Celebrating the Past and Charting the Future of Dental, Oral, & Craniofacial Research

Explore an Interactive Timeline of NIDCR's History

Learn about important events, scientific breakthroughs, and publications.

Marie Ussing Nylen with an electronic microscope

NIDCR at 75: Looking Forward

Watch as NIDCR Director Dr. Rena D'Souza takes us on a tour of the institute's accomplishments and shares her vision for the future.

Past 75th Anniversary Events

Access photos, recordings, and event recaps.

Many individuals gathered in a lecture hall, engaged in a presentation or discussion.

May 16, 2024

NHLBI and NIDCR Joint 75th Anniversary Symposium: The Science that Unites Us
Virtual

NIDCR and NHLBI co-hosted a virtual dual 75th anniversary symposium to showcase the science that unites the two institutes.

Group of professional attendees at a conference.

Mar 13–15, 2024

Symposium Series | Showcasing NIDCR Extramural Research: 75 Years of Excellence
New Orleans, Louisiana

Seven symposia showcased the latest extramural research in key areas of the NIDCR portfolio.

Oct 10–11, 2023

75th Anniversary Trainee Symposium: Celebrating NIDCR Trainees: Past, Present, and Future
Virtual

NIDCR-supported trainees convened for professional development and networking activities.

Two children are standing side by side and looking at the camera while smiling.

Sept 11, 2023

Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome: Celebrating 25 Years of NIDCR Research
NIH Campus

Scientific experts traced 25 years of progress in FD/MAS research.

Jun 27, 2023

NIDCR at 75: Celebrating the Past, Charting the Future
NIH Campus

NIH and scientific leaders and stakeholders covered the institute's vital role in biomedical research.

Pamela Robey, Ph.D. (left) and Lawrence Tabak D.D.S, Ph.D. (right)

Mar 17, 2023

Scientific Strides of the NIDCR: 75 Years and Beyond
Portland, Oregon

Institute scientists and current and former directors discussed scientific milestones.

I Am NIDCR

Get to know NIDCR staff.

Slides

What is your favorite part of working at NIDCR?

"The most rewarding part of my work is seeing how research can change practice and policy to impact the lives of patients."

- Rachel Scheinert, Ph.D. Director, Office of Science Policy and Analysis

What kind of work do you do at NIDCR?

"I am the Institute's data and technology architect, leveraging these assets to advance our knowledge and optimize operations."

- John Prue, Technology Officer, OD

What I like most about working at NIDCR is:

"I love that I’m helping advance oral health for all, which is what I’ve wanted to do since going to dental school."

- Dara Kessler, D.M.D., Chief of Staff, OD

What kind of work do you do at NIDCR?

"I’m researching the role of polysaccharides in oral biofilm formation."

- Lin Shen, Ph.D., Postdoctoral visiting fellow, Structural biochemistry unit

What kind of work do you do at NIDCR?

"I am developing a 3D organ culture model of the minor salivary glands."

- Rachel J. Kulchar, Postbac, NIDCR in Blake Warner’s Lab

Research Vignettes

Snapshots of the science that moves NIDCR forward

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Far from a random grouping of cells, the microbiome community in human dental plaque is well-organized.

Research reveals how oral microbes shape health

Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria (purple) in a human colorectal cancer tumor.

NIDCR illuminates the oral-systemic connection

A colorized scanning electron micrograph of a human oral squamous carcinoma cell, the most common form of head and neck cancer.

Research aims to bring better solutions for head and neck cancer

Watercolor painting esque image of the molars and roots with the purple gums/backdrop

NIDCR’s progress to understand a common condition

Labs at a Glance

Take a peek inside NIDCR's labs.

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Pain really is in your head. Lab chief Dr. Mark Hoon and doctoral student Yizhen Zhang describe their work to understand how the brain modifies pain signals to change our perception of pain under different circumstances. What they learn could help scientists find safer alternatives to opioids for treating pain.

In this video, lab chief Dr. Alison Boyce and staff clinician Dr. Vivian Szymczuk of the Metabolic Bone Disorders Unit talk about the methods their lab uses to understand and test treatments for fibrous dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome, a rare disease of the bones, endocrine system, and skin.

The NIDCR anniversary logo and the Looking Forward tagline are trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Use of this logo and tagline without prior approval by HHS is strictly prohibited.