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NIDCR Dual Degree Dentist Scientist Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

US · US National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grant open #PAR-25-333
Response due May 07, 2028 · 00:00 UTC

Summary

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), a component of NIH/HHS, is offering the K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award targeting dual-degree dentist-scientists. This funding mechanism is designed to support early-stage dental research scientists in transitioning from mentored (K99) to independent (R00) research phases. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this award. The opportunity is posted as a Program Announcement with Review (PAR-25-333) and remains open for submissions through May 2028.

What they want

The award provides a two-phase career development mechanism for dual-degree dentist-scientists: (1) a mentored K99 phase supporting supervised research training, and (2) an independent R00 phase supporting the awardee's transition to an independent faculty research position. Applicants must propose basic, translational, or clinical research within NIDCR's mission areas (dental, oral, and craniofacial health). Clinical trials are not permitted under this announcement. Awardees are expected to conduct original scientific research, publish findings, and establish an independent research program.
Deliverables
  • Completion of mentored K99 research phase
  • Transition to independent R00 research phase
  • Original scientific research publications
  • Establishment of an independent research program within NIDCR mission areas
Technical requirements
  • Applicant must hold a dual degree (e.g., DDS/PhD or DMD/PhD or equivalent)
  • Clinical trials are not allowed under this award mechanism
  • Research must fall within NIDCR mission areas (dental, oral, and craniofacial health)
  • K99 phase requires a mentored research environment
  • R00 phase requires transition to an independent faculty or research position
Key personnel
  • Principal Investigator (dual-degree dentist-scientist)
  • Mentor (for K99 mentored phase)

How they evaluate

  • Scientific and technical merit of proposed research
  • Qualifications and potential of the applicant
  • Quality of the mentoring environment (K99 phase)
  • Relevance to NIDCR mission
  • Feasibility and innovation of research plan
Submission: Electronic submission via Grants.gov and NIH eRA Commons

Eligibility & certifications

Dual professional/research degree (e.g., DDS/PhD, DMD/PhD, or equivalent)SAM.gov registration (for applicant institution)NIH eRA Commons account

Risks & flags

  • Requirement for a dual degree (DDS/PhD, DMD/PhD) significantly narrows the eligible applicant pool
  • Long open window (nearly 3 years) with rolling submissions may favor institutions with established NIH relationships
  • Highly specialized focus on dentist-scientists may effectively limit competition to a small number of research-intensive dental schools

Market context

inferred from NAICS
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
NAICS 541714
US market size
$2.0T
Typical award
$25K – $50M
Typical buyers
All federal civilianDoDStates
Commonly required
8(a)WOSBSDVOSBPE/PMP

Sector-level estimate — full code lookup not yet in catalog.

NIDCR Dual Degree Dentist Scientist Pathwa…
Due May 07
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