Lessons learned and unlearned in ZOE 2.0: a multi-ethnic community-based genetic epidemiologic study of early childhood oral health in North Carolina

Join the NC TraCS Inclusive Science Program on Thursday, April 28, at 11 a.m. for the seminar, ‘Lessons learned and unlearned in ZOE 2.0: a multi-ethnic community-based genetic epidemiologic study of early childhood oral health in North Carolina.’

Kimon Divaris, PhD, DDS, will discuss the development of an NIH-funded community-based pediatric oral health research program in North Carolina. The ZOE 2.0 investigators enrolled over 8,000 preschool-age children in genetic epidemiologic studies of childhood oral health/disease across three years (2016-2019).

This multiethnic cohort of preschool-age children has been used to answer epidemiologic, behavioral, and biological research questions. It has also stimulated new research, including qualitative studies, and informed program planning. A major component of this endeavor has been intentional and lasting community-engaged work with participants and stakeholders that augmented the research team’s cultural literacy and understanding of local needs.

REGISTER: go.unc.edu/ZOE

Presenter: 
Kimon Divaris, PhD, DDS, is an Adams Distinguished Professor in the Division of Pediatric and Public Health at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. As a board-certified pediatric dentist, he is actively involved in teaching at all levels, clinical practice, and research. He is an oral and genetic epidemiologist, and his NIH-funded research program lies in the intersection of clinical, biological, and public health research in pediatric oral health.