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Observational Research to Assess the proLonged effects of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (ORAL-MOUD) on oral health: A mixed methods study

Award Number: R01DE036187
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2031

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Observational Research to Assess the proLonged effects of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (ORAL-MOUD) on oral health: A mixed methods study - Abstract Increased treatment access, uptake, and retention are essential for addressing the overdose epidemic that has claimed over 1 million American lives over the past two decades. Among the few FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), dissolvable formulations of buprenorphine (D-BUP) and orally administered methadone are the most utilized. Past research has demonstrated an association between these medications and oral diseases that can negatively impact patients’ overall health and quality of life. However, these claims are limited to evidence from retrospective and cross-sectional studies with no or limited comparison groups. Moreover, non-oral MOUD alternatives are often less appealing and accessible to people with OUD. Competing oral health and addiction medicine priorities and limitations of prior studies in this area highlight the need for research to determine (a) if causal links exist between one or both of these medications (e.g., D-BUP and methadone) and oral health problems, (b) whether one medication might be more detrimental to oral health, and (c) how potential oral disease might be mitigated during MOUD treatment. This project will identify the potential factors underlying the onset and progression of oral disease associated with D-BUP and methadone. We also seek to understand the contribution of environmental and other behavioral factors to oral disease among patients receiving MOUD as well as patients’ relationships with dental care access and OUD treatment and recovery. The study follows a sequential explanatory mixed method study guided by an oral health disparities framework adapted to include OUD treatment and recovery constructs (e.g., treatment adherence, recovery capital, stigma). Our study has a unique setting: a Federally Qualified Health Center with integrated MOUD, dental, and primary care that offers both D-BUP and methadone. This study has the following aims: (Aim 1) Examine the association between MOUD and dental caries (tooth decay) through a cross-sectional comparison of prevalence and severity among a sample (n=381) of people with OUD who are MOUD-naïve and MOUD patients; (Aim 2) document and compare differences in dental caries increment among a cohort of D-BUP and methadone patients (n=376) over 12 months; (Aim 3) identify actionable oral heath intervention points: (a) qualitatively understanding how moderating and mediating factors influence oral health outcomes among patients (n=30-80) receiving MOUD and (b) collaborating with an Expert Advisory Board to identify points of intervention to inform clinical recommendations for patients receiving MOUD.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $606,406 )
2026	2026	CHESTNUT HEALTH SYSTEMS INC	1003 MARTIN LUTHER KING DR	BLOOMINGTON	IL	61701	MCLEAN	USA	Oral Diseases and Disorders Research	000	1	9/2/2026	NEW	$606,406
														Subtotal = $606,406

Grand Total All Awards = $606,406

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Observational Research to Assess the proLonged effects of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (ORAL-MOUD) on oral health: A mixed methods study

Award Number: R01DE036187

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2031

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