ASTM E3288-22

Standard Guide for Screening and Training of Assessors and a General Approach for the Sensory Evaluation of Oral Care Products: Toothpaste and Toothbrushes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The approaches to the evaluation of toothbrushes and toothpaste recommended in this guide can be used to assess the sensory characteristics of toothpaste in use and after use (or a series of uses). This guide is meant to address the evaluation of standalone toothbrush and toothpaste products and does not address packaging, product/package interaction, dispensing, or overall clinical effect or benefit of the product. The procedures outlined in this guide are to be used by assessors that have been specifically screened for sensory and descriptive ability and trained in the evaluation of toothbrushes or toothpaste or both. The procedures described in this guide can be used to guide product development within a manufacturer and communicate information regarding the product to the consumer through the media or on product packaging.  
5.2 Additionally, language and ideas from two additional ASTM International sensory guides (Guides E1490 and E2082) as well as the Lexicon for Sensory Evaluation: Aroma, Flavor, Texture, and Appearance (DS72-2ND)4 are used throughout this guide.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides guidelines for the selection and training of expert assessors for the sensory evaluation of toothpaste and toothbrushes as well as a basic framework for the sensory evaluation of the same. Sensory evaluation of toothpaste and toothbrushes can be used to define the sensory attributes of the products and then to measure those attributes quantitatively for the purposes of new product development, product optimization, competitive benchmarking, and claims substantiation.  
1.2 A general framework for both toothpaste and toothbrush descriptive analysis is provided to guide the reader in the design and execution (including sample preparation and presentation, facility and testing environment, and specific evaluation protocols) for such evaluations.  
1.3 This guide provides suggested protocols and approaches to the evaluation of the indicated products/samples and in no way excludes any alternate approaches that may be effective in providing such perceptual evaluations.  
1.4 This guide does not address other oral care products including, but not limited to, whitening agents, oral rinses, mouthwashes, dental flosses, denture adhesive, floss picks, or other oral care products.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Nov-2022
• ICS: 71.100.70 - Cosmetics. Toiletries
• ICS: 97.170 - Body care equipment
• Technical Committee: E18 - Sensory Evaluation
• Drafting Committee: E18.07 - Personal Care and Household Evaluation

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E1490-19 - Standard Guide for Two Sensory Descriptive Analysis Approaches for Skin Creams and Lotions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM E253-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM E253-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E253-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM E253-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM E253-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM E253-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM E253-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM E253-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM E253-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E253-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E253-12a - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM E253-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM E253-11a - Standard Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM E1490-11 - Standard Guide for Two Sensory Descriptive Analysis Approaches for Skin Creams and Lotions
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011

Overview

ASTM E3288-22 is a comprehensive standard guide developed by ASTM International for the screening and training of assessors, as well as for establishing a general, reliable approach to the sensory evaluation of oral care products, specifically toothpaste and toothbrushes. This guide details procedures for selecting, training, and validating assessors capable of consistently evaluating the sensory attributes of these oral care products. By focusing on standalone product evaluations, ASTM E3288-22 supports objective product development and communication to consumers through claims and packaging. The standard builds on established sensory evaluation principles and integrates language and concepts from associated ASTM sensory guides and lexicons.

Key Topics

• Assessor Selection and Training

  • Guidelines for recruiting assessors from within organizations or the general community
  • Screening criteria, including sensory acuity, oral health, product familiarity, and commitment requirements
  • Structured training sessions focusing on attribute recognition, use of scales, and repeatability

• Sensory Evaluation Framework

  • Step-by-step protocols for the evaluation of toothpaste and toothbrushes
  • Detailed approaches for organizing and conducting sensory descriptive analysis, including sample preparation, product presentation, and controlled testing environments

• Attribute Measurement

  • Identification and quantification of sensory attributes such as flavor, texture, mouthfeel, and overall impression for toothpaste
  • Assessment of toothbrush characteristics including bristle properties, handle ergonomics, and overall usability

• Testing Environment and Procedure

  • Recommendations for creating a standardized testing environment that closely mimics consumer use scenarios
  • Sample handling, dispense methods, and data recording protocols to minimize bias and maintain consistency

