Ongoing investigations at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), the ADA Health Foundation's Paffenbarger Research Center, the ADA Research Institute and at public and private institutions across the country are leading the way toward a new generation of genetic therapies, tissue repair and improved biomaterials. These innovations will aid in fighting not only oral disease but also numerous other diseases and disorders. According to the NIDCR, advanced in dental research continue to save Americans $4 billion a year. Maintaining a strong, viable and independent NIDCR is vital to the National Institutes of Health remaining the jewel in the crown of American biomedical research.

Advances in dental and craniofacial research do not seem to be limited to the above-mentioned innovations in patient care.