Research Education in Oral Health Sciences

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Project Summary/ Abstract A diverse oral health care workforce of both clinicians and researchers has been repeatedly called for. The absence of such diversity and its relationship to oral health disparities has been recognized as a persistent problem. Further, “the NIH recognizes that achieving diversity in the biomedical research workforce is critical to the full realization of our national research goals and is the best interest of our country”. The long-term goal is a sustainable summer research education program, Research Education in Oral Health Sciences (REOHs), that stimulates trainees and provides mentorship support for students to pursue future training opportunities in oral health research. The overall objectives in this application are to (i) encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue further studies or careers in oral health research; and (ii) foster a better understanding of biomedical, behavioral and clinical research and its implications. The rationale for this proposed program is that early exposure increases interest and consideration of health science careers. The overall objectives will be pursued through three specific aims: 1) Develop, implement, and evaluate, and sustain a 9-week comprehensive summer program that provides hands-on exposure to research and supports participants’ scientific and career development; 2) Recruit, enroll and retain a cohort of 8-10 high school and undergraduate student participants, annually, that are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences and oral health professions; and 3) Evaluate the effectiveness of the REOHS program. The proposed program will emphasize translational science principles and education of social determinants of health. Ultimately, the proposed summer research education program, REOHS, has the potential to enhance the training of an oral health workforce to meet the nation’s biomedical, behavioral and clinical research needs.