Office of Research – Advancing Dental Discovery

The Clinical Research Center at the School of Dental Medicine ECU

Advancing Dental Discovery

The Clinical Research Center (CRC) at East Carolina University’s School of Dental Medicine is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing oral and systemic health through innovative clinical and translational research. Built to support a broad spectrum of studies—from preventive dentistry and pain management to regenerative and surgical innovations— the CRC provides an optimal environment for faculty-led clinical trials, investigator-initiated projects, and collaborative industry or academic partnerships.

Purpose-Built for Excellence

  • Six closed operatories equipped for clinical research and oral surgery procedures.
  • Dedicated neurosensory testing room supporting studies in pain, nerve regeneration, and sensory function.
  • Digital imaging capability in every operatory (Focus units).
  • Nitrous oxide–oxygen and Waste Anesthetic Gas Disposal (WAGD) systems integrated to ensure safety and environmental compliance.
  • A secure, locked drug dispensary meeting FDA and DEA standards for both refrigerated and ambient storage.
  • Central location adjacent to the Special Care, Comprehensive Care, and Faculty Clinics—facilitating seamless participant recruitment, coordination, and patient flow.

Infrastructure Supporting Translational Science

  • Specimen preparation laboratory equipped with a chemical fume hood and freezers for biospecimen storage.
  • Dedicated office and workstation space for clinical research coordinators, dental students, and postdoctoral fellows.
  • Integrated electronic health record (axiUm) linking Ross Hall with eight Community Service Learning Centers (CSLCs) across North Carolina—enabling coordinated, multicenter research.
  • COHORT Database (Community Oral Health and Risk Tracking): an IRB-approved, de-identified data system that supports population-based research and longitudinal outcomes tracking.

A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration

The Clinical Research Center serves as a central hub for multidisciplinary collaboration, fostering partnerships between clinicians, scientists, and community stakeholders. Through these collaborations, the CRC helps translate discoveries from the laboratory into meaningful improvements in patient care and population oral health.

Interested in Collaboration or Clinical Trial Opportunities?

The CRC welcomes partnerships with investigators, sponsors, and institutions dedicated to advancing dental and oral health research. Connect with our research team or follow us for updates on ongoing studies, community collaborations, and innovations shaping the future of dental medicine.