Publications > Academic Bulletin > Centers

Centers

NYU Oral Cancer RAAHP* Center
The NYU Oral Cancer RAAHP Center is a U54 Center designed in response to the NIDCR request for applications for Centers for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities (RFA: DE-99-003). The overall goal of this proposed NYU Oral Cancer RAAHP Center is to conduct studies and promote activities that will reduce oral cancer disparities in the United States. While oral cancer occurs in all segments of the U.S. population, oral cancer rates (both incidence and mortality) are highest among minority populations, especially in African Americans and in Hispanics. Specifically, this proposed center will, as stated in the RFA, support research “that will lead to an understanding of the factors associated with health disparities as well as to the support and development, testing and evaluation of interventions designed to reduce [oral cancer] disparities.”

The specific aims of the center are as follows:

1. To conduct a set of four major studies:
   • Project 1: Risk Factors for Oral Epithelial Dysplasia in Puerto Rico
   • Project 2: Oral Cancer Detection: Current and Emerging Technologies
   • Project 3: Cancer Screening and Research Subject Participation by Minorities
   • Project 4: Personalized Risk Feedback in Dental Clinic Smokers
     
2. To design and conduct a fifth major study on oral cancer in the theme of this center
   
3. To stimulate and support the design, writing, and submission of Develop-mental “Spin-Off” grants, which will seek external funding for studies within the oral cancer theme of this proposed center
   
4. To stimulate and support the development, selection, funding, and implementation of two types of pilot research studies:
   • Pilot Study Type 1: Bioethics Research Studies in collaboration with the National Center for Bioethics in  Research and Health Care at Tuskegee University
   • Pilot Study Type 2: Scientific Pilot Studies to explore or expand any of the current six major studies in this  center or any of the Developmental “Spin-Off” Studies
     
5. To maintain three cores that will support the activities of the investigators conducting the six major studies, the Developmental “Spin-Off” grants, and the Pilot Studies of this proposed center:
   • Core 1: Administrative Core
   • Core 2: Informatics Core
   • Core 3: Biostatistics Core
     
6. To develop and implement a full set of intracenter (i.e., within this proposed center) research training and career development activities that focus on creating opportunities for scientists from underrepresented groups within the scientific workforce
   
7. To participate fully in intercenter national research and training networks (i.e., across all the funded Centers for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities, with other types of related major research centers, and with initiatives from NIDCR and NIH)
   
8. To serve as an intellectual and administrative nidus to stimulate oral cancer research interests, discussions, and planning sessions among center participants as well as among other cancer research colleagues
   
9. To provide information and findings on oral cancer to community-involved health service units

See the NYU Oral Cancer RAAHP Center Web site for full details: www.nyu.edu/dental/raahp/.

* Research for Adolescent and Adult Health Promotion.


Bluestone Center for Clinical Research at the New York University College of Dentistry (BCCR)
The Bluestone Center for Clinical Research (BCCR) at the New York University College of Dentistry is one of the largest centers in the world dedicated entirely to clinical research that is located in a dental school. This 8,585-square-foot facility occupies the entire second floor of the Weissman Building and is designed to support both dental and medical studies, including overnight investigations. There are two oral surgical suites, eight dental suites, eight in-patient beds, consent/subject questionnaire room, day lounge, pantry, nurses station, biological laboratory, dental laboratory, medical storage facility, investigator office, quality assurance office, 12-person conference room with state-of-the-art audiovisual and videoconferencing equipment, and dedicated space for research administration and coordination.

The BCCR has designed an administrative network to plan, implement, and conduct clinical research investigations according to FDA- and NIH-established Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Full-time administrative, secretarial, dental assisting, and nursing support are available for all aspects of clinical trial preparation and initiation. Clinical research coordinators are dedicated to research investigations, to facilitate research subject recruitment and retention, as well as to expedite data collection and ensure data integrity. The BCCR interacts with the NYUCD Office of Information Technology for computer and networking support and is affiliated with the NYUCD Office of Quality Assurance to conduct data queries and audits.

The BCCR provides unparalleled opportunities to involve faculty and students directly in clinical research. Dental students have access to ongoing clinical investigations conducted in the BCCR and are encouraged to participate in study design, implementation, data gathering, analysis, and presentation. Student research awards are available through the NYUCD Office of Research, and faculty are encouraged to involve students in their investigations. A clinical research practicum is an integral component of the NYUCD Master’s Degree Program in Clinical Research, during which graduate students participate in all aspects of clinical investigation.

For further information, telephone 212-998-9310, e-mail bluestone.center@nyu.edu, or visit the Web site: bluestonecenter.nyu.edu.