Active Studies

 

 

Studies Completed

Sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive, an observational study that explores caregivers’ experiences related to the use of a smart toothbrush by children with autism spectrum disorder. Children will will use the Colgate hum Kids toothbrush. This toothbrush connects to an interactive game on your phone or tablet, which guides your child’s brushing. In this study, we will document you and your child’s experience of using the hum Kids toothbrush.

To better understand the transmission of extra-oral photobiomodulation light, adjusting for tissue thickness and skin color to assess optimal light absorption parameters, i.e. optimal dose, for future treatment of oral mucosal complications associated with head and neck radiation toxicit

Many individuals are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms ranging from mild to severe. A moderate percentage of individuals are requiring hospitalization to relieve those symptoms because the viral load is too great. The Povidone-Iodine Oral Rinse Study is a research study to test whether a mouth rinse containing povidone-iodine reduces the amount of the virus in the mouth.

The ARMOR Trial: Commensal Oral Microbiota as a Trigger of Oral Mucositis Severity
Principal Investigator(s): Patricia Corby, DDS, MS and Alexander Lin, MD
This Study is Grant Funded by: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Study Status: Closed

The ARMOR Trial is a randomized, controlled trial of a targeted oral care intervention in patients undergoing radiation or chemoradiation for head and neck cancer. The purpose of the study is to test whether this oral care procedure will delay the onset and reduce the severity, duration, and pain of oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of radiation therapy. Eligible participants will be asked to attend one visit prior to beginning radiation therapy, weekly visits during radiation therapy, and one visit 3 months after completion of radiation therapy. In total, participants will attend approximately 11 visits over the course of approximately 5.5 months.

You may be eligible to participate if you are aged 18 years or older, are scheduled to undergo radiation or chemoradiation for head and neck cancer, have at least 6 natural teeth, and do not require antibiotic pre-medication prior to dental treatment.

A Study on the Role of the Dentist in Vaccination for COVID-19 and Human Papillomavrirus (HPV)
Principal Investigator: Katherine France, DMD, MBE
Study Status: Closed

HPV StudyThis study aims to determine patient attitudes around the role of the dentist in vaccinations for both COVID-19 and human papilloma virus (HPV). Patients between the ages of 18 and 45 attending appointments at Penn Dental Medicine will be invited to complete a brief online survey about their awareness of both vaccines, their current vaccination status against both diseases, and their attitudes and willingness around having a dentist provide each vaccine. The study consists of a questionnaire that takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Participants who complete the survey have an opportunity to enter into a raffle to win one of twenty $100 gift cards. The survey is completed in a single sitting and requires no follow up. By comparing attitudes and awareness of patients concerning the vaccines for COVID-19 and HPV, we aim to further understand the ways that dentists can play an important role in public health including through vaccination campaigns and understand patients’ awareness and willingness to be vaccinated by dental professionals against two widespread conditions.

Towards Predicting the Analgesic Response to Ibuprofen Following Third-molar Extraction
Principal Investigators: Tilo Grosser, MD; Katherine Theken, PharmD, PhD; Elliot Hersh, DMD, MS, PhD; and John Farrar, MD, PhD
Study Status: Closed

Tooth image with DNAThis research study will evaluate inter-individual variability in the analgesic response to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen after third molar extraction surgery. It will also investigate demographic, clinical, genetic, and environmental factors that cause this variability. Eligible participants will be men or women in need of extraction of at least one impacted mandibular third molar, generally healthy, and without allergy or sensitivity to any of the study drugs. Participants will be randomized to receive either ibuprofen or placebo following third molar extraction and be asked to complete pain questionnaires and provide biological specimens. Participants will then be provided with ibuprofen and acetaminophen to be taken at home for pain control for up to 7 days after tooth extraction.

Demonstration of OTC Naproxen Sodium’s (Aleve’s) Anti-inflammatory Action in Dental Implant Surgery Patients
Principal Investigators: Elliot Hersh, DMD, MS, PhD and Katherine Theken, PhD
Study Status: Closed
Study Funded by: Bayer

ImplantsThis double-blind pilot study will evaluate the anti-inflammatory and pain management effects of an over-the-counter (OTC) regimen of naproxen sodium (Aleve) versus acetaminophen in patients receiving dental implants. It will also confirm that naproxen sodium in the OTC dosage range is a good alternative to immediate-release opioid formulations, which are subject to misuse, abuse, and diversion in this patient population. Eligible individuals will be aged 18-75, non-smokers with a negative urine drug screen who are scheduled to have surgical placement of one or two adjacent dental implants. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen after dental implant placement. Biospecimens will be collected before and after surgery, and participants will be asked to complete pain assessment questionnaires. Participants will attend three visits in total: Visit 1 will take place on the day of implant surgery, Visit 2 will take place 24 hours after surgery, and Visit 3 will take place 72 hours after surgery.

Evaluation of a Video-Based Health Education on Oral and Systemic Health Connections – A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study
Principal Investigator: Sunday Akintoye, BDS, DDS, MS
Study Status: Completed

It is well-known that chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in the United States. However, many adults do not complete regular screening for these conditions. Prior studies have shown that oral and dental healthcare providers, medical professionals, and patients are open to medical screening in a dental setting; therefore, dental chairside screening of patients for select medical conditions opens up an additional point of entry into the healthcare system for at-risk patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of providing a short educational video on the oral-systemic health connection to patients in the dental clinic. The investigators hope that by providing health education in an accessible, easy to understand format, patients will be more likely to request health screenings from their dental providers as well as more likely to follow-up with a healthcare provider if a disease is identified.

A Study of Oral Health in the College and University Student Populations
Principal Investigator: Beverly Crawford, DDS
Study Status: Completed

This study aims to evaluate the oral health of students on a college or university campus and explore the existence of possibly undiagnosed caries in the student population at the University of Pennsylvania. Undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania will be invited to complete an online survey consisting of questions relating to their oral health, dental care and insurance coverage, nutrition, and demographic information.

By assessing the oral health needs of the student population, we will be able to formulate targeted treatment plans for the groups of students identified as being at risk for rampant caries, as well as generate preventive measures to help these students arrest and prevent recurrent caries. Ultimately, we will collect important information that will guide the development of future oral care preventive measures.

A Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, active-controlled multi-center clinical trial to assess the safety and the anti-caries efficacy of COL 101 (arginine) non-fluoride dentifrices with 1.5%, 4.0% and 8.0% arginine each in comparison with 0.24% sodium fluoride (1100 ppm F) dentifrice control in 10 to 14-year-old children.
Principal Investigator: David Hershkowitz, DDS, AAS
This Study Sponsored by: Colgate-Palmolive

 

The purpose of this research study was to test how effective a new toothpaste is in reducing tooth cavities. This new toothpaste contains arginine, an essential amino acid that is naturally found in saliva and produced by the human body. In this study, we compared regular fluoride toothpastes that you could buy in a store to this new toothpaste which contains arginine.