Research
& Impact
A Community-Engaged
Research Model
To authentically demonstrate shared investment and equitable power dynamics with our research partners, AIDPH employs a community-engaged research model. This method integrates the knowledge, expertise, technical skills, and research capacity of AIDPH with the lived experiences, established trust, and representation from the communities directly benefiting. Through this collaborative approach, our community research partners actively co-design research strategies, co-own the collected data, contribute to publications, and receive support for implementing community-driven initiatives.
New from AIDPH: A National Oral Health Research Agenda
AIDPH has developed a national research agenda and call to action for the oral health community. Developed collaboratively by the AIDPH’s Oral Health Community Advisory Board and the Oral Health Community Engaged Research Task Force (OHCER), this publication features national survey research that informed more than 80 research questions and priorities for patient-centered CER and community-engaged research in oral health.
The purpose of this report is to outline a community-developed national research agenda for oral health. The primary aims include:
- Provide clear, actionable strategies for building patient-centered CER through community-engaged oral health research.
- Create a launching point for clinical, population, and community-based oral health research that reduces disparities and improves health outcomes.
- Establish a framework for meaningful and equitable engagement in CER, particularly for rural communities, veterans, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
Areas of Research Focus
Veterans
A profound lack of access and resulting disparity drives AIDPH to respond with a multi-faceted approach to advancing equitable oral health for veterans.
LGBTQIA+ People
AIDPH’s research looked at oral health access and outcomes for LGBTQIA+ people and ways providers and educators can improve knowledge, comfort, and attitudes for this group.
Rural Communities
AIDPH is committed to bridging the vast oral health divide that leaves those living in rural communities underserved and overlooked.
People With Disabilities
Recognizing that disabilities can range widely in type and severity, AIDPH prioritize inclusive research and education initiatives designed to break down barriers and tailor care to individual needs.
Workforce Development
AIDPH has developed programming and scientific activities to support an equitable oral health worki force. In 2022, we expanded our research to explore changes in workforce trends between dental providers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applied Research
AIDPH identifies barriers within the dental peer-reviewed publication process that slow the translation of research into implementation. We implement solutions including action-oriented tools to ensure that research findings connect to real-world results.
Recent Publications
The Landscape of Dental Care for People with Intellectual and Development Disabilities in Tennessee
AIDPH and Harmony Health
Executive Summary: The Landscape of Dental Care for People with Intellectual and Development Disabilities in Tennessee
AIDPH and Harmony Health
Strengthening State Medicaid Advocacy for People with Disabilities Toolkit: Section 3 — Using Data for Policy Change
AIDPH and the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
How socioeconomic and structural barriers influence dental care among transgender people
The Journal of Public Health Dentistry