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The NIDCR extramural research programs plan, develop, and manage basic, translational, and clinical research in dental, oral, and craniofacial (DOC) health and disease through grants and cooperative agreements. Through supporting research, we also strive to nurture and strengthen a robust research workforce. The goal is to facilitate the most promising discoveries and emerging technologies for rapid translation to clinical applications for improving the health of all people across their lifespan.
Integrative Biology & Infectious Diseases
Coordinates basic and translational research programs in oral microbiology; head and neck cancers; orofacial pain and temporomandibular joint disorders; dental, oral, and craniofacial mineralization and anomalies associated with disorders in the craniofacial region.
- Odontogenic Diseases
- Orofacial Pain Conditions & Neuroscience
- Oral Microbiome & Polymicrobial Diseases
- Oral Mucosa & Cancer Biology
- DOC Developmental Biology & Congenital Anomalies
Translational Genomics Research
Coordinates pre-clinical and translational research to support advances in precision medicine, immunomodulatory oral science, computational and data science, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, and biomaterials and devices, to accelerate translation, regulatory readiness, and clinical adoption of DOC-specific innovations.
- DOC Computational Biology & Data Science
- DOC Biomaterials, Devices & Clinical Technologies Program
- DOC Regenerative Medicine
- Immunomodulatory Oral Science
- DOC Precision Medicine
Behavioral & Social Science Research
Supports research on fundamental processes and test development, and behavioral clinical trials at all stages, including studies on efficacy, effectiveness, dissemination, and implementation. The projects in this branch help NIDCR advance fundamental knowledge about DOC health and disease and turn these discoveries into prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies that improve health for people and communities across the lifespan.
- DOC Behavioral Interventions & Assessments
- Behavioral & Biomedical Processes for DOC & Systemic Health Outcomes
- Implementation Science for HIV/AIDS Oral Health
- DOC Health Disparities
Clinical Research
Supports patient-oriented, population-, and practice-based research to improve DOC health through oral and systemic health integration; biomedical clinical trials of DOC conditions; and advancing knowledge in salivary glands and rheumatic diseases, as well as DOC patient health and epidemiology.
- Biomedical Clinical Trials of DOC Conditions
- DOC Patient Health & Epidemiology
- Oral & Systemic Health Integration
- Salivary Glands & Rheumatic Disease
Other Grant Programs
Learn about other NIDCR programs, including research training and career development, set-aside programs for domestic small business concerns, and collaboration programs across NIH and the federal government.