Ann Arbor, MI — March 7, 2012 — The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is once again ranked first among dental schools nationwide in grants awarded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research during the federal government’s 2011 fiscal year (October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011). 

NIDCR figures show the School was awarded $11.27 million for the 12-month period.  In FY 2011, NIDCR awarded more than $150.8 million to 49 dental schools nationwide.  The grants continue the School’s long-term trend of being among the top five in the country receiving NIDCR funding.  (See chart.)

Dean Peter Polverini said “funding to support research and discovery at the School of Dentistry is an imperative.  Our ongoing leadership in dentistry and dental education is reflected in the confidence NIDCR has in us, our scientists, and the work they do to advance the science of dentistry and promote discoveries to improve oral and general health.”

School of Dentistry faculty receiving NIDCR funding focus research in areas that include gene therapy for reconstructing oral tissues, cell death pathways in oral tissues and oral cancer, oral cancer prevention in underserved communities, tissue regeneration, scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, oral health disparities, interactions between oral health and systemic health, and other areas.