The National Center for Dental Hygiene Research was initially funded in 1993 through a 3-year grant from the Bureau of Health Professions (BHP), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Development of the Center has been based on a collaborative model that brings teams of researchers, educators and clinicians together from across the country to develop and conduct studies related to national dental hygiene research priorities. A national panel of dental hygiene leaders and accomplished researchers serve in an advisory capacity.

In 1995, a second 3-year grant from the BHP for development of a knowledgebase and communications system, the DHNet, and training in its use was funded. Dental hygiene researchers, educators and practitioners serve on an advisory board for this grant as well.

Mission of the National Center for Dental Hygiene Research

The mission of the National Center for Dental Hygiene Research is to foster the development, organization and dissemination of oral health research and to build a strong scientific basis for dental hygiene practice that will improve the health of the public. Three goals and 10 objectives support this mission.