Oral

Segments of the U.S. population suffer disproportionately from dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral and pharyngeal cancer. In 2001 the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research funded five Centers for research to reduce these disparities. The Centers, which were funded for seven years, conducted studies to better understand complex array of risk and protective factors associated with oral health disparities, undertook interventions in vulnerable communities, and fostered the training and career development of researchers from diverse backgrounds. This session will highlight the Centers’ major accomplishments and findings.

Session Objectives: 1. Understand the disease prevalence, severity, and status of oral health disparities in vulnerable populations 2. Understand major risk and protective factors associated with oral health disparities 3. Understand findings from intervention research 4. Discuss lessons learned and implications of the major finding in the next steps of research and policy development

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing