The National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) encourages submission of high
quality applications for the support of research and research training on the
influence of diet and nutrition on oral health and disease, salivary gland
function, craniofacial development, osteoporosis as related to craniofacial
structures, and wound healing in order to expand its activities in these and
other related areas. Appropriate studies might encompass basic research,
development of animal models, epidemiological studies, and clinical studies of
special population groups, including the aged and minorities and those in
foreign countries which present special research opportunities.
BACKGROUND
The oral cavity and associated structures are the sites of disease (e.g.,
dental caries, periodontal disease, herpes, salivary gland disorders, oral
cancer) and congenital anomalies (such as cleft lip and palate) that may
relate to nutritional status. It is also evident that nutrients interact with
physiologic systems in the oral cavity such as host and microbial cell
replication mechanisms, host cell repair mechanisms and immune response
mechanisms in such a manner as to increase or decrease the risk of disease and
influence tissue development. Thus, the oral tissues and associated
structures constitute a major site of interactions between nutritional factors
and physiological systems, a relationship that makes oral health no less
vulnerable to the effects of nutrition than general health.
Expansion of the NIDR Nutrition Research Program was recommended by expert
panels on Long-Range Research Plans for the 1990's, at a recent Workshop on
International Collaboration for Oral Research, and by the Dental Research
Programs Advisory Committee (PAC) at its November 1988 meeting. The PAC
recommended the issuance of a Program Announcement to encourage the needed
research and training in this area.
RESEARCH GOALS
The objective of this announcement is to solicit applications for research
grants and individual research training to elucidate the role of diet and
nutrition in the development and maintenance of oral and craniofacial tissues
and in the prevention of oral diseases. Projects concerning nutrition and
oral health and disease as related to minorities, women, and the elderly and
to populations in developing countries which present special research
opportunities (via international collaboration) are
encouraged. Examples of research projects are:
o Influence of nutrient-drug interactions on specific salivary gland
structure and functions in the elderly.
o Relationship between nutrient intake during critical periods of
gestation and susceptibility to craniofacial anomalies.
o Effect of malnutrition on abnormal tooth development or on
osteoporosis of the jaw bone.
o Effect of sugar substitutes and food additives on the physiology of
cariogenic bacteria and on dental caries.
o Bioavailability and mineralized tissue effects of fluoride in
nutritionally compromised individuals.
o Preventive role of antioxidant nutrients in diseases of the
periodontium or of the oral mucosa.
The above list is not intended to describe the full range of possible
activities to be supported nor to direct applicants to these areas. Applicant
institutions are encouraged to focus on their areas of greatest strength.
The announcement is also intended to: encourage increased collaboration among
the various disciplines of dental research involving nutrition and among basic
and clinical scientists; encourage training of basic and clinical research
scientists in oral nutrition; and expedite the translation of advances in
nutrition/oral biology research into new and improved methods for patient
care.
MECHANISMS OF SUPPORT
Support for this program will be through regular research project grants
(R01), program project grants (P01), small grants (R03), FIRST awards (R29),
AREA awards (R15), career development awards (K04, K11, K15), and postdoctoral
fellowships (F32, F33). Receipt dates and policies that govern research grant
programs of the National Institutes of Health will prevail.
APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
Applications in response to this announcement will be reviewed on a nationwide
basis in competition with other applications and in accordance with NIH peer
review procedures. Review criteria include: the significance and originality
of the research goals and approaches; feasibility of the research and adequacy
of the experimental design; training, experience, research competence, and
dedication of the investigator(s); adequacy of available facilities and
availability of appropriate study populations; provisions for the protection
of human subjects and humane care of animals; and appropriateness of the
requested budget relative to the work proposed. Applicants are encouraged to
include women and minorities in clinical and epidemiological studies. For
studies which exclude women or minorities, a clear rationale for exclusion
should be provided.
Funding decisions will be based on the Study Section's and the National
Advisory Council's recommendations regarding scientific merit and program
relevance, and on the availability of appropriated funds.
Inquiries concerning this announcement should be addressed to Dr. Joseph E.
Ciardi at the address given below. The specific application forms and kits
required to respond to this announcement are available from the institution's
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs or from the Division of Research
Grants, NIH. Applications will be accepted on an indefinite basis in
accordance with the receipt dates specified in the pertinent application kits.
The phrase "NIDR PA: NUTRITION RESEARCH AND ORAL HEALTH" should be typed on
line 2 of the face page of the application form PHS 398 (rev. 10/88) or on
line 3 of the fellowship application form PHS 416 (rev. 7/88). The original
and six copies should be sent or delivered to:
Grants Application Receipt Office
Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4500**
For further information concerning this announcement and the mechanisms of
support for research and training available in this connection, applicants are
encouraged to contact:
Joseph E. Ciardi, Ph.D.
Program Administrator
Caries, Restorative Materials
and Salivary Research Branch
Extramural Program
National Institute of Dental Research
Westwood Building, Room 505
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4500
Telephone: (301) 496-7884
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.
13.121, Diseases of the Teeth and Supporting Tissues. Awards will be made
under authorization of the Public Health Service Act, Title III, Section 301
(Public Law 78-410, as amended; 42 USC 241); and administered under PHS grants
policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74. This
program is not subject to the intergovernmental review.
