School of Dental Medicine

Clinical Trials

Clinical research looks for better ways to treat, prevent, diagnose, and understand human disease. Only through clinical research can we gain insights and answers about the safety and effectiveness of new drugs and medical devices, or new ways to use them. 

The volunteers who participate in clinical research make it possible for this to occur. A clinical trial may offer you or your family member experimental treatment for a disease. Many of our studies also involve healthy patients. 

TUSDM’s research efforts are directed towards promoting oral health and sharing our resources and ideas to improve the quality of life of the general population.

Dental student sitting and chatting with a trial patient

Participate in a dental research study

The below are current studies that you can participate in.

Pediatic Toothbrush study

Age: 5-15
Study: Comparing a hands-free electronic toothbrush vs. manual toothbrush
Compensation: $375 in Target gift cards, free dental cleaning
Time: 6 visits

Pressure Ulcer study

Age: 21-35, 45-70
Study: Blood draw and skin samples to treat pressure ulcers
Compensation: $100 in Target gift cards
Time: 2 visits

WaterFlosser study

Age: 18-70
Study: Water flosser and gum disease
Compensation: $225 in Target gift cards
Time: 3 visits

If you don’t see a study you are interested in but would like to be contacted if we have a future study, you may be eligible for, please complete the following form.
 Research Volunteer Form

What are my rights as a research participant?

As a participant in a research study/clinical trial, you have the right:

  • To be told why the study is being conducted.
  • To be told who is funding the study.
  • To be given an explanation of what will happen during the study, what is expected of you, and what will be different from non-research medical treatment.
  • To be given an explanation of risks or discomforts that may be experienced from participating in the study.
  • To be given an explanation of any benefits that may be expected from participating in the study.
  • To be told, if treatment is part of the study, of other non-research treatment choices that are available and how they compare to participating in the study.
  • To be given the opportunity to ask questions about the study or participating in the study before agreeing to participate and during the course of the study.
  • To be told of your right to refuse to begin the study, or to change your mind and stop participating in the study after it has started. Your participation is completely voluntary.  If treatment is part of the study, this decision will not affect your ability to receive non-research treatment.
  • To be told that you may refuse to answer any question.
  • To have enough time to decide whether or not to participate and to make that decision without any pressure from the people who are doing the research.
  • To be told, if treatment is part of the study, whether there are any costs to you associated with being in the study and whether you will receive any reimbursement for participating in the study.
  • To be told who will have access to information collected about you, how the information will be used, and how the confidentiality of your information will be protected.
  • To be told who to contact directly with questions about the research, about research related injury, and about your rights as a research participant.
  • To be told, if the research is greater than minimal risk, whether any compensation and medical treatments are available should you have a research related injury, what the treatments are, and where further information may be obtained.
  • To be told about new information learned during the study that might affect your safety or you willingness to continue to take part in the study.
  • To receive a copy of the consent form if one is part of the study.