MOLAR: Connecting ED patients to oral health care and local resources
Official title: MOLAR: Mapping Oral health and Local Area Resources
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11309693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests simple, patient-friendly ways to connect people who visit the emergency department for dental problems with nearby dental clinics and information so they can get ongoing oral care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 14, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,299,168 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DE031920-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults presenting to the ED with oral health needs who are eligible for Medicaid-accepting clinics or are in the defined geographic area.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not seeking follow-up dental care or not eligible for the regional network may see limited personal benefit.
What this research studies
Many people have trouble accessing dental care and end up in the ED for preventable issues. The project tests an intervention in the ED that helps patients find and use regional dental clinics and resources, with ideas like navigation and targeted information. Participants will be randomized to receive different levels of support and information to connect them to ongoing oral health care. The study uses a hybrid design to measure both effectiveness and how well the approach could be implemented in real-world settings. Results will inform how to reduce ED visits for oral health problems and improve access to dental care across communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get timely dental care and support after an ED visit, potentially reducing future ED visits for dental issues.
How similar studies have gone: Past efforts improved access but did not consistently reduce ED visits for dental problems; this trial tests a new combination of resources and navigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samuels-Kalow, Margaret Emily — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Samuels-Kalow, Margaret Emily
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.