Science & Research
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.
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+ Individuals
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, we 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 State of Veteran Oral Health in Iowa: Understanding Outcomes and Opportunities for Improving Oral Health and Well-Being for Iowa Veterans.
AIDPH and Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation
Oral Health is Essential to Veteran Productivity and Well-Being
AIDPH and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
Improving Knowledge, Comfort, and Attitudes for LGBTQIA+ Clinical Care and Dental Education
AIDPH Research Team
A Compendium of Veteran Oral Health Best, Promising, and Emerging Practice Approaches
AIDPH Research Team and the National Network for Oral Health Access