Research (OER)
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
and Human Services (HHS)
INDIVIDUAL DENTIST SCIENTIST AWARD
NIH GUIDE, Volume 23, Number 18, May 13, 1994
PA NUMBER: PAR-94-065
P.T. 34
Keywords:
Oral Diseases
Biomedical Research, Multidiscipl
National Institute of Dental Research
PURPOSE
The National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR) re-announces the
availability of individual Dentist Scientist Awards in basic
biomedical, behavioral and clinical oral health research, which were
initiated nine years ago. Several changes have been introduced in
the policies and provisions governing these awards, which are
effective for applications for the June 1, 1994, and later receipt
dates and will apply to all appointments made on or after March 1,
1995. Dentists previously eligible for Physician Scientist Awards
for Dentists (K11), now are eligible for K15s. The NIDR will no
longer accept K11 applications. Existing policies and provisions
will remain in effect for current appointees until completion of
their five years career development. This Program Announcement (PA)
supersedes all previous K11 and K15 announcements.
The purpose of the K15 is to develop outstanding clinician research
scientists. It will provide doctoral (Ph.D.) basic science and
research experiences to facilitate transition to a research career.
Advanced clinical knowledge and skills development in a recognized
clinical specialty or equivalent discipline, will be provided for
Dentist Scientist appointees (DSAs) who have not undergone such
development. It is anticipated that most graduates will undertake
two or more years of post-Ph.D. research development to complete
their preparation for an independent research career.
Research career development must be relevant to the goals of the NIDR
including: research on the causes, epidemiology, prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of dental caries, periodontal and soft tissue
diseases, oral cancer, oral manifestations of AIDS, and craniofacial
anomalies; orofacial pain; temporomandibular disorders; structure and
function of teeth, jaws, oral mucosa, bone, connective tissue,
salivary glands; behavioral, social, economic and cultural factors
related to oral diseases and disorders; biomaterials; fluoride and
nutrition; and research on older Americans, gender differences,
minorities, those with medical problems and handicaps, and
individuals and groups at high-risk for oral health problems.
HEALTHY PEOPLE 2000
The Public Health Service is committed to achieving the health
promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2000,"
a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This PA,
Individual Dentist Scientist Award, is related to the priority area
of oral health. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy
People 2000" (Full Report: Stock No. 017-001-00474-0 or Summary:
Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) from the Superintendent of Documents,
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (telephone
202/783-3238).
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applications may be submitted on behalf of dentists, by domestic,
public or private dental schools or institutions affiliated with a
dental school. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizen nationals, or have
been lawfully admitted for permanent residence and possess an Alien
Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or I-551). Noncitizen nationals,
although not U.S. citizens, owe permanent allegiance to the U.S.
They are generally born in lands which are not states but are under
U.S. sovereignty, jurisdiction, or administration. Dentists on
temporary or student visas are not eligible.
Applicants holding a D.D.S. or equivalent degree are eligible.
Preference will be given to applicants with advanced clinical
knowledge and skills in a recognized dental specialty or who have
received two or more years of formal post-D.D.S. clinical development
in a non-specialty recognized field. Dentists without advanced
clinical knowledge and skills are eligible but are encouraged to seek
appointment to NIDR sponsored institutional Dentist Scientist Award
(K16) programs. Dentists with advanced clinical knowledge and
skills, but wishing to develop such competence in another clinical
area, those without or not wishing to pursue clinical knowledge and
skills development, and those with a Ph.D. in another area may
request the NIDR to consider their eligibility.
Former principal investigators on NIH research project (R01), FIRST
(R29), sub-projects of program project (P01) or center grants (P50),
or the equivalent, are not eligible.
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
Awards in response to this PA will use the NIH K15. Planning,
direction, and execution of the program will be the responsibility of
the DSA and mentor on behalf of the applicant institution. The
project period must be five years. Awards are not renewable.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
A. Environment: The institution must have well-established research
and clinical career development programs and qualified faculty in
clinical and basic research to serve as mentors. The DSA, mentor and
institution must develop innovative multidisciplinary programs to
maximize the available research and educational resources.
B. Program: The award provides five consecutive 12 month
appointments. At least 80 percent of the DSA's effort must be
devoted to the program and the remainder devoted to other clinical
and teaching pursuits consonant with the objectives of the award.
The program must meet the unique needs of the DSA and provide
requisite competencies. There will be two or three distinct,
integrated components: basic science, supervised research, and, for
some, advanced clinical knowledge and skills development. No
component can be offered in isolation from the other(s). The basic
science component must develop knowledge and research skills in
scientific areas relevant to oral health and include didactic and
laboratory experiences consistent with the applicant institution's
Ph.D. requirements and the objectives of the award. The research
experience must use basic or clinical approaches to oral health
problems, comparable to a doctoral program. The advanced clinical
development must ensure acquisition of clinical knowledge and skills
in either a recognized clinical specialty or equivalent dental
clinical discipline. These are not limited to the eight dental
specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. If
specialty certification is possible, the certificate is not to be
conferred until program completion.
