Improving oral health care for low-income older adults in primary care settings
Official title: Multi-Level Interventions to Reduce Oral Health Disparities among Adults in Primary Care Settings
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11103396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help older adults with low incomes in Northeast Ohio take better care of their teeth by bringing dental health support into their regular doctor visits, making it easier for them to get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | June 2, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,272,061 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DE030856-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are low-income adults aged 21 and older who have limited access to dental care and are at risk for oral diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to primary care services or who are not in the targeted low-income demographic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to integrate oral health activities into primary care for low-income older adults in Northeast Ohio, where there are high rates of oral diseases and low dental attendance. The project will implement multi-level interventions, including changes to electronic health records and training for medical providers to improve their knowledge and communication about oral health. By addressing barriers to dental care and enhancing provider education, the research seeks to promote better oral health behaviors among patients. A cluster-randomized clinical trial will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health outcomes and increased dental attendance among low-income older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that integrating oral health into primary care can improve patient outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Suchitra S. — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Suchitra S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Multi-Level Interventions to Reduce Oral Health Disparities in Primary Care
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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.