Training dental students to conduct research while treating underserved patients
Official title: Multidisciplinary Practice-Based Research Training in Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry
Funded at Meharry Medical College · NIH-10928818 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is helping dental students and residents at Meharry Medical College learn how to do research that can improve care for patients who may not have easy access to healthcare, so they can become skilled dentist-scientists and better serve their communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Meharry Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $573,595 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DE033241-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928818 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients from low socioeconomic backgrounds who are underinsured or uninsured and require dental care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not fall within the underserved category or those with access to comprehensive dental care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the clinical research skills of dental students and residents at Meharry Medical College, which serves a diverse and underserved patient population. By integrating practice-based research into their training, participants will learn to apply evidence-based practices while addressing the healthcare needs of patients with low socioeconomic status. The program aims to increase the number of dentist-scientists by providing hands-on research experience in a clinical setting, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dental care and health outcomes for underserved populations.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches in other institutions have shown success in enhancing clinical training and research skills among healthcare professionals, indicating a promising potential for this initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gangula, Pandu R — Meharry Medical College
- Study coordinator: Gangula, Pandu R
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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.