National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is a part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and is primarily responsible for conducting and supporting research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to oral, dental, and craniofacial diseases and conditions.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The NIDCR was established in 1948 as the National Institute of Dental Research and later renamed to reflect its broader mission in addressing craniofacial and oral health. The institute's mission is to improve dental, oral, and craniofacial health through research, research training, and the dissemination of health information. It accomplishes this by funding research projects and providing grants to researchers in universities, dental schools, and other institutions across the country and around the world.

Research Areas[edit | edit source]

NIDCR supports a wide range of research areas including, but not limited to:

Basic and clinical research on dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) diseases
Studies on the development, structure, and function of the oral cavity and its diseases and conditions
Research on the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cancer
Investigations into craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate
Studies aimed at understanding rare oral diseases and conditions
Research on the role of saliva in oral health and disease
Investigations into the intersection of oral health with systemic health, including the relationship between oral health and diseases such as diabetes and heart disease

Training and Career Development[edit | edit source]

NIDCR places a strong emphasis on training the next generation of dental and craniofacial researchers. It offers a variety of training and career development opportunities, including fellowships, grants, and internships for students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers. These programs are designed to foster a diverse and highly skilled workforce capable of advancing the institute's mission.

Public Health Information[edit | edit source]

In addition to its research activities, NIDCR is committed to disseminating reliable and up-to-date health information to the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. This includes information on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental, oral, and craniofacial diseases and conditions.

Funding[edit | edit source]

NIDCR is funded through the federal budget process, with its budget allocated annually by Congress. The institute allocates these funds to support research projects, training programs, and public health initiatives related to its mission.