Scientific Conference Grant to fund a meeting of experts to discuss the oral health effects of tobacco products. - Project Summary/Abstract
Scientific research on the health effects of tobacco products is crucial to the Center for Tobacco Products
(CTP) mission of reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases. The health effects of tobacco products on
the oral cavity are often overlooked even though this is the primary route of administration of tobacco products.
The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) is a non-profit scientific association dedicated to
advancing research and increasing knowledge for the improvement of oral health and to facilitating the
communication and application of research findings. In accordance with the congruent missions of AADR and
CTP, AADR is organizing an in-person scientific conference entitled, “Oral Health Effects of Tobacco Products:
Science and Regulatory Policy”. The conference will be held on February 6, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency
Bethesda. The primary objectives of this conference are to provide scientific information about the oral health
effects of tobacco products to support the regulatory and public health missions of CTP and to facilitate
communication between scientists and tobacco product regulators. Proceedings from this conference will serve
as health promotion materials to encourage cessation and deter initiation of tobacco product use. Conference
sessions will be organized around the tobacco products regulated by CTP: smoked/combustible tobacco,
smokeless tobacco, and electronic nicotine delivery systems. Each session will include 2-4 speakers followed
by a panel discussion. Speakers will address claims of reduced risk from use of certain tobacco products and
identify gaps in tobacco product oral health research that need to be addressed to aid the regulatory mission of
CTP. Speakers will include experts in tobacco products and oral biology. A representative from CTP will
provide a regulatory policy perspective. A representative from the National Maternal and Child Oral Health
Resource Center will guide a discussion on the feasibility of an online resource for the oral health effects of
tobacco products. Such a resource would provide a central location for scientific information on the oral health
effects of tobacco products to educate a broad audience. Scientists, clinicians, federal research employees,
public health advocates, and all others, regardless of professional background, are encouraged to attend. This
conference will raise awareness of the oral health effects of tobacco products to support the shared mission of
CTP and AADR to reduce the burden of tobacco-related diseases.
