About the Center for Clinical and Translational Research

The Center for Clinical and Translational Research provides centralized support to researchers within Penn Dental Medicine who conduct human subjects research. Under the direction of Dr. Patricia Corby, Associate Dean for Translational Research, this team of clinical research professionals is equipped to provide services that span the full spectrum of a study, from conceptualization to closeout, for industry, federal, and foundation sponsors.

The current team comprises administrative personnel, clinical research coordinators, and dental practitioners. Investigators have the option of allocating our highly trained clinical research personnel directly to their project whenever available.

The Center for Clinical and Translational Research suite is located on the third floor of the School’s Robert Schattner Center, featuring office space, touchdown areas, a conference room, dental bays, a wet lab, and a DEA Schedule I substance compliant research pharmacy room.

Our Services

During the pre-award phase, personnel are available to assist investigators in a variety of areas, including:

Upon receipt of funding, Center personnel help ensure the success of the research project by providing study start-up, operational, and closeout support, such as:

  • Assisting in the hiring and training of study personnel;
  • Finalizing study documents;
  • Performing IRB submissions;
  • Organizing and implementing site initiation;
  • Screening and enrolling participants;
  • Conducting study visits;
  • Monitoring recruitment, retention, and compliance with the study protocol;
  • Monitoring data quality and compliance with GCP; and
  • Performing study closeout activities.