Research Dental Hygienist

The ADA Forsyth Institute was founded in 1910 as the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children (later, the Forsyth Institute), to provide dental care to the disadvantaged children of Boston. While continuing to serve children in need, yet recognizing the ultimate goal is to prevent dental disease, the Institute in 1915 began to focus on scientific research and is today the world’s leader in oral health research. In October of 2023, the Institute joined with the American Dental Association to form the ADA Forsyth Institute, a 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to improving people’s oral and overall health and powering the profession of dentistry through cutting-edge basic research, creative translational science, innovative clinical technologies, and global public health outreach. Consistent with the Institute’s founding mission, the ADA ForsythKids mobile dental program continues to serve children in need. 

The ADA Forsyth Institute is looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Research Dental Hygienist that will work under the direction of the Director of the Center for Clinical & Translational Research (CCTR) and the Principal Investigator (PI) to support the conduct and management of clinical research studies. This role is responsible for performing clinical procedures, ensuring protocol compliance, and supporting   regulatory and data management activities across research projects.

The Research Dental Hygienist must demonstrate a strong understanding of clinical trial conduct, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and applicable federal regulations, including Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 

Clinical Research & Trial Conduct

• Perform clinical periodontal assessments and other protocol-required clinical measurements and procedures.
• Conduct dental hygiene treatments in accordance with study protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Successfully complete required calibration exercises for all clinical indices and maintain satisfactory calibration status.
• Monitor study activities to ensure compliance with approved protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards and applicable federal regulations.

Study Operations & Data Management

• Collect and record study data accurately on paper and electronic case report forms (CRFs/eCRFs).
• Support investigational product administration, inventory management, and randomization procedures as assigned.
• Maintain required research certifications and complete all mandatory regulatory and ethics training.
• Participate in CCTR meetings, annual trainings, and study team discussions.
• Assist with preparation of study reports and presentations as needed.

Collaboration & Communication

• Report to the Director and Principal Investigator (or designated study coordinator).
• Communicate effectively with study participants, including scheduling visits, providing reminders, and delivering study-related instructions.
• Collaborate closely with research staff to ensure smooth study execution. 

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Dental Hygiene program with an active and unrestricted Dental Hygiene license.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Completion of required continuing education credits to maintain licensure.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and applicable FDA regulations (21 CFR) governing clinical research.
• Experience working under IRB-approved protocols and understanding of informed consent processes preferred.
• Prior experience in a clinical trials, academic, or research setting preferred.
• Experience with electronic data capture (EDC) systems and case report forms (CRFs) preferred.
• Strong documentation, data accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn research software systems.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols, maintain regulatory compliance, and prepare for audits.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to maintain confidentiality.