The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) offers the Dual Degree Dentist Scientist Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00), an NIH funding opportunity designed to support the development of independently funded dentist scientists focused on dental, oral, and craniofacial health research. The award is structured to assist dual degree dentist scientists, who hold both a DDS or DMD and a PhD, in transitioning from mentored, postdoctoral research roles to independent, tenure-track faculty positions. The funding is allocated across two distinct phases: a two-year mentored (K99) phase and a subsequent independent (R00) phase, which can be either three or five years. The five-year R00 option is available for awardees enrolled in a clinical dental specialty program, provided they maintain a minimum of 75% commitment to research activities during this period. This award does not fund independent clinical trials; however, applicants may engage in clinical trial research under the guidance of a mentor.

The primary aim of the NIDCR K99/R00 award is to nurture a strong pool of dentist scientists who can make significant contributions to the field and advance the mission of NIDCR. The program recognizes the unique challenges dual degree dentist scientists face due to their clinical responsibilities and the time required for specialty training. Consequently, the program offers financial and professional development support tailored to meet these specific career requirements. For the initial K99 phase, successful candidates must demonstrate a solid plan for two years of postdoctoral training, geared toward enabling them to compete for tenure-track roles. Candidates must also justify the need for mentored training, as those who lack a compelling case for further mentorship are not considered strong applicants.

The award covers up to seven years in total, split between the two phases. During the K99 phase, candidates at extramural institutions may receive up to $100,000 annually for salary and $25,000 for research-related expenses. In the R00 phase, a maximum of $249,000 per year is available for independent research, covering salary, research costs, and indirect costs. Applicants planning to undergo dental specialty training during the R00 phase must outline their intended specialty and its relevance to their research career. For individuals in this track, clinical activities may not exceed 25% of their professional time, and these activities must be funded by the hosting dental school rather than NIDCR.

To be eligible, candidates must hold both a DDS/DMD and PhD, be in mentored, postdoctoral training, and have less than four years of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application. They must not have held an independent faculty or tenure-track position, nor have received NIH funding exceeding $100,000 in direct costs annually. The program is open to both U.S. citizens and non-citizens, with visa eligibility confirmed for non-U.S. candidates during both award phases. Additional eligibility considerations include allowances for childbirth and certain types of leave, which may extend the four-year eligibility window. Before applying, candidates are advised to confirm their eligibility with NIDCR representatives, especially those in clinical faculty or other mentored positions.

Applicants must submit proposals through NIH's ASSIST system, Grants.gov, or an institutional submission solution and should prepare applications according to the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide. A full proposal includes descriptions of the candidate’s career development plan, research objectives for both phases, mentor support, and institutional commitment to the candidate’s development. Applications lacking compliance with these guidelines may not proceed to review. Required registrations include DUNS, SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov, all of which should be completed well in advance of the submission deadline, as delays due to incomplete registrations are not accepted as grounds for late submission.

The program follows NIH standard due dates with application deadlines in February, June, and October of each year, allowing for resubmissions as outlined in the FOA. Candidates should plan to apply early to address any submission errors by the due date. This funding opportunity is scheduled to expire on January 8, 2025. For questions regarding eligibility or submission, applicants are encouraged to contact the NIDCR program staff and review the NIH Grants Policy Statement.