NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving dental care access for low-income pregnant women

Official title: Pathways to Oral Health Among Low-income Pregnant Urban Women

Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11099210 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at the challenges that low-income and minority women encounter when trying to get dental care while they're pregnant, especially in their first trimester, so we can find better ways to help them take care of their teeth during this important time.

More Oral Health research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project startJune 1, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$342,888
NIH project number7R01DE029963-04
Project IDNIH-11099210 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are low-income pregnant women, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not pregnant or those with sufficient access to dental care may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the barriers that low-income and minority women face in accessing dental care during pregnancy. It aims to collect data on socio-behavioral and psychosocial factors affecting these women's oral health, particularly during their first trimester. By understanding these barriers, the study seeks to improve the design of prenatal oral health programs and increase dental care utilization among this vulnerable population. The research will involve surveys and clinical oral examinations to assess dental health outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved access to dental care and better oral health outcomes for low-income pregnant women.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing social and behavioral barriers can improve healthcare access, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
    Newark, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Russell, Stefanie L — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Russell, Stefanie L

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.