The purpose of the NIDCR Dual Degree Dentist Scientist Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) program is to develop and maintain a strong cohort of independently funded dentist scientists dedicated to improving dental, oral and craniofacial health. This program is designed to facilitate a timely transition of outstanding dual degree dentist scientists from mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions by providing support for two years of mentored training and three to five years of independent research. An option for five years of independent (R00) support is available to accommodate clinical training in a dental specialty program at no more than 3 person-months effort (25% full-time professional effort) in any year of the R00 phase.

PAR-25-333: NIDCR Dual Degree Dentist Scientist Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Part 1. Overview Information

Participating Organization(s) National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Components of Participating Organizations National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

Funding Opportunity Title NIDCR Dual Degree Dentist Scientist Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Activity Code K99/R00 Career Transition Award/Research Transition Award

Announcement Type Reissue of PAR-22-041

Related Notices See Notices of Special Interest associated with this funding opportunity

• January 30, 2026 - Notice of Temporary Extension of Eligibility for the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00). See Notice NOT-OD-26-021.
• November 24, 2025 - Notice of Rescheduled NIDCR Pre-Application and Technical Assistance Webinars on Applying for Fellowship (F) Awards and Career Development (K) Awards. See Notice NOT-DE-26-013.
• September 25, 2025 - Notice of NIDCR Pre-Application and Technical Assistance Webinars on Applying for Fellowship (F) Awards and Career Development (K) Awards. See Notice NOT-DE-26-012.
• April 4, 2024 - Overview of Grant Application and Review Changes for Due Dates on or after January 25, 2025. See Notice NOT-OD-24-084.
• August 31, 2022 - Implementation Changes for Genomic Data Sharing Plans Included with Applications Due on or after January 25, 2023. See Notice NOT-OD-22-198.
• August 5, 2022 - Implementation Details for the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy. See Notice NOT-OD-22-189.

Funding Opportunity Number (FON) PAR-25-333

Companion Notice of Funding Opportunity None

Number of Applications See Section III. 3. Additional Information on Eligibility

Assistance Listing Number(s) 93.121

Funding Opportunity Purpose The purpose of the NIDCR Dual Degree Dentist Scientist Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) program is to develop and maintain a strong cohort of independently funded dentist scientists dedicated to improving dental, oral and craniofacial health. This program is designed to facilitate a timely transition of outstanding dual degree dentist scientists from mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions by providing support for two years of mentored training and three to five years of independent research. An option for five years of independent (R00) support is available to accommodate clinical training in a dental specialty program at no more than 3 person-months (25% full-time professional effort) in any year of the R00 phase.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is designed specifically for candidates proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary clinical trial.

Under this NOFO, candidates are permitted to propose a research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor.

Funding Opportunity Announcement Goal(s) The mission of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is to advance fundamental knowledge about dental, oral, and craniofacial (DOC) health and disease and translate these findings into prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies that improve overall health for all individuals and communities across the lifespan.

Key Dates

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