; Whereas NIDCR collaborates with academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to disseminate information about discoveries to the public; Whereas the researchers at NIDCR pioneered the use of epidemiology and preventive approaches to demonstrate that dental caries is an epidemic disease and community water fluoridation is a safe, effective, and economical way to prevent and reduce tooth decay; Whereas NIDCR established— (1) the Laboratory of Oral Medicine and the Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology to conduct research on the causes, prevention, and treatment of periodontitis and other diseases of the soft tissues of the oral cavity; (2) the Laboratory of Oral Biology and Physiology to conduct research on the cell biology of secretory tissues and proteins; (3) the Mineralized Tissue Research Branch to investigate skeletal development and disorders; (4) the Center for Integrative Biology and Infectious Diseases to investigate pain, tissue regeneration, oral cancers, autoimmune illnesses, salivary gland biology, and oral microbiota; (5) the Center for Clinical Research to conduct clinical trials and practice-based research and to investigate clinical technologies, oral health disparities, and oral health for those with HIV/AIDS; and (6) the National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse as a centralized public resource on oral health topics; Whereas, in 2000, NIDCR established the NIDCR Patient Advocates Forum to enhance communication among patient groups and incorporate patient perspectives in research planning, and continues to maintain active engagement with the group; Whereas NIDCR— (1) launched the National Caries Program to prevent and reduce dental caries; (2) created the Epidemiology and Oral Disease Prevention Program to investigate the national distribution of dental caries, periodontal diseases, and other oral diseases and disorders; (3) launched the Research and Action Program to Improve the Oral Health of Older Americans and Other Adults at High Risk