Considerations in establishing an oral disease clinical research center

Abstract

High quality clinical research is necessary to improve oral health and translate research findings to the practice of dentistry. This has led many academic institutions to consider establishing a formal clinical research center. This is not a trivial undertaking and requires that the center have an appropriate physical infrastructure, trained investigators with recognized expertise in the planning and conduct of high quality clinical research, and very importantly, a financial plan to assure its long-term sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to provide some guidance and practical advice with respect to factors that should be considered in developing and maintaining a successful oral disease clinical research center. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons AS.