Behavioral & Social Sciences Research Branch
The NIDCR Behavioral and Social Sciences Research Branch (BSSRB) supports analytical, fundamental, interventional, and translational behavioral and social sciences research consistent with the NIDCR mission to advance knowledge in dental, oral, and craniofacial (DOC) health and to translate these findings into more comprehensive prevention, early detection, treatment, and condition-management strategies that improve overall health and well-being for individuals, groups, and communities across the lifespan.
Health-related issues within the NIDCR mission include, but are not limited to, care delivery to those with birth defects, craniofacial abnormalities, dental caries, interprofessional care, oral hygiene promotion, oral speech pathologies and rehabilitation, pain management, periodontal diseases, social and behavioral genomics, Sjögren’s disease, and temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMDs). Additional chronic conditions that can influence oral, dental, and craniofacial health include arthritis, cancer, dementias, diabetes, inflammation, kidney disease, obesity, and xerostomia (dry mouth). Decades of NIDCR-funded research have revealed the interconnectedness of the mouth and body, with unique opportunities for behavioral and social sciences research projects to bring new insights into the interconnectedness of various systems in the body, as well as better treatments for both oral and systemic diseases.
BSSRB staff serve as program directors and project scientists to research projects in these areas. NIDCR’s collaborative structure facilitates program directors to share expertise across branches and portfolios in the Division of Extramural Research.
- Analytic and Translational Research in Behavioral, Social, and Public Health Program
- Assessment, Technology, and Treatment Outcomes Research Program
- Basic Research in Behavioral, Social, and Biopsychosocial Processes Program
Useful Resources
- NIDCR Grants Process Resources
- NIDCR Extramural Research Grant Programs
- NIDCR Extramural Research Training and Career Development Program
- NIDCR Clinical Researcher Toolkit and Educational Materials
- NIDCR News
- NIH All About Grants Podcast Series
- NIH Central Resource for Grants and Funding Information: How to Apply ‒ Application Guide
- NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts
