How new periodontal therapies are developed and evaluated.

ABSTRACT

General dental practitioners comprise the target market for manufacturers wishing to sell new therapies for the treatment of periodontal disease. However, because of the often limited information supplied by manufactures, GDPs may be unable to make informed decisions about whether a new product can benefit their patients and practice. This article explains the stages of clinical research undertaken before products can be marketed and discusses a potential role for GDPs in clinical research.