Developing a new dental treatment to prevent tooth decay in children
Official title: Peptide Enabled Tunable Restorative Interface
Funded at University of Kansas Lawrence · NIH-10892709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better ways to help kids, especially those with developmental disabilities, who have cavities by making a special treatment called silver diamine fluoride work even better and look nicer, so that going to the dentist is easier and more comfortable for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Lawrence NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lawrence, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | September 6, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $467,008 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE032903-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-21, particularly those with developmental disabilities or those from underserved populations who are at higher risk for dental caries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have dental caries or those who are not within the pediatric age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the high prevalence of dental caries among children, particularly those with developmental disabilities. It aims to improve noninvasive treatment options, specifically by enhancing the effectiveness and acceptability of silver diamine fluoride (SDF), which is currently the only FDA-approved noninvasive treatment for caries in children. The study will explore how to modify the restorative interface created by SDF to prevent staining and improve bonding with composite materials, thereby making the treatment more appealing and effective for young patients. By utilizing innovative engineering approaches, the research seeks to provide a safer and more efficient solution for managing dental caries without the need for invasive procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective and less invasive treatment for dental caries in children, reducing the need for general anesthesia and improving overall dental health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise with silver diamine fluoride as a treatment for caries, but this research aims to innovate further on this established approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Lawrence
Lawrence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tamerler-Behar, Candan — University of Kansas Lawrence
- Study coordinator: Tamerler-Behar, Candan
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.