National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

NIDCR: Federal Research in Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Health

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is the federal government's lead agency for scientific research on dental, oral, and craniofacial health and disease. It is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and its activities are organized around research, health information, and project funding.

Research at NIDCR

The institute conducts intramural research in its own laboratories and funds extramural research through grant programs. Its areas of work include clinical research, clinical trials, data and statistics, and scientific data sharing. The website details research priorities, investments, and advances, as well as the Oral Health in America report, which examines the evolution of oral health in the country over the past two decades.

Health Information for the Public

NIDCR publishes educational materials on conditions and treatments. Its catalog of topics includes osteonecrosis of the jaw, silver fillings (dental amalgam), the tooth decay process, fever blisters and canker sores, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), burning mouth syndrome, and periodontal (gum) disease. It also offers publications, information on clinical trials, and resources for finding dental care.

Funding and Research Opportunities

The institute manages notices of funding opportunities, grant programs and contacts, funding priorities, and funded research. It also offers research training both intramurally and extramurally, with loan repayment programs and job openings.

Organization and Leadership

NIDCR has advisory committees that guide its strategic and research initiatives. Its director is Jonathan E. Burke, D.M.D. The institute is in the process of developing its 2027-2031 Strategic Plan. It has a data, tools, and learning resources center for dental and craniofacial science, called the Data-Driven Science (DDS) Hub.

Communications and News

The website reports that NIH is moving the launch of its new website to the fall to improve the user experience. NIDCR publishes its own news, a newsletter, grantee news, and images for reporters.