Market adoption of a novel preventive oral care products among dental clinics and affluent seniors in Canada - BC-1001

Project type: Innovation
Desired discipline(s): Dentistry, Life Sciences
Company: Ediccare Inc.
Project Length: 4 to 6 months
Preferred start date: As soon as possible.
Language requirement: English
Location(s): Vancouver, BC, Canada
No. of positions: 1
Desired education level: CollegeUndergraduate/BachelorMaster'sPhDPostdoctoral fellowRecent graduate
Open to applicants registered at an institution outside of Canada: No

About the company: 

Ediccare Inc. is a Vancouver-based life science startup dedicated to advancing periodontal health through the integration of clinical science and human-centered design. Drawing on expertise in pharmaceutical science, dentistry, and consumer health, the company is introducing GingiCCare™, a Precision Gumline Care system designed as a gentle second step after brushing. While brushing primarily cleans the teeth, GingiCCare™ delivers targeted cleansing and bioactive conditioning for the delicate gumline. By transforming an often-overlooked task into an elevated, drug-free oral care ritual with a superior user experience, Ediccare seeks to collaborate with dental professionals to improve adherence to preventive gum care and support better long-term periodontal health outcomes.

Describe the project.: 

Periodontal disease is among the most prevalent chronic conditions worldwide and is especially common among older adults. Although daily preventive care is essential, most oral hygiene routines and products are designed primarily for cleaning hard tooth surfaces, while the delicate gumline—where periodontal disease often begins—receives comparatively little targeted care. As the population ages and more individuals retain their natural dentition later in life, there is an increasing need for improved gum care approaches that support tooth stability and retention and help reduce the risk of systemic complications associated with poor periodontal health.

This project will evaluate the market potential, user needs, and adoption pathways for Ediccare’s innovative precision gumline care system - GingiCCare™,. The research will focus on two key stakeholder groups: dental professionals and higher-income older adults in Canada. Dental professionals, including dentists and hygienists, play a critical role in recommending oral care practices and products, while older adults represent a population with elevated risk of gum disease and strong motivation to maintain oral health.

In addition to this primary group, the study will explore adjacent populations with oral hygiene challenges, including orthodontic patients, periodontal maintenance patients, and individuals with dental restorations or appliances that complicate effective gumline cleaning. These groups often face increased difficulty maintaining oral hygiene and may benefit from targeted adjunctive care.

The project will employ mixed research methods, including interviews with dental professionals, surveys of dental practices, and consumer research among seniors and selected patient groups. The research will examine oral hygiene practices, perceptions of gum health, willingness to adopt new preventive routines, and factors influencing professional recommendation.

Findings will inform product positioning, practitioner engagement strategies, and commercialization pathways, supporting the development of evidence-informed preventive oral care solutions that improve adherence to gum care and contribute to better long-term periodontal health outcomes.

Required expertise/skills: 

The project requires interdisciplinary research skills combining oral health, consumer research, and health innovation. The intern will support the design and execution of mixed-methods research to evaluate adoption pathways for a preventive oral care solution.
Key required skills include:
• Strong research skills in qualitative and quantitative methods (literature review, interview design, survey development, data collection, and analysis)
• Ability to conduct stakeholder interviews and engage with dental professionals and patient populations
• Experience or coursework in health sciences, public health, dentistry, life sciences, or health services research
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for interpreting research findings
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and presenting insights
• Ability to translate research findings into practical insights for product development and commercialization
The academic supervisor will provide guidance on research design, methodology, and analysis. Ediccare will contribute expertise in preventive oral health, product innovation, and commercialization strategy, ensuring the research addresses real-world clinical and market needs.
Optional Assets
The following experience would strengthen the project but is not required:
• Background or interest in oral health, dental public health, periodontal care, or gerontology
• Experience conducting health behavior or consumer adoption research
• Familiarity with mixed-methods research approaches in healthcare settings
• Experience recruiting participants or conducting interviews with clinicians or patients
• Knowledge of preventive health, patient adherence, or willingness-to-pay analysis
• Experience with research tools such as survey platforms, qualitative coding software, or statistical analysis programs
Additional familiarity with the Canadian dental care landscape, preventive oral health products, or aging populations would be considered an asset.