Dental Research Clinic Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The study doctor will make this determination by reviewing an X-ray of your teeth during your screening visit. The X-ray is performed as part of your screening visit at no charge to you.

Most studies require the patient to stay in the clinic for 24 hours after taking the test medication. Each study is unique and may require less or more time. You will be informed of your time requirement during your screening visit. Dental studies always require a follow-up visit approximately seven to nine days after the surgery in order for the doctor to assess and confirm the healing process.

A team of nurses and study coordinators are responsible for your postoperative care during your stay at the clinic. Every effort will be made to keep you as comfortable as possible during your stay.

There is no fee charged to you (the study participant) for the surgical procedure.

You will be discharged from the clinic with prescriptions for postoperative recovery medications, such as antibiotics and pain medicine. The purchase of these medications will be your responsibility. If you have health insurance coverage, the cost of these medications may be covered. You will need to confirm this with your health insurance representative.

No, you will be required to make a separate visit for screening procedures in order to determine whether you qualify for study participation. Patients who qualify for study participation will typically be scheduled for surgery anywhere from five to 14 days after the screening visit.

All of our studies are evaluated by an institutional review board (IRB) composed of members of the public, including medical professionals, who are independent of the clinic and PPD. The IRB is there to protect your rights, safety and well-being.

The board reviews and approves all aspects of each study, including the type and dose of medicine that you will be given, all measurements conducted throughout the study and the payment you will receive.

The doses of medicine that volunteers are given are very carefully controlled. Sometimes there may be side effects. All known side effects will be explained to you before you decide whether or not to take part in the study. These side effects are generally mild and could possibly include headaches and sickness. For your own safety, it is essential that you always tell study coordinators about all prescription and nonprescription medicines and dietary supplements that you are taking.

You may be required to fast (refrain from eating) for a specified period of time prior to your dental surgery.

You can withdraw from a study at any time.

Yes. For the safety and comfort of all volunteers, we do have rules regarding smoking, alcohol and caffeine use as well as behavior. In addition, there may be rules that relate to a specific study. These rules will be explained to you prior to your participation in the study.

Cell phones that are not camera cell phones are allowed, but no cameras of any type are allowed in the clinic. Cell phones must be turned off during study procedures.

Yes. The health and well-being of every volunteer are our priority. There is always qualified medical staff available during the day and a doctor on-call at all times.

At the screening visit, we may do tests that you may not normally have had done in a routine medical checkup. For example, tests may include a heart trace (electrocardiogram), or blood tests which measure the health of your liver. If we suspect something is not quite right, we will do a repeat test to check the results. If we detect a potential health concern, our doctor will inform you so that you can take the appropriate action.