteomics, autoimmunity, and immunobiology.
The Council unanimously approved the concept.
Protein Profiles of the Oral Mucosal Tissues in the Context of HIV/AIDS
Dr. Mostafa Nokta, Health Scientist Administrator and Program Director, AIDS and Oral Manifestations of Immunosuppression Program, DBTS, presented a concept for an initiative to
stimulate research utilizing a proteomic approach to characterize the protein profiles and protein–protein interactions in oral mucosal tissues in conjunction with HIV infection. Proteomic approaches for such studies were recommended at two recent workshops supported by NIDCR: the “Oral Health and Disease in AIDS: 5th World Workshop,” in Phuket, Thailand, in July 2004, and the workshop on “HIV/AIDS-Associated Oral Viral Infections: Pathogenesis and Transmission,” in Bethesda, Maryland, in April 2004. Patients with HIV/AIDS remain vulnerable to significant oral complications of their disease, while researchers are increasingly using proteomic approaches or profiling of protein–protein interactions to study the pathogenesis of the disease. NIDCR wishes to encourage use of these approaches to better understand the resistance of oral mucosa to HIV infection, the differential susceptibility of the oral mucosa to HIV infection compared with other viruses (e.g., Epstein–Barr virus, human papilloma virus), and the sequence of events and the immunological and virological factors in the oral mucosa which may affect local and systemic innate and adaptive host immune responses to HIV. NIDCR anticipates that the research will yield (a) significant insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of oral disorders associated with AIDS and the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and (b) novel strategies for preventing and managing the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS.
Discussion. The Council commented that use of high-throughput technologies to understand the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS and the impact of HAART on oral mucosal tissues is very important and valuable research. Dr. Tabak noted that the capacity for proteomic studies is now more commonplace in the United States. He said that NIDCR aims to ensure that researchers use these approaches in research areas that are most appropriate to NIDCR and to attract researchers from other areas to NIDCR-supported research. The Council suggested that NIDCR modify the concept to incorporate use of genomic approaches as a screen for the thoroughness of proteomic approaches (to ensure that high-molecular-weight proteins are not excluded from analysis).
The Council unanimously approved the concept.
Multidisciplinary Research in Oral Manifestations Associated with HIV/AIDS
Dr. Nokta presented a concept for an initiative to encourage the formation of multidisciplinary scientific teams to study the oral manifestations and complications associated with HIV/AIDS-related immunosuppression. Applicants would be expected to develop three to five highly integrated projects that address existing gaps in knowledge of the pathogenesis of oral complications of HIV disease. Dr. Nokta noted that NIDCR has supported successful research in major areas of HIV/AIDS research—viral transmission, host defenses, oral mucosal immunology and vaccines, salivary gland disorders, complications of opportunistic infections of the oral cavity, AIDS-related oral malignancies, and biomarkers and diagnostics. Opportunities for advancing this research abound and, because of the complexity of the research, teams of researchers are making progress more rapidly than are individual investigators. By encouraging the integration of expertise from diverse scientific fields such as virology, immunology, pathology, molecular biology, bioimaging, high-throughput technology, nanotechnology, systems biology, mathematical modeling, and bioinformatics, NIDCR could facilitate the performance of cutting-edge studies to accelerate the development of new diagnostic, preventive, and therapies strategies for HIV/AIDS-related oral disorders. Researchers would be expected to be synergistic and to utilize genomics, proteomics, molecular imaging, and other emerging technologies. The projects will provide for multidisciplinary career development for investigators new to oral HIV/AIDS research.
Discussion. The Council noted that the proposed concept is very important and relates to the previous one. The Council considered whether the two concepts could be combined. Dr. Tabak said that NIDCR aims to cast a broad net to stimulate multidisciplinary research on oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS. He suggested that NIDCR could add text in the concept to encourage research grant applicants to discuss their plans with NIDCR staff before submitting any applications for this or the previous concept.
The Council unanimously approved the concept.
Minority Dental Institutions Partnering to Reduce Oral Health Disparities
Ms. Lorrayne Jackson, Extramural Research Analyst and Outreach Specialist, Office of the Director, presented a concept for an initiative to promote partnerships between minority dental institutions that may not have a strong research and research-intensive institutions that have a track record of NIH-supported research and patient care. Ms. Jackson noted that the need to understand the unique social and cultural context of particular population groups that exhibit health disparities in the United States points to a pivotal role that minority dental schools could play in improving the oral health of these populations. Dental schools at minority institutions have a rich source of talent that has the cultural sensitivity and perspectives needed in basic, clinical, epidemiological, and behavioral research. Although these schools have high-quality programs for educating minorities, they have had difficulty in developing and sustaining independent programs in research. With this initiative, NIDCR intends to address the limited involvement of minority dental schools in oral health research and to increase the number of minority scientists trained in this research. This effort will strengthen national oral health research on disparities associated with oral diseases and conditions. The initiative complements, but differs in essential ways from, two similar NIDCR-supported efforts: Centers for Research on Health Disparities, and grants for Research Infrastructure and Capacity Building for Minority Dental Institutions to Reduce Oral Health Disparities. For the proposed initiative, the partner minority dental institutions and research-intensive institutions would submit separate applications that present a common research plan and specific aims for reciprocal training at both institutions.
Discussion. The Council applauded the concept. Members noted that the initiative represents the next stage of NIDCR efforts to foster minority participation in research and to reduce oral health disparities and that it would help, importantly, to enhance the recruitment of underrepresented minorities into dental research, education, and practice. The Council encouraged NIDCR to ensure broad participation in the initiative, identify and share examples of success from past experiences with partnerships, and utilize measures of success to evaluate and predict the impact of this and similar efforts. The Council suggested that NIDCR expand the concept to include additional information (e.g., examples of success, lessons learned, impact of basic research on oral health, importance of translational research) that could foster more dynamic interactions between research-intensive and minority institutions.
The Council unanimously approved the concept.
CLOSED PORTION OF THE MEETING
This portion of the meeting was closed to the public in accordance with the determination that it was concerned with matters exempt from mandatory disclosure under Sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5, U.S. Code and Section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2).
There was a discussion of procedures and policies regarding voting and confidentiality of application materials, committee discussions, and recommendations. Members absented themselves from the meeting during discussion of and voting on applications from their own institutions, or other applications in which there was a potential conflict of interest, real or apparent. Members were asked to sign a statement to this effect.
VI. REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
Grant Review
The Council considered 440 applications requesting $82,537,470 in total costs. The Council recommended 302 applications for a total cost of $54,841,920 (see Attachment II).
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m. on September 28, 2004.
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are accurate and complete.
_________________________ _________________________
Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak Dr. Norman S. Braveman
Chairperson Executive Secretary
National Advisory Dental and National Advisory Dental and
Craniofacial Research Council Craniofacial Research Council
ATTACHMENTS
I. Roster of Council Members
II. Table of Council Actions
III. Director's Report to the NADCRC, September 2004
NOTE: A complete set of open-portion handouts is available
from the Executive Secretary.