Community-Based Participatory Research: Lessons and Challenges. Symposium Special Communication

Area of Science:

• Translational Oral Health Research
• Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
• Health Equity

Background:

• CBPR emphasizes co-creation and co-development of research with impacted populations.
• This approach is particularly relevant for vulnerable communities facing systemic inequities.
• Lessons learned from a 2024 symposium highlight CBPR implementation in oral health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the application of CBPR in translational oral health research.
• To share lessons and challenges in implementing CBPR with vulnerable populations.
• To promote equitable and community-centered research practices in oral health.

Main Methods:

• Commentary synthesizing insights from a 2024 IADR/AADOCR/CADR symposium.
• Discussion of considerations for planning and implementing CBPR.
• Exploration of strategies for sustainability and integration of diverse worldviews.

Main Results:

• Key considerations include integrating an equity lens, building community partnerships, and establishing trust.
• Community-developed principles and criteria are crucial for relevance and applicability.
• Ensuring intervention sustainability and incorporating non-researcher worldviews are vital.

Conclusions:

• CBPR offers an equitable framework for oral health research and programming.
• It empowers communities by respecting self-determination and governance.
• This approach leads to strategies that are adopted and valued by the communities served.