Understanding and improving oral health in young children in Chicago

Coordinated Oral Health Promotion (CO-OP) Chicago Cohort Study

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10883788

The CO-OP Chicago study is looking at what causes cavities in kids under three years old, focusing on things like their diet and how they brush their teeth, and it’s designed for families to help improve their little ones' oral health together.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10883788 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

The Coordinated Oral Health Promotion (CO-OP) Chicago Cohort Study investigates the factors contributing to dental caries in children under the age of three, focusing on behaviors such as diet and oral hygiene. By utilizing a social ecological approach, the study examines how various levels of influence, including family and community, affect children's oral health. Participants, including child/caregiver pairs, will engage in interventions aimed at enhancing tooth brushing habits and overall oral care. The study collects both self-reported and observed data to assess the effectiveness of these interventions over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are children under three years old, particularly those from Black and Hispanic communities in Chicago, along with their caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 0-3 years or those not residing in the targeted communities may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved oral health practices among young children, reducing the prevalence of dental caries and associated disparities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in improving oral health behaviors through community health worker interventions, indicating a promising approach for this research.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.