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AADOCR Delta Dental Institute Oral Health Equity Research Award

The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) and the Delta Dental Institute (DDI) “Oral Health Equity Research Award” supports research that advances recommendations for greater oral health equity in populations that lack access to dental care and improves oral health literacy for underserved populations.

Two awards will be conferred: one in each research area in the amount $25,000.

Submissions must represent original research that addresses Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and oral health disparities and promote oral health equity in the areas of Access to Care and Oral Health Literacy. Populations of interest include underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, age groups and hard to reach populations, including adolescents, tribal and rural communities.

Award Prize/Recognition

Two awards will be conferred: one in each research area in the amount $25,000

Key Dates

Applications Open:

Jun 17, 2024

Applications Closed:

Oct 01, 2024

Eligibility

All candidates must be a member of, or at the time of submission, made a bona fide application to the AADOCR.
Candidates must hold a DDS/DMD and/or Ph.D.; or equivalent advanced degree.

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These awards will be conferred in the form of an unrestricted research grant which carries no obligation to the recipient’s organization for licensure, patenting, or transfer of confidential information, although DDI seeks to further its mission by collaborating with the recipients to make use of their research.

Submissions must represent original research that addresses Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and oral health disparities among populations of interest for the translation and promotion of oral health equity in the areas of Access to Care and Oral Health Literacy. Populations of interest include underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, age groups and hard to reach populations, including adolescents, tribal and rural communities. Also included are sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations as identified by the Sexual & Gender Minority Research Office (SGMRO): https://dpcpsi.nih.gov/sgmro.

Research topics should relate to a broad array of social science, behavioral and applied studies including:

•   Strategies for behavior change to improve oral health prevention, dental care utilization and oral health outcomes among populations of interest.
•   Understanding and promotion of evidence-based culturally appropriate oral health literacy interventions for dental health professionals and populations of interest.
•   Interdisciplinary approaches that address SDOH impacting oral health literacy programs and interventions among populations of interest.
•   Use of big data to identify and understand variations, oral health access needs and barriers to care among populations of interest.
•   Use of geographic information systems (GIS) to identify and create multi-layered visual representations that highlight key differences, associations, and oral health access needs among populations of interest.
•   Innovative methods utilizing artificial intelligence and machine-learning/algorithms to analyze variations in dental care patterns and utilization trends among populations of interest.
•   Review of social policy interventions associated with increased access to oral care and improved oral health outcomes among populations of interest.

Examples of key research questions in each of the award areas include:

Access to Care
Is increased oral care among parents and caregivers associated with increased oral care in children? Are there differences based on geography? Among rural populations? In states that offer extensive Medicaid adult dental benefits?

Oral Health Literacy
What factors are associated with increased oral health literacy rates and improved oral health outcomes among rural populations? Review of innovative oral health literacy programs, interventions, and outcomes in rural populations.
It is strongly encouraged that recipient submit their research findings to a peer-reviewed academic journal for publication.
Award recipients will be invited to assist DDI on media amplification efforts including:
-   Media interviews
-   Op-eds or blog posts; and/or
-   Presentation at a Delta Dental Institute event

Award recipients are encouraged to submit an abstract or present at a symposium at a subsequent AADOCR Annual Meeting & Exhibition within two years of award.
Research Plan (not to exceed 12 pages).
The research plan should be divided into:
1.   Hypothesis and Specific Aims - Indicate the hypothesis that forms the basis for the research and the specific aims that applicant intends to accomplish with this Award.
2.   Background and Significance - Discuss the scientific and gap of knowledge to be filled that led to the stated hypothesis and specific aims, why this project is novel, the importance of the proposed research and its potential relevance, if successful.
3.   Preliminary Results - If preliminary results are available, they should be described.
4.   Research Design and Methods - Briefly describe the procedures and methodology that will be used to accomplish the specific aims and discuss how potential pitfalls might be avoided.
5.   Time Frame - Provide an estimated time for accomplishing key goals. If the proposed work is likely to take longer than two years, indicate the total time frame and overall scope of the project, and what applicant hopes to accomplish.
6.   Literature Cited - Provide a short list (not more than 30) of applicable literature citations.
7.   Resources - Specify what general laboratory/office facilities are at applicant’s disposal to conduct the research. Indicate what specialized equipment and facilities are required.
•   Consultant/Collaborative/Contractual Arrangements - If needed, include letters verifying any consulting, collaborative, or contractual arrangements necessary for the conduct of the research. (This is submitted separately in the application process).
•   Biographical Sketch, (not to exceed 5 pages).
The sketch should include the applicant's name and position title. This should be followed by education/training information (earliest training and degree first) and research and professional experiences (concluding with the current position). Complete references to all recent and/or relevant scientific/clinical publications should be included. Please include a short biography (150 words or less) as part of the biosketch.
•    Budget. A completed budget form is required for acceptance. Please supply explanation and justification where necessary. Link to form included in onsite application. Note: Combined Salary Requirements may be no more than 25% of the total award amount.
•   Tables and figures are included in the 12-page limit.
•   No appendices (other than investigator's biosketch and letters of support) are allowed. These will be separate document uploads in the online application form.
•   A title for the project and an abstract of no more than 350 words should also be provided by the applicant.
The Delta Dental Institute (DDI) is dedicated to advancing oral health for all Americans in partnership with the Delta Dental companies and dedicated partners across the country. With expertise rooted in Delta Dental's rich history of oral health leadership, we engage in and support oral health research, community outreach, and advocacy, striving to ensure everyone understands the importance of oral health to overall health and has access to the care that they need.

DDI conducts, supports, and promotes research to help policymakers, educators, health care practitioners, businesses, and families make informed oral health decisions. DDI collaborates with leading scientists, academic institutions, health care groups, and other organizations to explore important oral health topics and produce data-driven insights in pursuit of actionable solutions for improved oral and overall health.