ADA opposes NIH restructuring proposal
Coalition says proposal would ‘undermine’ NIDCR’s mission
The ADA is voicing opposition to a House Republican proposal that would fundamentally restructure the National Institutes of Health, the nation’s largest health research agency.
In a joint coalition letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., the ADA, American Association for Dental, Oral, And Craniofacial Research and 20 other groups urged House Republicans to consider the impact on dental, oral and craniofacial research.
“Having a dedicated institute centered on this region ensures research funding for areas like tooth development, gum disease, orofacial pain, and craniofacial birth defects without being overshadowed by broader health concerns,” the coalition wrote.
The Republican proposal would place the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research under the auspices of a newly created Institute of Neuroscience and Brain Research. NIDCR currently reports immediately to the director of NIH.
“Shifting NIDCR to a broader neuroscience and brain research context will dilute its focus and undermine its entire mission of advancing oral health for all through research,” the coalition noted.
The coalition also expressed concern over recommendations to significantly cut facilities and administrative costs, which include construction and maintenance, utility expenses, labor costs, research and data processing, disposal of hazardous waste material and compliance obligations.
The dental groups welcomed some recommendations to enhance transparency, accountability, and responsiveness at NIH, including expansion of the agency’s 12-year term limits for mid-level leadership positions to senior-level leadership positions.
“There is an opportunity for NIH to demonstrate its commitment to these principles by implementing some of the recommendations from the framework, such as ensuring NIH officials abide by financial transparency requirements; setting guidelines for public-private partnerships to prevent the appearance of corporate influence on research; disclosing all third-party financial benefits; and implementing new policies and protocols to enhance oversight of investigations into allegations of misconduct,” the letter reads.
Created in 1948 by President Harry Truman, NIDCR is the largest oral health research organization in the world.
“We share the committees’ goal of ensuring the NIH remains at the forefront of innovation and that it is equipped with the funding and regulatory oversight it needs to continue driving scientific advances and identifying new treatments and cures that improve the health of all Americans,” the letter reads.
Previously, the ADA sent a similar letter to the House Appropriations Committee expressing opposition to provisions in the fiscal year 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The Association also joined a coalition of 222 other organizations in a July 9 letter opposing the NIH restructuring proposal.
Follow all the ADA’s advocacy efforts at ADA.org/Advocacy.