• Panel Monitoring and Validation

  • Ongoing procedures for validating and recalibrating panels to ensure data reliability and accuracy over time
  • Strategies for minimizing panelist attrition and maintaining high-quality performance standards

Applications

The practical applications of ASTM E3288-22 are extensive across oral care product development and marketing:

• Product Development: Helps manufacturers objectively assess new toothpaste and toothbrush formulations for desirable sensory attributes, aiding in optimization and innovation.
• Quality Benchmarking: Enables consistent sensory benchmarking against competitor products and supports quantitative claims substantiation.
• Consumer Research: Provides standardized sensory testing data that can be leveraged to understand and predict consumer preferences.
• Claims Support: Delivers validated and repeatable sensory results critical for substantiating product claims made on packaging and in advertising.
• Panelist Management: Assists organizations in building and maintaining trained, reliable sensory evaluation panels for ongoing product testing.

The guide is not intended for evaluating packaging, product/package interaction, or the overall clinical efficacy of oral care products. It is focused on the sensory performance of standalone toothpastes and toothbrushes, ensuring results are specific to in-use product experiences.

Related Standards

ASTM E3288-22 references and complements several related standards and resources, including:

• ASTM E253 – Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Materials and Products
• ASTM E1490 – Guide for Two Sensory Descriptive Analysis Approaches for Skin Creams and Lotions
• ASTM E2082 – Guide for Descriptive Analysis of Shampoo Performance
• Lexicon for Sensory Evaluation – Aroma, Flavor, Texture, and Appearance (DS72-2ND)

For comprehensive sensory evaluation programs within oral care product development, these related standards provide additional context for terminology, evaluation methods, and attribute lexicons.

---

Keywords: sensory evaluation, oral care products, toothpaste testing, toothbrush assessment, assessor training, sensory panel, ASTM standards, product development, claims substantiation, consumer testing

