Improving dental health in Alaska Native children
Official title: Early Intervention for Childhood Caries to Address Alaska Native Disparities in Oral Health
Funded at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium · NIH-11074670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to help Alaska Native children in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region avoid early tooth decay by providing dental care and teaching parents about good oral hygiene and nutrition, especially for kids under 2 years old.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Anchorage, United States) |
| Project start | April 12, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $428,566 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DE033642-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074670 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Alaska Native children under the age of 6 living in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the Yukon-Kuskokwim region or those over the age of 6 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the high rates of early childhood caries (ECC) among Alaska Native children in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. By coordinating dental care services and educating parents about oral hygiene and nutrition, the project aims to prevent dental issues before they require extensive treatment. The approach includes providing preventive counseling and initiating dental interventions for children under 24 months of age. The study involves collaboration with community health aides and dental health aide therapists to enhance access to dental care in remote areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of early childhood caries in Alaska Native children, leading to better overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that coordinated care and preventive education can effectively reduce dental health disparities in underserved populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Anchorage, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Timothy K — Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Timothy K
Related research
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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.