Understanding and improving oral health in young children in Chicago
Official title: Coordinated Oral Health Promotion (CO-OP) Chicago Cohort Study
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10883788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 8, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,083,913 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DE030067-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10883788 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are children under three years old, particularly those from Black and Hispanic communities in Chicago, along with their caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 0-3 years or those not residing in the targeted communities may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martin, Molly a — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Martin, Molly a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Coordinated Oral Health Promotion for Chicago Kids
A long-running study in Chicago is following children and their caregivers to find ways to reduce tooth decay and improve daily life for families.
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Digital adolescent dental health program to reduce tooth decay in at-risk youth
A digital program designed for lower-income 7th and 8th graders to help them avoid tobacco use and sugary drinks to lower the risk of tooth decay.
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Coordinated oral health support for Chicago families with young children
This project tries to help parents of young Chicago children improve toothbrushing habits and reduce tooth decay using community health workers and home-based support.
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Creating a digital program to improve oral health habits in adolescents
This study is creating a fun digital program to help teens, especially those from lower-income and minority backgrounds, take better care of their teeth by encouraging them to brush twice a day, avoid tobacco and vaping, and cut down on sugary drinks.
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Health Promotion and Cancer Prevention Network in South Carolina
A national cancer prevention network in South Carolina is testing ways to spread proven cancer prevention and control messages and practices to underserved communities.
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Improving how schools deliver tooth care for kids using existing data
This project analyzes past school-based dental care data to help more underserved children get effective, affordable preventive treatment.
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.