Goal: The primary goal of this initiative is to encourage the submission applications to increase the understanding of the behavioral and environmental determinants of oral health and to develop and test ways to accelerate improvements in oral health. An additional goal is to stimulate epidemiologic surveys that focus on disadvantaged, high risk, and underserved populations for whom nationally representative data are unavailable (e.g., varied Hispanic/Latino subpopulations, rural dwelling populations, Native American and Alaskan Natives).
Background: Profound differences in the prevalence of diseases and conditions exist within the US population. Higher levels of oral disease are linked to lack of education, low literacy, limited access to health care, and lower socioeconomic status. A central focus of this initiative is to encourage epidemiological, behavioral, or health disparities research that addresses the goals and objectives identified in the NIDCR’s Strategic Plan. Some of this research may also strengthen the NIDCR’s program in clinical trials through identifying pertinent risk factors or interventions that justify large-scale clinical trials.
Methods and Implementation: This initiative envisions applications in the three major categories of epidemiology, health promotion and behavior, and health disparities. Examples of potential research activities in each of these categories include:
Epidemiology - Longitudinal studies documenting the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for: 1) infectious oral diseases, 2) oral diseases and disorders associated with specific systemic conditions, 3) behavioral, environmental, or genetic factors associated with oral cancer survival, or, 4) conditions associated with chronic orofacial pain, salivary gland dysfunction, and tooth loss.
Health promotion and behavioral studies - Studies to identify and develop means for influencing oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors relevant to tobacco use, injury prevention, or other conditions affecting oral health; studies addressing determinants of therapeutic compliance or developing and assessing strategies to enhance compliance in clinical practice or clinical trials; health services research if the primary outcome variable(s) is directly related to oral health; studies to increase oral health literacy and effective communications between patients and health care providers.
Health disparities - Studies to determine modifications to clinical practice that enhance communication of oral health information or improve oral health outcomes in disadvantaged and underserved populations; epidemiological studies that investigate environmental and behavioral factors that contribute to oral diseases/conditions in disadvantaged populations for whom nationally representative surveys remain unavailable (e.g., varied Hispanic/Latino subpopulations, rural dwelling populations, Native Americans and Alaskan Natives).