A summer program to train students in dental and craniofacial health research.
Official title: Maryland Program in Dental Research Experience (D-REX)
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11001198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The Dental Research Experience (D-REX) at the University of Maryland is a fun summer program for high school and college students who want to learn about dental health by working on real research projects with teachers, while also attending helpful workshops and talks to boost their skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 3, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $135,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R25DE032530-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are high school and undergraduate students, particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical sciences.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not students or who do not have an interest in pursuing a career in dental or biomedical sciences may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
The Dental Research Experience (D-REX) at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry offers a hands-on summer program for high school and undergraduate students interested in dental and craniofacial health. Participants will engage in a 9-week mentored research experience, working closely with faculty on projects related to biomaterials, tissue engineering, and oral health disparities. The program also includes lectures, career seminars, and workshops to enhance participants' skills and knowledge in biomedical sciences. This initiative aims to build a diverse workforce in dental health care and research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could help cultivate a new generation of dental health professionals, ultimately improving oral health outcomes in underserved communities.
How similar studies have gone: Similar educational programs have shown success in enhancing diversity and workforce development in health care fields.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ren, Hening — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Ren, Hening
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.