# Mixed Methods Supplement for the MOLAR study

> **NIH NIH UH3** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2024 · $307,857

## Abstract

Project Abstract
The MOLAR study uses a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study to perform a randomized controlled trial
of an intervention to reduce unmet oral health and social needs in the ED, while collecting information to inform
subsequent implementation strategies. In this mixed-methods supplement, we build on the work of the MOLAR
study to understand how geographically-proximate resources and navigational assistance moderate adverse
social determinants of health (aSDoH) and oral health outcomes, and what barriers remain. In particular, we
intend to explore facilitators and barriers at the patient level (Aim 1), system level (Aim 2), and combine this
knowledge with quantitative results to identify the conditions that contribute to successful ED-based oral health
linkage (Aim 3). This work would provide key generalizable insights for how to optimize ED based aSDoH and
oral health interventions. In doing so, we fulfill two of the primary goals of the NIDCR Strategic Plan: (1)
Enabling “precise and personalized oral health care” by developing a model to identify patients at risk in the ED
and facilitating their connection to local, accessible, community oral health care; and (2) Using
“multidisciplinary research approaches to overcome disparities and inequalities” by using the ED to enroll
patients who do not otherwise have access to oral health care and ensure that they are connected to
appropriate community resources for their social needs and oral health care. By doing so, we understand and
address the potential drivers of poor oral health and the challenges around accessibility of oral health care. Our
long-term goal is to reduce the burden of untreated oral disease in vulnerable populations by integrating
screening and referral for oral health and aSDoH into ED care.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11043077
- **Project number:** 3UH3DE031920-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Margaret Emily Samuels-Kalow
- **Activity code:** UH3 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $307,857
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2024-08-01 → 2027-04-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11043077

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11043077, Mixed Methods Supplement for the MOLAR study (3UH3DE031920-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11043077. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*