Clinical, Behavioral and Epidemiological Research Branch
Division of Population and Health Promotion Sciences
OBJECTIVE
We are seeking Concept Clearance for Request for Applications (RFAs) for an initiative to encourage translational research involving use of dental settings to promote tobacco control (prevention and cessation). Specifically, this research initiative would be intended to: · characterize critical processes underlying the translation of science-based findings regarding oral health impacts of tobacco use into the clinical practice behaviors of dental professionals (dental & dental hygiene students, dentists and dental hygienists) and · develop and test innovative interventions to increase adoption, integration and maintenance of effective tobacco prevention/cessation procedures within dental educational or practice settings.
BACKGROUND
While sound science-based clinical guidelines for tobacco control are available, and a body of research indicates the significance of tobacco use to oral diseases and dental treatment outcomes, a majority of U.S. dental clinicians are not yet implementing effective tobacco control approaches. For example, while use of either spit or smoked tobacco compromises oral health, tobacco use is not routinely charted in dental records, advice to avoid or discontinue tobacco use is not consistently provided, and a minority of dental practices provide tobacco cessation services, or referrals for such services.
COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES
The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) is partnering with NIDCR on this initiative. NIDA already has committed a preponderance of the funding to support this five-year initiative starting in FY2003. NIDCR also proposes to commit funding over five years. In addition, funds from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), foundations including the American Legacy Foundation, and possibly State Tobacco Fund initiative monies may become available to support scientifically meritorious projects.
FUNDING MECHANISMS
Two RFAs are proposed, one targeting dental schools and another targeting general practitioners or dental specialists (e.g., pediatric dentistry, periodontics, oral-maxillofacial surgery). These RFAs will utilize the Investigator Initiated Research Project Grant (R01), Small Business Innovative Research grants (SBIR, R43) or Small Business Technology Transfer grants (STTR, R41) funding mechanisms.