Research Education in Oral Health Sciences

Project Summary/ Abstract
A diverse oral health care workforce of both clinicians and researchers has been repeatedly called for.
The absence of such diversity and its relationship to oral health disparities has been recognized as a
persistent problem. Further, “the NIH recognizes that achieving diversity in the biomedical research
workforce is critical to the full realization of our national research goals and is the best interest of our
country”. The long-term goal is a sustainable summer research education program, Research Education
in Oral Health Sciences (REOHs), that stimulates trainees and provides mentorship support for students
to pursue future training opportunities in oral health research. The overall objectives in this application
are to (i) encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue further studies or careers in oral
health research; and (ii) foster a better understanding of biomedical, behavioral and clinical research and
its implications. The rationale for this proposed program is that early exposure increases interest and
consideration of health science careers. The overall objectives will be pursued through three specific
aims: 1) Develop, implement, and evaluate, and sustain a 9-week comprehensive summer program that
provides hands-on exposure to research and supports participants’ scientific and career development; 2)
Recruit, enroll and retain a cohort of 8-10 high school and undergraduate student participants, annually,
that are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences and oral health professions; and 3) Evaluate the
effectiveness of the REOHS program. The proposed program will emphasize translational science
principles and education of social determinants of health. Ultimately, the proposed summer research
education program, REOHS, has the potential to enhance the training of an oral health workforce to meet
the nation’s biomedical, behavioral and clinical research needs.

Grant Number: 5R25DE032528-03
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Lorel Burns