Exploring oral health and dental care in older adults who were formerly incarcerated
Official title: Oral Health and Dental Care Utilization Among Formerly Incarcerated Older Adults in the United States
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11098408 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being in prison in the past affects the dental health and care of older adults in the U.S. who are 50 and over, aiming to understand the challenges they face in getting the dental help they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $157,550 |
| NIH project number | 5R03DE033486-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098408 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 50 and above who have a history of incarceration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 50 or have never been incarcerated may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how past incarceration affects the oral health and dental care utilization of older adults in the United States. It focuses on individuals aged 50 and older, examining the relationship between stressful life experiences, such as incarceration, and their current oral health challenges. By analyzing data from the Health and Retirement Study, the research aims to uncover patterns and barriers that may prevent these individuals from accessing necessary dental care. The findings could provide insights into improving oral health services for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dental care access and health outcomes for older adults who have experienced incarceration.
How similar studies have gone: While previous studies have shown that incarceration negatively impacts oral health in younger populations, this research is novel as it focuses specifically on older adults.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Testa, Alexander Michael — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Testa, Alexander Michael
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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.