Closing tooth decay gaps for children with data-driven risk tools
Reducing oral health disparities in children using predictive analytics and mathematical modeling
This project uses computer-based risk models to find which young children—especially those on Medicaid or from Black and Hispanic communities—are most likely to get serious tooth decay so programs can target help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239028 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a parent's point of view, researchers will combine health and billing records, neighborhood information, and clinical factors to build computer models that predict which kids under 12 are at highest risk for dental cavities. They will also use mathematical models to study how race, community conditions, and access to care interact to create disparities. The project aims to measure both health outcomes and costs so state Medicaid and CHIP programs can know the value of different actions. Results will be used to help design more equitable, cost-effective programs to prevent severe tooth decay in high-need children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children under age 12, especially those enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP or from Black and Hispanic communities, and those living in the study regions or included in the data sources.
Not a fit: Adults, children outside the included age range, or people not represented in the studied Medicaid/CHIP or community data may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help states target preventive care and resources to children most likely to get severe cavities, reducing tooth decay and unequal access to care.
How similar studies have performed: Related projects have used predictive models to identify high-risk patients with mixed success, but integrating such models with state Medicaid programs to specifically reduce racial and ethnic disparities is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choi, Sung Eun — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Choi, Sung Eun
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 below.