NIDCR sponsors a K99/R00 award program limited to dentist-scientists possessing both a D.D.S./D.M.D. clinical degree and a Ph.D. (or equivalent) research degree. This program is similar to the standard NIH-wide K99/R00 program, but has several unique features.
- For this award mechanism, the mentored K99 phase is required to last two full years.
- In addition, awardees who are offered independent positions in a U.S. dental school in conjunction with a dental specialty training program will be allowed to request up to 5 years of R00 phase support. In such cases, the specialty training program must be structured so that no more than the equivalent of 3 calendar person months (i.e. 25% effort) in any year is devoted to clinical activities; at least the equivalent of 9 calendar person months (i.e. 75% effort) each year must comprise protected research time.
- NIDCR will not provide funding for the clinical specialty training; the dental school hiring the R00 awardee will be expected to support such training. Letters specifying this commitment will be required as part of the application to transition to the R00 phase.
- Dual degree dentist scientists who do not intend to pursue specialty training or those who complete the mentored postdoctoral phase and then elect not to participate in specialty training are still eligible for this award, but are limited to three years of R00 support.
Read the success stories of NIDCR K99/R00 Pathway to Independence awardees and refer to the FAQs for more information.
