Investigator Profile: Domenick T. Zero, DDS, MS

Major Research Project Description

Major research projects have included the evaluation of the clinical efficacy of topical fluorides in the prevention of dental caries and erosion, non-fluoride remineralization agents, new early caries diagnostic systems, caries-associated virulence properties of dental biofilms, and use to biologics in the treatment of Sjogren’s Syndrome and Temporomandibular Disorders.

Major funding in the past 5 years

2R01DE025848-05, NIH/NIDCR Koo (PI)  Zero (Role: Site PI Sub-Contract)
12/09/2017-11/30/2026
Biofilm elimination and caries prevention using multifunctional nanocatalysts
To develop a novel and clinically-translatable strategy for effective elimination of virulent biofilms and prevention of dental caries to improve oral health.

5R21DE026844-02, NIH/NIDCR Hara (PI)  Zero (Role: Co-I)
8/01/2018-7/31/2021
Objective Outcomes Measures for the Clinical Assessment of Erosive Tooth Wear
To develop an objective, non-invasive and non-destructive clinical assessment for the detection, differentiation and monitoring of ETW progression. 

1R21DE027786-01A1, NIH/NIDCR Thyvalikakath (PI)  Zero (Role: Co-I)
8/09/2019-7/31/2021
Assessing the Oral Health and Dental Treatment Outcomes in Sjögren’s Syndrome Patients
To characterize the caries status of Sjögren’s syndrome patients (SSP) at the tooth level, the specific factors that cause these caries patterns and the longevity of dental restorations in SSP. 

1R56DE029195-01, NIH/NIDCR Thyvalikakath (PI)  Zero (Role: Co-I)
09/04/2020-09/03/2021
Oral Health and Dental Treatment Outcomes in Sjogrens Syndrome Patients
To extend the cohort to include patients who have a confirmed or uncertain diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome until January 1, 2020, validate the diagnosis, and characterize their oral health status.

Amgen Zero (PI)
04/22/2021 - 04/21/2026
A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Single Center Phase 2 Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Off-label Subcutaneous Administration of Erenumab-aooe in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder
To assess the effects of Aimovig® (EREN) compared to placebo (EREN-P) based on the change in mean between-group difference in pain using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) 4-item pain severity/intensity scale during the 20-week trial.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Zero (PI)
06/01/2019 - 06/30/2023
A 48-week, 6-arm, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled multicenter trial to assess the safety and efficacy of multiple CFZ533 doses administered subcutaneously in two distinct populations of patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome (TWINSS).
To determine the dose-response of CFZ533 (iscalimab) in a population of patients with moderate-to-severe Sjögren’s Syndrome for key efficacy and safety parameters.

Colgate-Palmolive Zero (PI)
03/24/2020-03/23/2025
A Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, active-controlled multi-center clinical trial to assess the safety and the anti-caries efficacy of COL101 (arginine) non-fluoride dentifrices with 1.5%, 4.0% and 8.0% arginine in comparison with 0.24% sodium fluoride (1100 ppm F) dentifrice control in 10 to 14-year-old children.
To determine the dose-response anti-caries efficacy of arginine non-fluoride dentifrices compared to fluoride dentifrice in 10-14 year-old children over a one year period.

Procter and Gamble Company Zero (PI)
01/28/2021 - 01/27/2026
Evaluation of the Fluoride Dose Response of MPF Dentifrice Using In situ Caries Model.
To evaluate the fluoride dose response of different dentifrice fluoride concentrations - 0, 250, 1100 and 2800 ppm fluoride as sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) using an in-situ caries model.

Johnson & Johnson Zero (PI)
09/05/2018-03/31/2019
A study of the effects of experimental rinse formulation ex vivo in an in-situ biofilm model.
To determine if treatment ex vivo with an experimental rinse containing dextranase and mutanase decreases extracellular polysaccharide formation and the mass of biofilm on a bovine enamel specimen compared to the placebo rinse in a two week in-situ biofilm model.

Univ of Penn/Johnson & Johnson Koo (PI)
09/05/2018-03/31/2019
A novel anti-plaque approach using catalytic nanoparticles.

Publications