Coordinated oral health support for Chicago families with young children
Coordinated Oral Health Promotion (CO-OP) Chicago Cohort Study
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11128652
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.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11128652 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project follows young children and their caregivers over time to learn what increases the chance of cavities. Community health workers visit homes, collect information on diet, toothbrushing, and fluoride, and may observe brushing or use objective brushing measures. The work builds on an earlier CO-OP Chicago effort that enrolled 420 caregiver-child pairs and tested a family-focused support program. Researchers will track dental plaque, caregiver-reported brushing, and social and behavioral factors to better target prevention and reduce disparities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are caregivers and their young children (especially infants and toddlers) living in Chicago, including families with Medicaid or from Black and Hispanic communities at higher risk for cavities.
Not a fit: Children who live outside the Chicago area, are older than the study age range, or whose families are unwilling to take part in home visits or behavior-focused support may not directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help families lower childhood tooth decay by improving daily brushing and access to preventive services.
How similar studies have performed: Previous CO-OP Chicago work demonstrated feasibility and enrolled 420 caregiver-child pairs, and similar community health worker programs have shown promise for improving child oral health though results vary by setting.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- 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
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.