Friends of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

The Friends of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a non-profit organization, was established in 1998, for the 50th Anniversary of the NIDCR. The Friends is a broad-based coalition of individuals, institutions and corporations who understand the critical importance of dental, oral and craniofacial research to the health and well-being of people in the U.S. and globally.

For a decade, the Friends have been committed to supporting the NIDCR, a unique institute in the world that supports research and research training. Our membership accomplishes this through a variety of programs and initiatives that are complementary to the work of the NIDCR.

Patient Advocate Organizations know that research will improve the treatment and care of individuals with oral health diseases and conditions;
Corporations understand the importance of supporting the basic research that the NIDCR conducts, as well as learning more about opportunities for technology transfer;
Dental Schools recognize that the NIDCR is the intellectual basis for their professional discipline;
Dental Societies appreciate the strength and effectiveness of a group of organizations speaking as one cohesive voice;
Individuals, including past Grantees and current & past NIDCR Employees, all want to support and give back to the Institute as a token of their appreciation.

Dr. Alan Leshner gives Keynote address at NIDCR's 60th Anniversary Celebration, June 23 2008.
Also, see a collection of photos highlighting NIDCR's history.

What's New

[Nov 1, 2008] NIDCR Funding Update:
[Oct 30, 2008] See the Fall 08 issue of Oral Health Research newsletter.
[September 5, 2008] E-News, September Issue: NIDCR Appropriations - Possible Supplemental Package? And more!
[August 9, 2008] Dr. Harald Löe, Past Director of NIDCR (1983-1994), passed away on August 9 at his home in Norway.
[July 15, 2008] President Bush sends greetings to NIDCR 60th Anniversary -- a huge success!
[July 15, 2008] House Places NIDCR Funding at $403 Million
[April 23, 2008] Oral Health Patient Advocacy Groups Meet in Washington DC, April 21-23.
[April 12, 2008] U.S. Representatives Obey & Simpson visit NIH.
[February 8, 2008] FY09 Funding of NIH & NIDCR Drops Again!
[February 7, 2008] Learn about NIDCR's research, evaluating the prognostic value of TP53 mutations for head-and-neck cancer patients.
[February 7, 2008] National Children’s Dental Health Month. Read “It Shouldn’t Hurt to Smile,” an editorial by Congressman Mike Simpson on the importance of oral healthcare.