https://pittplusme.org/study/1128
COHRA Smile Childhood Cavity Study – Pregnant African American Women
STUDY BASICS
Pregnant African American women are needed to participate in a research study to better understand why children in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas have more cavities than most other children. Participants must be in their first or second trimester of pregnancy, and be healthy enough to have a dental exam. Compensation is provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
Cavities in the teeth of young children can cause pain, early tooth loss, and eating and sleeping difficulties. Children in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas have more cavities than children in other regions, but researchers are not sure why. The purpose of this study is to help researchers better understand the factors that may lead to cavities in very young children, including inherited factors (genes), diet, general health, oral hygiene, and germs in the mouth. Researchers hope their findings will lead to better ways to prevent cavities in young children in the Pittsburgh region.COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- African American women in their first or second trimester of pregnancy
- Healthy enough to have a dental exam
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
This study involves 5-6 visits for mom and baby with dental screenings and questionnaires, plus 6 phone interviews over 2-2 ½ years.IRB: STUDY19110013B
- COHRA2: Factors Contributing to Oral Health Disparities in Appalachia: Pennsylvania Sites
MEET THE RESEARCHER
Mary Marazita
Mary Marazita, PhD, has been on the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh since 1993, currently serving as the Director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Oral Biology in the School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Marazita’s research focuses on the human genetics of complex traits, primarily facial birth defects (primarily cleft lip, cleft palate and other craniofacial anomalies), and oral disease (such as tooth decay, malocclusion, and periodontal disease).
MEET THE COORDINATOR
Jayme Zovko
Jayme Zovko, RDH, PHDHP, MEd is the Senior Research Coordinator for the COHRA Smile Study. In this role, she oversees the day-to-day operation of the study, enjoys working with the moms and babies who participate in the study, and is honored to work with the dedicated staff at CCDG. With 30+ years of experience as a dental hygienist (including almost 20 years in dental research), her goal is to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding factors that impact oral health.