New JDR Issue Explores Women’s Role in Dental Research

The Journal of Dental Research (JDR) has unveiled a special issue of Advances in Dental Research, titled “Women in Dental, Clinical, and Translational Research.” This supplement highlights findings and discussions from the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) and the Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR).

This initiative, spearheaded by then-AADOCR President Alexandre Vieira, included a two-day event, “Meeting Within a Meeting,” centered on how societal and biological factors uniquely impact women’s health. The sessions delved into disparities in dental and systemic health, aiming to inform future research in these critical areas.

Biological and Social Perspectives on Health Disparities

The first day of the event provided an in-depth look at sex biology and the origins of health disparities among women. Presentations examined the influence of autoimmune diseases, disparities in well-being, and how gender affects temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain.

Dr. Alexandre Vieira emphasized the importance of an integrative approach to research, stating:

“To tackle the gap in understanding how dental disease affects women, a focused approach is needed that integrates principles of genetics, cellular and molecular physiology, and pharmacology into dental research.”

Training and Equity in Health Interventions

Day two shifted focus to practical strategies for incorporating sex as a biological variable in clinical training, improving healthcare access for underserved populations, and addressing health equity. Presentations also highlighted heart disease’s impact on women, underscoring its relevance as a leading cause of death.

The event concluded with actionable recommendations. These included gender-responsive dental care, cultural competence in health education, and the adoption of community-based policies to address oral health disparities. “Intersectionality and targeted interventions are key to reducing inequalities,” the report noted.

Advocating for Holistic Approaches

The discussions underscored that comprehensive oral health promotion for underserved women should integrate preventive care, early intervention, and empowerment through self-care education. Collaborative partnerships between healthcare providers and communities were deemed essential for sustainable change.

About Advances in Dental Research

Advances in Dental Research serves as an online supplement to the Journal of Dental Research. Subscribers to JDR gain full access to these focused research collections, which explore emerging topics in dental and oral health.

About the Journal of Dental Research

The Journal of Dental Research is a multidisciplinary publication dedicated to advancing knowledge across all dental sciences. It is edited by Nicholas Jakubovics of Newcastle University, England. For more information, visit the JDR website or follow them on Twitter at @JDentRes.

About IADR/AADOCR

The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and its largest division, AADOCR, are committed to fostering innovation in dental, oral, and craniofacial health research. Through initiatives like this special issue, they aim to drive global health and well-being. Learn more at www.iadr.org.