NIDCR Launches New Dental Public Health Research Training Program

NIDCR is pleased to announce a new dental public health research training program for dentists. The full-time, three-year fellowship on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD, will equip dental professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to initiate and conduct impactful population-level oral health research that improves the well-being of individuals and communities.

“To achieve NIDCR’s goal of improving oral health for all, it is critical to develop and retain experts with the appropriate skills to conduct relevant oral health research in an increasingly complex environment,” says NIDCR Director Rena D’Souza. “By drawing from the unparalleled resources at NIH, this program will continue this institute’s rich history of supporting a diverse pipeline of critical thinkers and thought leaders for years to come.”

The fellowship includes a one-year residency in dental public health, followed by two years of mentored postdoctoral-level training, with the fellow able to choose from several important research areas related to oral health and to receive mentorship from NIDCR and non-NIDCR staff. Training is designed to fulfill the advanced dental education requirements for the specialty of dental public health, helping fellows to become eligible to challenge the American Board of Dental Public Health examination process for specialty certification in dental public health.

All application materials must be submitted by November 17, 2021. The full-time fellowship will begin in July of 2022. A stipend is available for eligible fellows and there is no tuition. To learn more about the program, including admissions requirements, application instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Dental Public Health Research Fellowship page.