Program objective

NIDCR extramural research provides research funds to support basic, translational, and clinical research in dental, oral, and craniofacial health and disease through grants, cooperative agreements, including small business research through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs and contracts that support scientists working in institutions throughout the United States and internationally. Extramural programs plan, develop, and manage scientific priorities through portfolio analyses and consultation with stakeholders, encouraging the most promising discoveries and emerging technologies for rapid translation to clinical applications. The Integrative Biology and Infectious Diseases programs support basic and translational research programs on oral microbiology; salivary biology and immunology; oral and salivary gland cancers; neuroscience of orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders; mineralized tissue physiology; dental biomaterials; and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The branch aims to accelerate progress in basic and translational research in these areas, and further stimulate the discovery pipeline based on clinical needs. The Translational Genomics Research programs support basic and translational research in genetics, genomics, developmental biology, and data science toward the goal of improving dental, oral, and craniofacial health. The focus is on deciphering the genetic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms underlying dental, oral, and craniofacial development and anomalies. The Behavioral and Social Sciences Research programs support basic and applied research to promote oral health, to prevent oral diseases and related disabilities, and to improve management of craniofacial conditions, disorders, and injury. The program prioritizes mechanistic research that contributes to a cumulative science of behavior change, to maximize the rigor, relevance, and dissemination of efficacious behavior change interventions. The Clinical Research programs supports patient-oriented, population, and community based research aimed at improving the dental, oral, and craniofacial health of the nation. The Center focuses on a variety of diseases and conditions through clinical trials, epidemiologic studies, practice-based research, the HIV/AIDS and oral health program, and studies of oral health disparities and inequities in all areas of NIDCR programmatic interest. The program encourages investigations that have the potential to translate findings into evidence-based clinical applications. The Research Training and Career Development extramural programs span the career stages of scientists, supporting research training and career development for PhD and dual degree DDS/DMD-PhD students, postdoctoral scholars and early career, midcareer, and established investigators. The programs manage support for fellowships, research training grants, career development and career transition awards, NIH loan repayment awards, and diversity supplements to support research experiences for high school students through investigators. Extramural programs are accountable for the efficient and effective use of taxpayer funds to support research on dental, oral, and craniofacial diseases and disorders and improving the oral health of all Americans. Extramural programs support research and research training to establish the foundation for scientific discoveries that include transparent and rigorous planning, priority setting, continuous and consistent reviews of progress, and focus on the development of a diverse, highly skilled, and nimble workforce that can rapidly respond to scientific breakthroughs and public health challenges. Extramural programs employ evaluation domains, from needs assessment and strategic planning to implementation and process evaluation, performance measurement, and outcomes and impact analysis to evaluate strategic objectives.