About waterBEST
Tooth decay affects many local young children, and most tap water in Lenoir County does not have fluoride. The waterBEST study will help us find out if fluoride in bottled water can prevent tooth decay.
Lenoir county infants ages 2-6 months and their parents/guardians/caregivers can take place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in this study?
Every month the study team will call to see if you need a delivery of 5-gallon water bottles, and a study team member will make a delivery if needed. Families are asked to give their child the study water provided by the study team (not tap water). Children should continue their usual diet and health care.
Every 3 months, parents will be interviewed about their child’s health. Once a year, your child will have a dental check at home.
When your child turns 4-years old, they will have a dental exam at home.
When will the study take place?
Participants will be enrolled from April 2022 through April 2023. Study visits will occur through 2026.
What will households receive?
Bottled water, water cooler, shelves for water bottles, infant bottles and sippy cups will be provided to you at no cost throughout the study. Monetary compensation will also be provided.
Who is leading the study?
The study is funded by the National Institute of Health and is being conducted by the UNC Adams School of Dentistry at Chapel Hill with a field research office located in Kinston NC.
Contact us to see if your household qualifies:
Sonya K Capps, Project Manager
(919)445-5140
UNC Field Center located in Kinston NC
Email: waterBESTstudy@unc.edu
Click here to learn how fluoride works
Click here to learn more about Dental Fluorosis
UNC-CH IRB 20-3273 The investigator for this study is Dr. Gary Slade. Contact the Institutional Review Board at 919-966-3113 or by email to IRB_subjects@unc.edu