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E3288 − 22
Standard Guide for
Screening and Training of Assessors and a General
Approach for the Sensory Evaluation of Oral Care Products:
Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3288; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This guide provides guidelines for the selection and 2.1 ASTM Standards:
training of expert assessors for the sensory evaluation of E253 Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Mate-
toothpaste and toothbrushes as well as a basic framework for rials and Products
the sensory evaluation of the same. Sensory evaluation of E1490 Guide for Two Sensory Descriptive Analysis Ap-
toothpaste and toothbrushes can be used to define the sensory proaches for Skin Creams and Lotions
attributes of the products and then to measure those attributes E2082 Guide for Descriptive Analysis of Shampoo Perfor-
quantitatively for the purposes of new product development, mance
product optimization, competitive benchmarking, and claims
3. Terminology
substantiation.
3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminology E253 for common
1.2 Ageneral framework for both toothpaste and toothbrush
sensory terms that may be applied to the evaluation of
descriptive analysis is provided to guide the reader in the
toothpaste.
design and execution (including sample preparation and
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to Toothpaste:
presentation, facility and testing environment, and specific
3.2.1 This list is in no means meant to be an exhaustive list
evaluation protocols) for such evaluations.
of sensory attributes common to toothpaste but rather a list of
1.3 This guide provides suggested protocols and approaches
example attributes that are commonly perceived in the use of
to the evaluation of the indicated products/samples and in no
toothpaste.
way excludes any alternate approaches that may be effective in
providing such perceptual evaluations.
Flavor Attributes
3.2.2 anise/licorice, n—aromatics associated with sweet,
1.4 This guide does not address other oral care products
including, but not limited to, whitening agents, oral rinses, spicy herbs containing anethole, for example, licorice gum and
licorice candy.
mouthwashes, dental flosses, denture adhesive, floss picks, or
other oral care products.
3.2.3 brown spice, n—bark, buds, flowers, roots, fruit, and
secretions of plants used to create pungency, bite, or character
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
in foods and aromatics associated with a range of earthy,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
musty, woody, sweet, warm, citrus, terpeney, sassafras, brown
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
spices that can include bitter and numbing, for example,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
cinnamon, cardamom, clove, mace, coriander, and nutmeg,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
0.1 % allspice solution, and strong cinnamon chewing gum.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.4 chalky flavor, n—aromatics associated with mineral
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
salts such as chalk along with some cement-like and dusty
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
notes, for example, chalk dust, milk of magnesia, calcium
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
carbonate, and calcium oxide.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.5 earthy, adj—aromatic associated with mushrooms,
potatoes, and potting soil.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E18 on Sensory
Evaluation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E18.07 on Personal For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Care and Household Evaluation. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2022. Published December 2022. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E3288-22. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3288 − 22
3.2.6 green (viney), n—aromatic associated with plants, more granular measures such as: foam amount, foam
particularly with plant stems, for example, the aromatic asso- uniformity, and denseness of bubbles produced.
ciated with tulip stems.
3.2.19 gritty, adj—sensation of coarse, hard particles per-
3.2.7 mint complex, n—sum of the combination of several ceived in the mouth, for example, quick-dissolving antacid
aromatics associated with mint such as wintergreen, spearmint, (calcium carbonate) tablets and granulated sugar.
and peppermint.
3.2.20 menthol, n—“green” aromatic with associated nasal
3.2.7.1 Discussion—Other attributes associated with mint
pungency and cooling feeling factor (and burning at higher
complex may include basic tastes and feeling factors such as:
levels) while in the mouth, for example, menthol and eucalyp-
sweet, bitter, cooling, pungency, and menthol, all of which are
tus cough drop and mentholated topical cough suppressant
rated separately.
ointment.
3.2.8 peroxide, n—aromatic associated with hydrogen per-
3.2.21 overall impact, n—sum total of the sensory impres-
oxide and can include astringency, soapy, prickly, vinyl
sions (sensations) of the sample in the mouth that includes
impression, soured, and metallic taste and aftertaste, for
aromatics, basic tastes, and feeling factors.
example, 1:4 dilution hydrogen peroxide.
3.2.22 peppermint, n—aromatics associated with pepper-
3.2.9 soapy aromatic, adj—aromatics associated with lipo-
mint leaves.
lyzed milk solids, hydrolyzed vegetable fat, tallow notes, or
3.2.22.1 Discussion—Other associated characteristics with
hydrolyzed animal fat, or combinations thereof.
