Using advanced methods to improve assessment of gum disease in adults
Official title: Integrating periodontitis assessment in medical research using computationallyenhanced classification
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10901243 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quicker way to check for gum disease, called periodontitis, so that more people can get the help they need without spending a lot of time at the dentist, which could also help us understand how it relates to other health issues like diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 8, 2023 |
| Project end | August 2, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $188,910 |
| NIH project number | 7R21DE031089-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901243 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who may be experiencing symptoms of periodontitis or are at risk for developing the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of gum disease or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the assessment of periodontitis, a common gum disease affecting millions of adults, by developing a more efficient classification method using computational techniques. The study aims to create a partial-mouth examination protocol that can accurately estimate the prevalence of periodontitis without the need for time-consuming full-mouth examinations. By integrating these advanced methodologies, the research seeks to improve the identification of community health needs and inform public health resource allocation. This could lead to better understanding and management of periodontitis and its potential links to other chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and efficient assessments of gum disease, ultimately improving patient care and health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using computational methods for health assessments, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kotsakis, Georgios — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kotsakis, Georgios
Related research
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Diabetes-Driven Changes in Dendritic Cells and T Cells in Gum Disease
This project studies how poorly controlled diabetes alters immune cells in periodontitis to worsen gum disease.
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.