Contact: Dr. Ruth Nowjack-Raymer (301) 594-5394, ruth.nowjack-raymer@nih.gov
The Health Disparities Research Program responds to the growing awareness that despite improvements in some oral health status indicators, the burden of disease is not evenly distributed across all segments of societies. The program supports research that explores the multiple and complex factors that may determine oral and craniofacial health, diseases, and conditions in disadvantaged and underserved populations . These factors may include proteomic, genetic, environmental, social and behavioral aspects and how they influence oral health singly or in combination. This cross-cutting program funds a full spectrum of scientific approaches designed to describe, understand, reduce and ultimately eliminate oral and craniofacial diseases and conditions in disadvantaged and underserved populations.
"A Plan to Eliminate Craniofacial, Oral, and Dental Health Disparities"
To address the persistent inequalities in oral health status among U.S. population subgroups, NIDCR has developed "A Plan to Eliminate Craniofacial, Oral and Dental Health Disparities." Researchers are encouraged to review the plan at http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/54B65018-D3FE-4459-86DD-AAA0AD51C82B/0/hdplan.pdf.
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The Plan highlights specific conditions of interest such as dental caries and periodontal diseases, oral and pharyngeal cancers, craniofacial injuries and disorders, oral manifestations of systemic diseases, and cleft lip/palate. The Plan also addresses the Institute's interest in the impact of oral health on systemic health and quality of life in disadvantaged and underserved populations. An integral component of the Health Disparities Research Program research agenda is the development of interventions to eliminate the negative impact of oral and craniofacial diseases and conditions in these populations.
Disadvantaged and underserved population subgroups that fit within the research activities supported by the Health Disparities Research Program include:
- All race/ethnic populations with health disparities including African American, Hispanic (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race), American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian or Pacific Islanders;
- Low income rural (e.g., Appalachian) or urban dwellers;
- Special needs populations (e.g., physically or mentally disabled);
- People living with HIV/AIDS;
- The elderly; and
- Home-bound and institutionalized individuals
Types of NIDCR-Supported Research
The Health Disparities Research Program supports a full spectrum of scientific approaches from basic, translational and clinical research which is aimed at understanding the prevalence, etiology, and impact of oral diseases and conditions on disadvantaged and underserved populations and on the systemic health of these populations. The program supports both qualitative and quantitative approaches. To address the research needs in health disparities research, all types of clinical research are necessary including epidemiological studies, behavioral studies and interventions, controlled clinical trials, and community-based studies. Methodological research to assess and analyze the diverse array of potential determinants of health and disease as well as outcomes of multilevel interventions is needed. Novel interventions as well as the more established interventions need to be studied.
The backgrounds of individuals and groups participating in health disparities research are diverse and truly interdisciplinary. The interdisciplinary teams that conceptualize, plan and conduct health disparities research should include community members of the disadvantaged populations who are full partners in the research enterprise.
Centers for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities
The Centers for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities are an important component of NIDCR's health disparities research initiative. The Centers are designed to serve as a national resource for investigators interested in health disparities research. The Centers also provide training and career opportunities for scientists and prospective scientists from underrepresented groups and others interested in careers focused on improving oral health in disadvantaged and
underserved populations. The five centers are located at:
Boston University 
University of Michigan
University of California at San Francisco
University of Washington
New York University
Additional Information
For further information about the NIDCR Health Disparities Research Program, please contact:
Ruth Nowjack-Raymer, MPH, PhD
Director
Health Disparities Research Program
Center for Clinical Research
Division of Extramural Research
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
6701 Democracy Blvd.
Room 640, Mail Stop 4878
Bethesda, MD 20892-4878
Telephone: (301) 594-5394
Fax: (301) 480-8322
Email: ruth.nowjack-raymer@nih.gov
Updated January 28, 2008