Multi-Level Interventions to Reduce Oral Health Disparities in Primary Care
Official title: Multi-Level Interventions to Reduce Oral Health Disparities among Adults in Primary Care Settings
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11327307 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project tests simple, real-world changes in primary care to help low-income adults improve their oral health and visit a dentist more often.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,287,696 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3DE030856-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11327307 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21+ living in the target region who receive care in participating primary care clinics and are open to receiving oral health education and referrals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not engaged with primary care or unwilling to participate in oral health education may see no benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on adults 21 and older in Northeast Ohio who have limited access to dental care. It tests practical, clinic-based changes such as updating electronic health records to prompt for oral health advice and referrals, and training medical staff to better communicate about dental health using a theory-based approach. The study uses a cluster-randomized design in primary care settings to see if these changes improve adults’ oral health behaviors and reduce disparities. If successful, it could show how medical and dental care can work together more effectively in everyday clinics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience better oral health and fewer dental issues through coordinated care in primary settings.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests that integrated medical-dental care can improve outcomes, but solid outcomes data are still needed.
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.
-
Improving oral health care for low-income older adults in primary care settings
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.
-
HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
-
Primary Care HEART-NET: boosting access to research in the Deep South
A collaboration across three universities will build primary care research networks in Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi to improve access to care and help prevent and manage chronic diseases.
-
Primary Care Bridge: Building Research in Diverse Geographic Settings
A national network hub in New Mexico will connect rural clinics and communities to faster, more usable primary care research so patients in underserved areas can benefit from new evidence.
-
WREN: Expanding Research Capacity in Rural Primary Care Clinics
A nationwide network in Wisconsin will strengthen rural primary care clinics to participate in real-world research and bring more clinical trials to communities.
-
Primary care research network in Oklahoma to boost rural patient trials
A nationwide NIH-supported effort to strengthen Oklahoma’s primary care research network so doctors can run big clinical trials and real‑world studies in rural communities.
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.