NIDCR DIR Clinical Training

National Institute Of Dental & Craniofacial Research

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The NIDCR DIR Clinical Research Fellowship program is a merit-based fellowship training program that teaches trainees to design and conduct the highest quality scientific studies to expand the contributions of the oral health sciences to biomedical research. In FY2025, the NIDCR DIR Clinical Research Fellowship program supported the training of 6 dentist-scientists in clinical and translational research studying diseases of the craniofacial systems: Drs. David Fraser, Azeez Alade, Natalie Atyeo, Michael Miao, Leah Leinbach, and Rafaela Salbego. Educational activities included the weekly hybrid Dental Clinical Case Conferences featuring clinical and translational science relevant to Dental, Oral and Craniofacial research. There is a focus on scientifically valid, measurable health outcomes in autoimmune diseases and craniofacial anomalies. Trainees attended national research meetings where they presented data and engaged in professional development. The trainees also attended NIH-wide Seminars including the Clinical Research Seminars, Excellence through Clinical Education Lectureship (ExCEL), Morbidity and Mortality Rounds, Clinical Center Grand Rounds and Great Teachers lectures. The trainees have continued to participate in the NIH-Duke Masters Program in Clinical Research. The Clinical Research Fellows highlighted the ongoing clinical research at NIDCR internal seminars and several clinical research training opportunities at the NIDCR and NIH. The training Director, Dr. Jacqueline Mays, met with interested applicants who are considering the fellowship throughout the year but not at the American Association of Dental and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) annual session in March 2025. One fellow completed the program this year and will continue with her research project at the NIDCR. Two new fellows joined the program in 2025. Dr. Leah Leinbach transferred from the Dental Public Health Residency in early 2025, and Dr. Rafaela Salbego joined the program in July 2025. The fellows continue to apply for mentored grants (ie K-awards) to support their transition to independent clinical research and faculty positions and other awards such as the competitive loan repayment program. The fellows continue to be competitive for academic faculty positions and NIH Intramural research opportunities.