Oral Health Promotion Research across the Lifespan (R01) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Oral Health Promotion Research across the Lifespan (R01) opportunity (PA-07-225)?

PA-07-225 is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity that supports rigorous research to develop, implement, and evaluate oral health promotion interventions. The focus is on improving oral health outcomes from early life through older adulthood by testing practical, evidence-based strategies in real populations and settings.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The purpose is to move beyond simply describing oral health problems and instead fund research that tests interventions designed to prevent oral diseases, improve oral health behaviors, and reduce oral health disparities.

What kinds of projects does this FOA prioritize?

The FOA prioritizes intervention research that is grounded in prior assessment work and that can be implemented and evaluated using appropriate scientific methods. It highlights interventions that address behavior, environments, systems, or social conditions, rather than relying only on clinical treatment.

Does the intervention need to be based on prior evidence or assessment work?

Yes. A key requirement is that the intervention cannot be created from scratch without a foundation. Applicants are expected to base the proposed health promotion strategy on prior assessment work that has already identified relevant drivers (determinants) of the oral condition being targeted.

What counts as "prior assessment work" for the intervention foundation?

The FOA indicates that prior assessment work may include epidemiologic findings and social, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence risk and outcomes. The prior work may have been funded by NIDCR or by other sources.

How should applicants connect the proposed intervention to what is already known?

The intervention should clearly trace back to established knowledge about why the oral health problem occurs in the intended population. It should be designed to address the specific, demonstrated determinants identified through prior assessment work.

What expertise is expected on the research team?

The FOA emphasizes that successful teams should have strong expertise in health promotion and in behavioral and/or social science research. This aligns with the program focus on interventions that change behavior and broader conditions affecting oral health.

Is this opportunity focused only on clinical dental treatment?

No. The emphasis is on health promotion interventions that change behaviors, environments, systems, or social conditions. The FOA underscores approaches that are feasible in real-world settings and evaluated rigorously.

What life-stage or population focus areas are highlighted?

The announcement highlights three broad areas: (1) maternal and child health, (2) adolescent and young adult health, and (3) adults with complex diseases.

What types of topics might be included under maternal and child health?

Examples described in the FOA include early preventive behaviors, caregiver practices, feeding habits, access to preventive care, and early childhood caries risk.

What types of topics might be included under adolescent and young adult health?

Examples described in the FOA include evolving autonomy, risk behaviors, diet, tobacco or vaping exposure, oral hygiene routines, and engagement with dental services.

What types of topics might be included under adults with complex diseases?

Examples described in the FOA include comorbidities, medication effects, disability, chronic disease management, and the interaction between oral health, overall health status, and healthcare utilization.

Does the FOA encourage using existing behavioral theories or planning models?

Yes. The FOA points to applying or adapting existing behavioral theories and health promotion planning models to known risk factors and lifestyle contributors, rather than inventing untested frameworks.

Can projects focus on oral health promotion for families or communities, not only individuals?

Yes. The FOA explicitly encourages promoting optimal oral health for individuals, families, and communities, with attention to overall health and coexisting medical conditions.

Does the FOA support integrating oral health promotion into broader health promotion programs?

Yes. Integration is an encouraged approach, including embedding oral health promotion into general health promotion programs to reach people where they already receive education or services and to reduce siloed care.

What is the funding mechanism?

The mechanism is an NIH R01 research project grant.

What is the health activity area and CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The health activity area is NIH, and the CFDA number listed is 93.121 (Oral Diseases and Disorders Research).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The program does not require cost sharing or matching.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. entities such as state and local governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), tribal governments and tribal organizations, independent school districts, housing authorities, and special district governments.

Are foreign institutions eligible to apply?

Yes. The eligibility language specifies that foreign institutions may apply.

Are federal agencies eligible to apply?

Yes. The eligibility language specifies that eligible federal agencies may apply.

Are faith-based and community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. The FOA states that faith-based and community-based organizations are eligible.

Why does the FOA include such broad eligibility?

The provided description ties broad eligibility to the community and systems-oriented nature of health promotion research, where interventions are often developed and tested in partnership with schools, community programs, health systems, and public health agencies.

When was this opportunity posted, and what is its status?

The opportunity was posted on February 21, 2007. It listed multiple receipt dates, with a final closing date of May 7, 2010, and it was archived on June 7, 2010.

Where can someone find the full text of the historical announcement?

The FOA indicates that the full text and requirements can be found at the NIH Grants Guide link associated with PA-07-225.

What does the FOA say about clinical trials?

The FOA notes that applicants considering clinical trials should consult NIDCR clinical trials guidance referenced in the announcement. This highlights that trial design and oversight expectations may apply depending on the study.