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UF Dentistry College Gets Grant To Study Oral Health Gap

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By ADAM EMERSON

aemerson@tampatrib.com

Published: October 22, 2008

The National Institutes of Health paid the University of Florida's College of Dentistry a $5.3 million grant to open a research center aimed at detecting oral disease early in low-income minority men.

Researchers will focus mostly on reducing the disparities in survival rates of head and neck cancer victims. In a statement Wednesday, UF researchers said that most black men survive about 21 months after diagnosis while white men will survive nearly 40 months.

UF researchers also said that oral cancer often begins with a mouth sore or suspicious spot found during a regular dental check-up.

The new center, called the Southeast Center for Research to Reduce Disparities in Oral Health, will be at the College of Dentistry in Gainesville, but will extend to clinics throughout Florida.

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285.

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