C. Mentor(s): The DSA must be closely supervised throughout the
five year program by mentors with basic and clinical specialty
research and career development experience. The primary mentor is
usually the doctoral thesis advisor. Where feasible, women and
minority mentors should be involved as role models.
D. Duration, Effort, and Allowable Costs:
1. Salary: The NIDR will provide salary up to the amounts listed
below, starting at $26,500 for 0 years relevant experience, with four
percent annual increases thereafter, up to a maximum of $39,226. The
salary must not exceed institutional salaries provided from its own
funds to other staff or faculty with equivalent qualifications, rank,
and responsibility in the department concerned. Fringe benefits will
be provided. The scale extends up to 10 years to give credit for
relevant postdoctoral experience including: research, including
industrial; teaching; residency; clinical practice; or time spent in
a health-related field beyond the doctoral degree.
Number of Years Experience Salary (maximum
provided by the NIDR)
0 $26,500
1 $27,560
2 $28,662
3 $29,808
4 $31,000
5 $32,240
6 $33,530
7 $34,871
8 $36,266
9 $37,717
10 or more $39,226
Salaries may be supplemented from non-Federal funds. Other NIH funds
may not provide additional salary. Non-NIH Federal funds may not
supplement salary unless authorized under terms of the program. An
individual may use Federal educational loan funds or Department of
Veterans' Affairs benefits when permitted by those programs. Under
no circumstance may the condition of salary supplementation detract
from or prolong the program.
2. Provisions must be made for support of a DSA choosing clinical
specialties that require more than two years of clinical knowledge
and skills development.
3. Research Development Support (RDS): $15,000 per year will be
allowed for the following expenses: (a) tuition, fees, and books
related to career development; (b) research expenses, such as
supplies, equipment and technical personnel; (c) DSA travel to
research meetings or training; (d) statistical services including
personnel and computer time. Authorization to use RDS funds for
other purposes may be requested from the NIDR.
4. Authorization may be requested from the NIDR to carry over
unobligated funds from one budget period to the next; for example,
for support of a DSA's salary and RDS for up to 12 months beyond the
standard five years to permit completion of the program.
5. Ancillary Personnel Support: Salary for mentors, secretarial and
administrative assistance, etc., is not allowed.
6. Indirect costs - reimbursement of actual indirect costs at a rate
up to, but not exceeding, eight percent of the total direct costs,
exclusive of tuition, fees and equipment, is allowed.
E. Concurrent Awards: DSAs are encouraged to seek support for a
post-Ph.D. experience after completion of the K15 program, ideally at
another institution. During the final one to two years of their
program, they may apply for a post-Ph.D., National Research Service
Award (NRSA) individual fellowship (F32), apply for appointment to a
NIDR sponsored NRSA institutional postdoctoral training program
(T32), or arrange for other support from the NIH or from
nongovernmental sources sufficient to ensure two or more years of
post-Ph.D. training and career development. If such support becomes
effective prior to completion of the K15 program, it may be used
without reduction in the annual RDS from the award.
F. Evaluation: For ten years after leaving the program, the DSA and
mentor must update the NIDR annually of the DSA's employment history,
publications, participation in research grants or contracts, honors
and awards, professional activities, and other information helpful in
evaluating the impact of the program.
STUDY POPULATIONS
INCLUSION OF WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN
SUBJECTS
It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups
and their subpopulations must be included in all NIH supported
biomedical and behavioral research projects involving human subjects,
unless a clear and compelling rationale and justification is provided
that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the
subjects or the purpose of the research. This new policy results
from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law
103-43) and supersedes and strengthens the previous policies
(Concerning the Inclusion of Women in Study Populations, and
Concerning the Inclusion of Minorities in Study Populations) which
have been in effect since 1990. The new policy contains some new
provisions that are substantially different from the 1990 policies.
All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should
read the "NIH Guidelines For Inclusion of Women and Minorities as
Subjects in Clinical Research," which have been published in the
Federal Register of March 9, 1994 (FR 59 11146-11151), and reprinted
in the NIH GUIDE FOR GRANTS AND CONTRACTS of March 18, 1994, Volume
23, Number 11.
Investigators may obtain copies from these sources or from the
program staff or contact person listed below. Program staff may also
provide additional relevant information concerning the policy.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
It is strongly recommended that prospective applicants contact Dr.
Valega at the address listed under INQUIRIES early in the planning
phase of application preparation. Such contact may help ensure that
applications are responsive to this PA.
Applications are to be submitted on form PHS 398 (rev. 9/91) and will
be accepted on or before the receipt deadlines indicated in the
application kit (February 1, June 1, and October 1). Forms are
available at most institutional offices of sponsored research; the
Office of Grants Information, Division of Research Grants, National
Institutes of Health, 5333 Westbard Avenue, Room 449, Bethesda, MD
20892, telephone (301) 710-0267, and from Dr. Valega.
