One of the seven priority areas for action in oral health is to improve the research, monitoring and evaluation of oral health, and oral health services. While many of the challenges for oral health in New Zealand are similar to those in other western countries, it is important to understand our context for the issues, and to monitor and evaluate efforts to reduce inequalities in oral health, improve the workforce, and deliver appropriate oral health services and oral health promotion programmes.

For this purpose, in 2007, the Ministry of Health established a funding programme of $100,000 per annum for the next three years. Priority is given to oral health research that targets children and adolescents; people of all ages with physical, intellectual, behavioural, or cognitive disabilities, or who are medically compromised; people experiencing inequalities of outcome (e.g. Maori, Pacific and low-income populations); and older adults. Research could also focus on promoting oral health, building links with primary care and building the oral health workforce.

Applications for the 2010 research awards round close on 30 April, 2010.

If you are interested in applying for the next grant round, please view the links below.