Empowering Excellence:

Dr. Frizzell Completes PRIMED Clinical Research Training

We’re proud to announce that Dr.Felicia Frizell, recently participated in the prestigious PRIMED (Practice‑Based Research Integrating Multidisciplinary Experiences in Dental Schools) clinical research training—an innovative initiative from the University of the Pacific’s Dugoni School of Dentistry in collaboration with Stanford University, supported by a $3.8 million, five‑year NIH/NIDCR grant.

Launched to integrate research into everyday practice, PRIMED equips clinicians—students, residents, faculty, and alumni—with the tools and skills to conduct high‑quality, ethics‑driven clinical studies. Participants begin with a 20‑hour Fundamentals of Clinical Research course modeled on Stanford’s curriculum, concluding in a meaningful Dentist–Scientist Oath ceremony. Those pursuing further training can advance into a more intensive, 40‑hour Comprehensive Clinical Research Program.

For our team member, this experience deepened expertise across three key research areas:

• Oral cancer: tracking and managing premalignant lesions with data and biopsy collection 

• Sleep medicine: exploring sleep apnea treatments via oral appliance therapy, monitored over time 

• Microbiome research: studying bacterial impacts on enamel and cavities through saliva sampling 

Through PRIMED’s Practice‑Based Research Network (PBRN), clinicians then apply these skills directly to their patients—bridging evidence and everyday care in settings like ours 

"I am proud to have completed the PRIMED program, a rigorous collaboration between Stanford University and the University of the Pacific. As someone dedicated to serving our area, I aspired to be part of cutting-edge research to better serve my patients. Balancing this intensive program with my full-time practice was challenging, but it strengthened my commitment to staying at the forefront of dental science. I believe that oral health is a vital reflection of overall health, and the research I’ve been involved in has the potential to benefit broader health concerns. My goal is to incorporate the latest scientific advances into my practice to provide the best possible care for our patients at Enchantment Family Dentistry." ~Dr. Felicia Frizzell, DDS, MHS, FACD

Why It Matters

1. Evidence‑Based Excellence - Dr. Frizzell is now more deeply equipped to integrate the latest clinical research into routine treatments, ensuring well-founded care.

2. Advancing Patient Outcomes - Training in areas like sleep apnea and oral cancer enables earlier detection, personalized interventions, and better long-term oral health.

3. Leadership in Innovation - As part of a growing community of clinician‑scientists, Dr. Frizzell joins a network transforming modern dentistry—enhancing patient experiences with cutting-edge, research-backed practices.

Join Us in Celebration & Support

Please join us in recognizing Dr. Frizzell for elevating their commitment to patient-centered care and innovation. We're thrilled to bring these enhanced skills and perspectives into our clinic. Stay tuned for future updates as Dr. Frizzell leads research-informed initiatives that benefit every patient we serve!

About PRIMED: This noteworthy program, supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research under grant 1U01DE033276‑01, empowers over 1,000 clinicians and establishes research in 80+ practice sites, driving real-world impact for clinical oral health.  https://www.pacific.edu/dental/faculty-and-research/PRIMED