Dental Primary Care Practice-Based Research Network: Clinical Trial or Observational Study Planning and Implementation Cooperative Agreement

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has forecasted a funding opportunity for a cooperative agreement supporting clinical trial or observational study planning and implementation within a Dental Primary Care Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN). This funding opportunity is designated PAR-26-052 and is part of the federal government’s continued investment in oral health research under Assistance Listing 93.121, Oral Diseases and Disorders Research. The program is intended to strengthen the integration of oral health into broader health care systems by supporting studies that utilize a network of dental primary care practices. The purpose of this opportunity is to provide resources and infrastructure for oral health practitioners and researchers to collaborate on clinical trials and large-scale observational studies in real-world dental care settings. Supported projects are expected to explore methods for integrating oral health into whole-person health approaches, which may include screening for systemic health conditions, assessing health behaviors during dental visits, and facilitating appropriate medical referrals for follow-up care. By engaging practicing dental professionals and their patients in research, this initiative aims to generate meaningful data that can inform both clinical practices and public health strategies for improving overall health outcomes. The cooperative agreements funded under this program will enable investigators to design, plan, and implement studies through the Dental Primary Care PBRN. The network will provide access to participating dental practices and their patient populations, ensuring that the studies reflect real-world contexts and challenges. Applicants are expected to propose studies that leverage the strengths of practice-based research, emphasizing the feasibility of implementing clinical trials or observational studies across diverse dental care settings. Eligibility for this forecasted opportunity is broad and includes state and local governments, independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), for-profit organizations, small businesses, tribal governments, tribal organizations, and public housing authorities. Additional eligible applicants include U.S. territories or possessions, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, and agencies of the federal government. This wide eligibility is designed to encourage multidisciplinary collaborations across academic, governmental, and community-based institutions. As this is currently a forecasted opportunity, applications are not being accepted at this time. The estimated posting date is March 2, 2026, with applications due by September 7, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by April 30, 2027, with projects starting on May 1, 2027. Three awards are anticipated, although specific funding amounts such as ceiling, floor, and total program funding have not yet been released. Importantly, there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants. Investigators with relevant expertise in clinical trials or observational studies in practice-based research are encouraged to begin forming collaborations to prepare for the formal release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The NIDCR provides oversight for this initiative under its statutory authority through the Public Health Service Act and associated federal regulations. The designated point of contact for inquiries regarding this funding opportunity is Dena Fischer, DDS, MSD, MS, who may be reached at 301-594-4876 or by email at dena.fischer@nih.gov. This forecast notice provides an early signal to the research community, allowing sufficient time to develop high-quality proposals that align with NIDCR’s goals of improving oral health research and advancing its integration with broader health care.