peppermint typically include sweet, mint, cooling, green notes,
3.2.10 spearmint, n—aromatics associated with spearmint. bitter, and pungency, all of which are rated separately. Non-
category examples of peppermint include peppermint gum and
3.2.10.1 Discussion—Other associated characteristics with
spearmint typically include sweet, bitter, green notes, and candies.
cooling (though typically not as intense as peppermint), all of
3.2.23 pins and needles/numbing/stinging, n—feeling factor
which are rated separately, with slightly less burn than pepper-
associated with a sharp, stinging sensation that can be intense
mint.
and includes a decrease or loss of sensation (numbing) often as
3.2.11 thymol-eucalyptol, n—aromatics associated with the a result of intense carbonation and a reaction to strong
flavoring oil, essence, or extracts, for example, rinsing the oral
aroma of eucalyptus trees that include piney/rosemary and
phenolic/medicinal. cavity with hydrogen peroxide and then expectorating.
3.2.24 slick, adj—measure of the lack of resistance to
3.2.12 unripe (green) fruit, n—aromatic associated with
underdeveloped fruit, for example, green bananas. tongue movement across the surface of the teeth.
3.2.25 soapy mouthfeel, adj—alkaline and slippery feel on
3.2.13 warming, v—perception of chemical heat associated
the soft tissues of the mouth.
with substances such as brown spice and low levels of
capsaicin.
3.2.26 toothpaste, n—powder, paste, gel, or liquid for clean-
ing the teeth with the primary clinical benefit being the
3.2.14 wintergreen, n—combination of several sweet aro-
matics associated with the mint family having some green and prevention of dental caries.
3.2.26.1 Discussion—Toothpaste products may or may not
menthol aromatics along with a methyl salicylate aromatic
sensation. contain a form of fluoride as the common active ingredient and
are generally intended for application with a toothbrush or
3.2.14.1 Discussion—Other associated characteristics with
wintergreen typically include warming, low-level burning, and similar device.
cooling, which are rated separately. Non-category examples:
3.3 Definitions of Terms Common to the Perception of
wintergreen breath mints and typical bismuth subsalicylate
Toothbrushes:
stomach remedies.
3.3.1 bristle, n—short, hair-like structure, usually made of
synthetic material with varying degrees of stiffness (or firm-
Texture/Mouthfeel and Holistic Attributes
ness).
3.2.15 baking soda complex, n—metallic, salty, mouth coat-
3.3.1.1 Discussion—Other bristle attributes associated with
ing with radiating burn feeling, including mouth slip, for
toothbrushes can include: deformation of bristles over time,
example, 0.1 % baking soda solution and unflavored seltzer
bristle length, and bristle density.
water.
3.3.2 handle, n—part of an instrument or thing by which it
3.2.15.1 Discussion—The study designer may choose to
is held, carried, or controlled.
separate this complex attribute into more granular attribute
3.3.2.1 Discussion—Attributes to consider regarding handle
measures.
may be comfort, ability to control, length, roughness,
3.2.16 bicarbonate feeling factor, n—additionally can be
slipperiness, circumference, diameter, shape, and feel of com-
recognized as the chemical feeling factor associated with
position material.
sodium bicarbonate.
3.3.3 toothbrush, n—oral hygiene instrument used to clean
3.2.17 chalky feel, n—textural perception of small particu-
the teeth, tongue, and gums and the instrument consists of a
lates.
head of tightly clustered bristles embedded in a handle that
3.2.18 foam, n—characteristics of the bubbles produced facilitates the cleansing of teeth surfaces and soft tissues of the
during the use of the product and this may specifically include mouth.
E3288 − 22
3.3.3.1 Discussion—The toothbrush is typically used in E2082) as well as the Lexicon for Sensory Evaluation: Aroma,
conjunction with a teeth-cleaning agent such as toothpaste or Flavor, Texture, and Appearance (DS72-2ND) are used
toothpowders.Theseagentsmaybecontainedwithinthebrush throughout this guide.
or applied directly to the brush head before use.
6. Panel Selection and Training – Toothbrush and
4. Summary of Guide
Toothpaste Sensory Assessors
4.1 The development of expert descriptive sensory capabil-
6.1 Objective—To select and train a panel of 10 to 15
ity for the evaluation of toothbrushes and toothpaste requires a
judges to evaluate sensory properties before, during, and after
veryspecificanddeliberateapproachtonotonlytheevaluation
usage of toothbrushes and toothpaste using descriptive analysis
of the product itself but also to the recruitment and training of
methods that quantify sensory attributes over time. For any
potential evaluators for the evaluation of toothbrushes and
particular study or evaluation, a smaller subset of these
toothpaste.This guide provides approaches for the recruitment,
panelists may be used to generate data depending on project
screening, training, and final selection of panelists to evaluate
needs or objectives or both.
the intensity and time course of the sensory physical charac-
6.2 Assessor Selection—The following paragraphs will
teristics of toothbrushes and toothpaste.
cover points specific to toothbrush and toothpaste assessors.
4.2 Additionally, several approaches to the expert descrip-
For more general considerations in the recruitment of a
tive analysis of consumer products have been developed, each
descriptive analysis panel, reference ASTM STP 758.
with its own particular strengths and drawbacks. Two of the
6.2.1 Assessors are recruited from within a company or the
most common approaches are the common application and use
