Using health data to improve oral health for vulnerable adults
Leveraging health systems' data to address oral health disparities
This study is looking at health records to find out which adults might need emergency care for dental problems, so we can better understand and improve dental care for everyone, especially those who might not have easy access to it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10948451 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to address oral health disparities by analyzing electronic health record (EHR) data from multiple health systems. It focuses on identifying adults who are likely to seek emergency department (ED) treatment for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs) by leveraging advanced machine learning techniques and social determinants of health data. The study will also extract relevant oral health predictors from clinical notes to enhance prediction models. Ultimately, the goal is to improve care delivery and reduce reliance on emergency services for dental issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience oral health issues and may seek treatment in emergency departments.
Not a fit: Patients with traumatic dental conditions or those who do not utilize emergency department services may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, improving their oral health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that leveraging health data can effectively identify at-risk populations and improve health outcomes, suggesting a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Heather Lynn — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Heather Lynn
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 below.