Dental Primary Care Practice-Based Research Network: Coordinating Center
Can you apply?
This grant is for dental research institutions and organizations interested in establishing or operating a coordinating center for a practice-based research network (PBRN) focused on primary dental care. Eligible applicants typically include academic dental institutions, dental schools, research hospitals, and established dental research organizations. The program supports the infrastructure and coordination activities necessary to connect multiple dental practices into a functional research network that conducts pragmatic, practice-based research. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage research coordination, data management, and multi-site collaboration. Organizations must have appropriate administrative and financial management systems in place. The grant funds the coordination center itself rather than individual practice sites, with a focus on building sustainable research networks that improve dental health outcomes through evidence-based practice.
Key dates
- Aug 28, 2025 Applications open
- Jun 5, 2026 Application deadline in 4 days
- Apr 30, 2027 Award announced
- May 1, 2027 Project start
This grant is for dental research institutions and organizations interested in establishing or operating a coordinating center for a practice-based research network (PBRN) focused on primary dental care. Eligible applicants typically include academic dental institutions, dental schools, research hospitals, and established dental research organizations. The program supports the infrastructure and coordination activities necessary to connect multiple dental practices into a functional research network that conducts pragmatic, practice-based research. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage research coordination, data management, and multi-site collaboration. Organizations must have appropriate administrative and financial management systems in place. The grant funds the coordination center itself rather than individual practice sites, with a focus on building sustainable research networks that improve dental health outcomes through evidence-based practice.
Program description
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to promote practice-based research through a Dental Primary Care Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN). This NOFO will invite applications for a Coordinating Center, to support the infrastructure for the planning and implementation of multiple observational studies and clinical trials, together with an Administrative and Resource Center, described in a separate companion NOFO. Supported studies will focus on integrating oral health care into medical care (whole-person health). The Coordinating Center will be responsible for managing the network membership database and developing and maintaining centralized data management systems that utilize flexible and innovative technologies for electronic data capture, including collecting research participant data independent of in-office visits. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. Investigators with expertise in data coordination/management and conducting clinical research in practice-based research settings are encouraged to apply. NIDCR is authorized to forecast this opportunity under the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C §§ 241 and 284) and federal regulations (42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for dental research institutions and organizations interested in establishing or operating a coordinating center for a practice-based research network (PBRN) focused on primary dental care. Eligible applicants typically include academic dental institutions, dental schools, research hospitals, and established dental research organizations. The program supports the infrastructure and coordination activities necessary to connect multiple dental practices into a functional research network that conducts pragmatic, practice-based research. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to manage research coordination, data management, and multi-site collaboration. Organizations must have appropriate administrative and financial management systems in place. The grant funds the coordination center itself rather than individual practice sites, with a focus on building sustainable research networks that improve dental health outcomes through evidence-based practice.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) - Application for Federal Assistance
- Project narrative describing the coordinating center's mission, research priorities, and network management approach
- Detailed budget and budget justification covering all five years (or project period)
- Biographical sketches of key personnel (NIH form)
- Data management and sharing plan
- Letters of commitment from participating dental practices and partner institutions
- Institutional support letter confirming administrative and financial management capacity
- References and citations to relevant dental practice-based research literature
Program contact
- 👤 Dena Fischer, DDS, MSD, MS
- 📧 dena.fischer@nih.gov
- 📞 301-594-4876
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.121 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$443,702,768
-
$32,310,944
-
$31,252,186
-
$29,535,192
-
$23,987,187
-
$23,513,241
-
$18,362,716
-
$16,829,492
-
$15,691,075
-
$14,460,130
Top States by Funding
- WA 2 awards $451.4M
- CA 13 awards $134.6M
- MI 4 awards $75.8M
- PA 4 awards $67.6M
- MA 5 awards $39.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.121). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $319,987,302 | |
| 2025 | $332,151,837 | |
| 2026 est. | $337,316,521 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Eligible applicants typically include academic dental institutions, dental schools, research hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations with demonstrated capacity to manage a coordinating center for a multi-site research network.
What activities does this grant support?
The grant supports coordination center operations including data management systems, research protocol development, multi-site collaboration infrastructure, investigator training, and network dissemination activities.
Is this competitive funding?
Yes, this is a highly competitive NIH program. Success requires a strong track record in dental research, demonstrated ability to manage multi-site networks, and clear significance of the research questions to be addressed.
What is the typical project period and funding range?
NIH grants in this program typically offer multi-year funding. Specific amounts vary, but coordinating center grants commonly range from $300,000 to $600,000+ annually, depending on network complexity and scope.
When are applications due?
Check the NIH grants website or email announcement for specific submission deadlines. NIH typically has multiple submission dates throughout the year for continuing programs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate the research questions and clinical outcomes that your practice-based research network will address, grounded in gaps in dental science and practice variation.
- Demonstrate robust partnerships with multiple dental practices and stakeholders who have committed to participate in the network and co-develop research priorities.
- Detail your data management and governance infrastructure, including how you will handle multi-site data security, quality assurance, and compliance with HIPAA and other regulations.
- Show your organization's experience with prior research network coordination, multi-site management, or similar large-scale collaborative projects.
- Include a realistic budget that fully accounts for staff, technology systems, regulatory compliance, investigator training, and dissemination activities needed to sustain the coordinating center.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because they lack strong preliminary evidence that the proposed research network addresses significant clinical questions affecting dental practice. Many applicants underestimate the infrastructure, staffing, and technology investments required to manage a multi-site network effectively. Weak or unconfirmed partnerships with dental practices significantly reduce competitiveness; reviewers want documented commitments from practice sites, not vague letters of support.
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