eliminate oral health disparities across the United States. The institute followed up with this plan by establishing five new Centers for Research to Reduce Oral Health Disparities. A decade later, Martha J. Somerman was appointed as the eighth director of the NIDCR. Through nurturing fundamental research and the development of researchers, the NIDCR aims to promote health, to prevent diseases and conditions, and to develop new diagnostics and therapeutics. In 2020, Rena D'Souza was selected as the NIDCR's ninth director, replacing Martha Somerman, who had served from 2011 to 2020. D'Souza's tenure as Director began in October 2020 and Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque became the deputy director later that year. Directors Notes and references External links National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Data Resource Center NIDCR Official Twitter Dental and Craniofacial Research Dental organizations based in the United States Research institutes established in 1931 Government agencies established in 1931 1931 establishments in the United States Medical research institutes in Maryland