ADA Qualified Testing Sites Program

Quality dental product testing streamlines ADA Seal applications

ADA Qualified logo and key factors

The ADA Qualified Testing Sites program connects manufacturers of oral health care products with research sites qualified to test products’ safety and efficacy. Manufacturers applying to the ADA Seal program may choose from the ADA Qualified Testing Sites directory of vetted research sites, ensuring high-quality studies are conducted without the need for additional confirmatory testing.

ADA Qualified Testing Sites undergo a vetting process by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs and meet the following criteria:

  • Research sites are fully independent
  • Necessary protocols are followed
  • Sites produce accurate valid and reliable data

If the testing site meets these strict criteria, it earns Qualified status. This indicates to product manufacturers that the ADA has evaluated the site for its ability to conduct required testing in support of Seal Program applications.

Benefits of working with an ADA Qualified Testing Site include:

  • Streamlines the process of finding a reliable testing site with high quality data
  • Qualified Sites are dental school labs with rigorous protocols and highly competitive pricing
  • No need for additional confirmatory testing

Have a question about the ADA Qualified Testing Sites? Please contact ADASeal@ada.org.

Penn Dental Medicine — Center for Clinical and Translational Research 

UPenn Dental Medicine
Center for Clinical and Translational Research


Qualified for CLINICAL TESTING: Seal Program Categories
Acute Dental Pain
Athletic Mouthguards
Chemotherapeutic Agents
Dentinal Hypersensitivity
Denture Adherents
Denture Cleansers
Dry Mouth
Enamel Erosion
Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride Rinses
Manual Interdental Cleaner
Oral Discomfort
Oral Malodor
Powered Interdental Cleaner
Smoking Cessation
Stain Removal
Sugar Free Gum (No Actives)
Tooth Bleaching
Toothbrushes

The Center for Clinical and Translational Research (CCTR) serves as a centralized hub for investigators and industry partners conducting high-quality human subjects research, housed within Penn Dental Medicine, a top-ranking dental school with a 130-year legacy. CCTR provides end-to-end support throughout the lifecycle of a study, backed by a multidisciplinary team of clinical research professionals. In addition, CCTR provides experienced, centralized coordination across regulatory and compliance affairs, ensuring that studies are conducted in full alignment with institutional, federal, and sponsor requirements.

Address: Penn Dental Medicine
240 S. 40th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Phone: 215-573-6248
Email: pdmtranslationalmed@dental.upenn.edu
Website: https://www.dental.upenn.edu/research/center-for-clinical-and-translational-research/

Contacts: Marta Gabinskiy, Rosa Urbina

Featured questions

What types of studies are done at ADA Qualified Testing Sites?

ADA Qualified Testing Sites are validated to perform specific clinical studies and/or laboratory testing required for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Different sites perform different tests; no one site performs all the tests below. Please review the ADA Seal category requirements to confirm if clinical and in vitro testing are required.

Clinical Studies:

  • Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
  • Longitudinal studies
  • Cross-sectional studies
  • Split-mouth studies
  • Observational studies

In Vitro Studies:

  • Enamel demineralization and remineralization tests
  • Biofilm and plaque testing
  • Abrasion and erosion studies
  • Fluoride uptake studies
  • Salivary pH testing
How are ADA Qualified Testing Sites evaluated?

Sites have undergone rigorous evaluation by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs to verify their ability to conduct quality testing in support of ADA Seal Program applications.

How will I know if a testing site is ADA Qualified?

Testing sites that are approved by ADA will be included in the ADA Qualified Testing Site program directory.

How do I apply to have my company’s products tested by a Qualified Site?

Manufacturers applying for the ADA Seal program can now hire ADA Qualified Testing Sites for their product testing needs. To have your product tested by a Qualified Testing Site, contact a participating site directly using the information provided in the ADA Qualified Testing Sites directory. Each site manages its own testing services, timelines, and fees; you may work with them to determine the appropriate study design and testing approach for your product.