Coordinated Oral Health Promotion for Chicago Kids

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This NIH grant supports a longitudinal study of low-to-middle income families in Chicago, focusing on preventing childhood cavities and reducing school and caregiver absenteeism. Researchers are tracking children and their caregivers over multiple waves, collecting dental checks, brushing habits, and even plaque samples to understand what helps or hinders oral health. The project originally tested a community health worker approach in a cluster-randomized trial and has evolved into an ongoing cohort to monitor changes over time. The findings could guide practical, community-based strategies to keep kids healthier and in school more consistently.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Illinois at Chicago
  Chicago, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Martin, Molly a — University of Illinois at Chicago
• Study coordinator: Martin, Molly a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Digital adolescent dental health program to reduce tooth decay in at-risk youth

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  NIH research Oregon Research Institute · Springfield, UNITED STATES · NIH-11520407

• Coordinated oral health support for Chicago families with young children

  This project tries to help parents of young Chicago children improve toothbrushing habits and reduce tooth decay using community health workers and home-based support.

  NIH research University of Illinois at Chicago · Chicago, UNITED STATES · NIH-11128652

• Understanding and improving oral health in young children in Chicago

  The CO-OP Chicago study is looking at what causes cavities in kids under three years old, focusing on things like their diet and how they brush their teeth, and it’s designed for families to help improve their little ones' oral health together.

  NIH research University of Illinois at Chicago · Chicago, UNITED STATES · NIH-10883788

• Creating a digital program to improve oral health habits in adolescents

  This study is creating a fun digital program to help teens, especially those from lower-income and minority backgrounds, take better care of their teeth by encouraging them to brush twice a day, avoid tobacco and vaping, and cut down on sugary drinks.

  NIH research Oregon Research Institute · Springfield, UNITED STATES · NIH-10877920

• Health Promotion and Cancer Prevention Network in South Carolina

  A national cancer prevention network in South Carolina is testing ways to spread proven cancer prevention and control messages and practices to underserved communities.

  NIH research University of South Carolina at Columbia · Columbia, United States · NIH-11503925

• Improving how schools deliver tooth care for kids using existing data

  This project analyzes past school-based dental care data to help more underserved children get effective, affordable preventive treatment.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11477436

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.