Biologic Factors Underlying Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Health Disparities (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

NIMHD supports research to identify and understand biologic factors (microbial, immune, and genetic) that contribute to disparities in dental, oral, and craniofacial (DOC) disease onset, progression, and persistence. It has long been recognized that certain racial and ethnic populations suffer an increased burden of DOC diseases. Biologic factors, in addition to behavioral, social, and environmental factors, are believed to play a role in oral health disparities. Critical gaps remain in our understanding of underlying biologic mechanisms that could contribute to these differences, so it is difficult to develop targeted therapeutic regimens for those in greatest need.

NIMHD is interested in studies focused on biological mechanisms and pathways that influence DOC-related health disparities. This includes examining how individual behaviors and structural and cultural factors, such as neighborhood social environment, structural barriers and facilitators (e.g., access to healthy foods, access to dental preventive care), and environmental exposures, affect DOC disease risk across the lifespan.

NIMHD-supported projects must focus primarily on one or more populations experiencing health disparities: African Americans/Blacks, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asians, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, underserved rural populations, and/or sexual and gender minority populations.

Studies examining biological response to conventional therapy for DOC diseases that may explain the persistence of these diseases in different racial/ethnic minority populations will be considered clinical trials if conventional therapy is delivered as part of the research study.

NIH Guide No.: PAR-18-875

Projects funded with this FOA: NIH Reporter

Page updated July 23, 2021