The CORE Programme: Advancing Global Oral Health Research and Advocacy

Objectives: Oral diseases are a significant but largely neglected global public health problem. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) the burden of oral diseases is increasing, and stark oral health inequalities exist. The CORE programme aims to reduce oral health inequalities, reform dental services, and foster research capacity in four lower-middle and middle-income countries - Kenya, Colombia, India and Brazil. This study reflects on the development phase of the CORE programme. Methods: Using an equitable collaboration model with academic and community partners in the four countries, priorities for research were identified as well as needs to develop local research capacity and community engagement and involvement (CEI) activities. A combination of primary and secondary data collection strategies, and quantitative and qualitative approaches were selected during the project design and refinement phase. Results: In the development of the CORE programme, three research work packages were identified and agreed: oral health inequalities, commercial determinants of oral health, and opportunities for oral health system reforms. The research partnership also identified the need to co-produce and test public health interventions to reduce oral health inequalities and promote population oral health in the four countries. In terms of training and capacity building, a combination of in-person and web-based strategies was preferred, together with a mentorship programme and a master’s studentship initiative. Importantly, adopting a community empowerment theoretical approach was identified as a critically important and innovative component of this global oral health research programme. Finally, a responsive research funding scheme was created to support developmental and exploratory research projects in each partner country. Conclusion: Creating equitable and sustainable partnerships in global oral health research is key. CORE is an excellent example of participatory approaches used to develop and co-design a global oral health programme.