Provide information establishing a serious commitment to oral health
research and a high potential to develop into an independent
investigator. Summarize immediate and long-term career objectives,
explaining how the award would contribute to their attainment.
Include three sealed letters of recommendation addressing the
applicant's potential for a research career.
Describe the basic science component, including didactic and
laboratory experiences, and arrangements for acceptance in the
graduate school doctoral program. The research experience may use a
basic or clinical science approach to oral health problems.
When appropriate, describe the advanced clinical component to acquire
knowledge and skills in either a recognized clinical specialty or
other equivalent dental clinical discipline. Indicate clinical
disciplines and degree certifications to be pursued. Selections may
not be changed without NIDR approval.
The applicant and mentor together must describe the research plan as
outlined on pages 19-24 of form PHS 398, Specific Aims, Background
and Significance, Progress Report/Preliminary Studies, Research
Design and Methods. Typically, it is what is required for a doctoral
degree. The plan should be as detailed as possible, especially for
applicants who will not be pursuing the advanced clinical component.
Applicants who will be pursuing the clinical component, where it may
be premature to provide detailed plans, must discuss the area,
feasibility, relevance, and significance of the anticipated research.
In this case, the DSA will be required to submit, for NIDR approval,
a detailed description of the proposed research as soon as feasible
after appointment but no later than the midpoint of the program.
Applications must include plans for instruction in the responsible
conduct of research, including the rationale, subject matter,
appropriateness, format, frequency and duration of instruction; and
the amount and nature of faculty participation. No award will be
made if an application lacks this component.
Budget requests must be provided according to the instructions in
form PHS 398. The RDS requested for tuition and fees, books, travel,
etc., must be specified by category.
To identify the application as a response to this PA, check "YES" on
item 2a of page 1 of the application and enter "PA-94-065, Individual
Dentist Scientist Award."
Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application with
Checklist, and three signed photocopies, in one package to:
Division of Research Grants
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
Bethesda, MD 20892-4500**
At the time of submission, two additional copies, together with three
sealed letters of reference, must be sent to:
H. George Hausch, Ph.D.
Extramural Program
National Institute of Dental Research
Westwood Building, Room 519
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 594-7632
REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS
Applications will be reviewed for completeness, and responsiveness to
the PA, by NIDR staff. Incomplete or nonresponsive applications will
be returned to the applicant without further consideration.
Remaining applications may be subjected to triage by the NIDR Special
Grants Review Committee to determine their merit, relative to others
received in response to the PA. The NIDR may withdraw applications
judged to be noncompetitive and notify the applicant. Applications
judged to be competitive will be evaluated for scientific and
technical merit by the review committee. The following review
criteria will be applied:
o Applicant: Clinical and scientific knowledge and experience;
potential and commitment to a career as an independent researcher.
o Environment: Institutional commitment and ability to provide
research development opportunities; collaboration between basic and
clinical departments; availability of facilities, equipment, clinical
resources and research support.
o The Basic Science, Clinical and Research Career Development
Program: Its structure and the quality of each component;
integration of the components; relationships among clinical and basic
science departments and the graduate school in the design and conduct
of the program; degree requirements; types of specialty development;
availability of prescribed and optional courses or seminars;
procedures for selecting research activities and monitoring progress;
and the unique and innovative aspects of the program.
o Mentors: Experience in graduate research and clinical career
development; accomplishments in research; and current and pending
research grant holdings; time commitment for the duration of the
program.
o Responsible Conduct of Research: The quality of instruction.
Secondary review will be by the National Advisory Research Council.
AWARD CRITERIA
The NIDR will notify the applicant of the Council's action shortly
after its meeting. Funding decisions will be made based on the
Special Grants Review Committee's and Council's recommendations, the
need for research personnel in specific program areas, and the
availability of funds. Preference will be given to otherwise equally
qualified applicants with advanced clinical certification. The NIDR
appreciates the value of complementary funding from other public,
foundation and industry sources, for activities that will complement
and expand those supported by the NIDR.
INQUIRIES
Written and telephone inquiries concerning this PA are encouraged.
The opportunity to clarify any issues or questions from potential
applicants is welcome.
Direct inquiries on programmatic issues to:
Thomas M. Valega, Ph.D.
Extramural Program
National Institute of Dental Research
Westwood Building, Room 503
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 594-7617
FAX: (301) 594-7616
Direct inquiries on fiscal matters to:
Ms. Theresa Ringler
Extramural Program
National Institute of Dental Research
Westwood Building, Room 510
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 594-7629
AUTHORITY AND REGULATIONS
Individual Dentist Scientist Awards are made under the authority of
Title III, Section 301 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act as
amended (Public Law 78-410, as amended, 42 USC 241). The Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 42 Part 52, and Title 45 part 74, are
applicable to this program. This program is described in the Catalog
of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.121. This program is not
subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive
Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review.
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