Goal: The purpose of this initiative is to introduce a R21 grant award mechanism to stimulate developmental and exploratory approaches to document oral conditions and risk factors for oral and craniofacial diseases and disorders, address behavioral research topics relevant to oral health and health promotion, and to identify culturally appropriate approaches for reducing oral health disparities.
Background: Profound differences in the prevalence of oral and craniofacial diseases exist within the US population and while some differences may be age and gender related, many appear to be associated with factors such as lifestyle, education, literacy and socioeconomic status. A central focus of this initiative is to encourage epidemiological and behavioral research that addresses the goals and objectives identified in the NIDCR’s Strategic Plan. In addition, some of this research may strengthen the NIDCR’s program in clinical trials because it may identify pertinent risk factors or interventions that would justify large-scale clinical trials.
Methods and Implementation: This initiative envisions R21 applications in the major categories of epidemiology, health promotion and behavior, and health disparities. Examples of research activities that would be responsive to this initiative include early epidemiologic studies on development and refinement of diagnostic criteria for oral and craniofacial diseases and early studies of the genetic and environmental determinants affecting oral health. Health promotion and behavior research would include studies that assess gaps in oral health knowledge, oral health literacy, attitudes and behaviors, as well as studies that clarify the behavioral determinants of oral health. Health disparities research may include studies to obtain prevalence/incidence data on oral and craniofacial diseases and conditions that affect the elderly, children and those with developmental disabilities and other special needs. Development, modification, and validation of questionnaires for use in assessment of oral and craniofacial diseases in minority populations would also be responsive to this initiative. In addition, studies that use available databases to explore factors related to oral diseases and conditions will be specifically encouraged.