Oral health challenges faced by seniors in Southeast Alaska
Official title: Seniors Oral Health in Southeast Alaska
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11083140 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the dental health needs of older Alaska Native adults to find out what helps them manage issues like cavities and gum disease, so we can create better care plans just for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | July 3, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $590,933 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032376-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083140 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are Alaska Native seniors experiencing periodontal diseases or dental caries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seniors or do not belong to the Alaska Native population may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the oral health needs of seniors, particularly focusing on Alaska Native older adults who experience higher rates of dental issues such as untreated caries and periodontal diseases. The study aims to understand the outcomes of geriatric patients with these conditions and identify factors that contribute to successful disease management over a 36-month period. By conducting a prospective cohort study within a tribal healthcare organization, the research will gather data on various prognostic characteristics that influence treatment success. This approach will help tailor oral health strategies to better serve the unique needs of this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health outcomes and tailored treatment strategies for seniors, particularly Alaska Native individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting this demographic, studies on oral health in aging populations have shown promising results in improving care strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cunha-Cruz, Joana — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Cunha-Cruz, Joana
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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.