Clinical Trial of Sugar-free Chewing Gum
The Clinical Trial of Sugar-free Chewing Gum is a large-scale (approximately 2700 subjects in 29 secondary schools throughout Melbourne) clinical trial, designed to investigate the effectiveness of a new caries-preventive agent in chewing gum.
The University of Melbourne has developed the agent under investigation (Recaldent™) and is seeking to further its commercialisation. This multi-million dollar project has been funded jointly by a major multi-national company and a significant NH&MRC grant.
The project began examining subjects in 2001. Subjects are recruited in year 7 and followed through to Year 9, chewing the gum 3 times a day for 2 years. Clinical examinations and bitewing radiographs are taken at baseline and after 2 years, with an additional clinical examination at 12 months.
Currently, the 5-year project employs 12 staff and maintains a significant infrastructure including a dental van equipped with a dental chair and digital radiography as well as 2 fleet cars.