local community. The choice to use employees allows a
of toothbrushes and toothpaste through the typical toothbrush-
company to have the assessors on site and keep proprietary
ing process using a toothbrush.
information confidential. Candidates from within the company
arecontactedbyinterofficememo,e-mail,companynewsletter,
4.3 An alternate approach to the evaluation of some attri-
or notices posted on regular and electronic bulletin boards.
butes of toothpaste specifically that has been published in the
Management encouragement and support is critical. The use of
sensory literature is the sampling of the product from a spoon.
local community residents broadens the potential panelist pool
This approach provides a mechanism for flavor, chemical
and also provides panelists that do not have a vested interest in
feeling factor, and some mouthfeel characteristics without the
the success of any product or product proposition. However,
concomitant irritation of the oral tissues that can accompany
the use of panelists from the surrounding community provides
the use of a bristled toothbrush. This approach would not be
a risk of panelist attrition both on a daily basis and longer term
appropriate in the evaluation of toothbrush sensory character-
as the panelists are not employees of the company. A large
isticsnorfortoothpastecharacteristicsthatrequirethemechan-
group of candidates are recruited from the local community by
ics of brushing to be perceived, such as those associated with
contacting community groups, posting on bulletin boards,
foam, or for those that require full contact of all oral tissues
websites, placing newspaper ads, or other such ways to
with the toothpaste or generated foam or both such as cooling.
communicate such as exploring social media.
4.4 Specifics around the approaches for toothbrush and
6.2.2 No matter the recruiting approach, before any pre-
toothpaste evaluation are left to the reader as varied and
screening or screening of panelist candidates, candidates
equally valid descriptive analysis protocols can be developed.
should be informed of the time commitment for training,
potential duration of the panel, use of the panel, and expecta-
5. Significance and Use
tionofeachpanelistrelativetotheresponsibilitiesofthepanel.
5.1 The approaches to the evaluation of toothbrushes and
Aprescreening questionnaire is recommended for determining
toothpaste recommended in this guide can be used to assess the
current product usage, oral care habits, availability, interest,
sensory characteristics of toothpaste in use and after use (or a
and their ability to articulate perceptions.
series of uses).This guide is meant to address the evaluation of
standalone toothbrush and toothpaste products and does not 6.3 Prescreening Questionnaire—The prescreening ques-
tionnaire should cover the following topics:
address packaging, product/package interaction, dispensing, or
overall clinical effect or benefit of the product. The procedures 6.3.1 Screening Questions Specific to External Panelists:
Availability—Available for all mandatory training and 80 % or
outlinedinthisguidearetobeusedbyassessorsthathavebeen
specifically screened for sensory and descriptive ability and more of practice sessions. Be clear on what exactly is the time
commitment. If performing an external recruit, carefully con-
trained in the evaluation of toothbrushes or toothpaste or both.
The procedures described in this guide can be used to guide sider exclusion of sensitive industry/competition, as well as
household members of current/former company employees or
product development within a manufacturer and communicate
information regarding the product to the consumer through the other sensory panel members.
6.3.2 Clarification to the Candidate of the Scope and
media or on product packaging.
Expectation of the Role—This is a standalone job/role with no
5.2 Additionally, language and ideas from two additional
ASTM International sensory guides (Guides E1490 and
Lexicon for Sensory Evaluation: Aroma, Flavor, Texture and Appearance,
ND
Hightower,C.A.andChambers,E.,“DescriptiveAnalysisofToothpasteFlavor DS72-2 , ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2011.
and Texture Using Two Sampling Methods: Brushing Versus Spoon Tasting,” Guidelines for the Selection and Training of Sensory Panel Members, STP 758,
Journal of Sensory Studies, Vol 24, No. 3, 2009, pp. 301-316. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA. 1981.
E3288 − 22
expected addition to further company employment (if recruited 6.4.1 Potential panelists should thoroughly examine their
externally). This is a part-time role without expectation to an ability to commit based on business travel, other business
increase in hours (if recruited externally). Additionally, hours commitments, and so forth.
are based on study needs and are not guaranteed. Working in a
6.4.2 People cannot be on the panel who are directly
groupdynamicandgroupenvironmentisessential.Inregardto
involved with the project/product category (for example, all
training, practice, validation, and long-term commitment, will-
oral care product development should be excluded). They
ingness to step outside of the oral comfort zone (trying things
should be from a mix of other project categories to minimize
that they would not normally try, unusual flavors, sensation, response bias.
textures, and strengths) is critical.
6.4.3 Do not recruit from areas of the building/facility that
6.3.2.1 If products or materials used in training contain
would compromise objective evaluation, for example, those
alcohol, caffeine, animal products, processed foods, or other
individuals that work in a food setting or a product-making
materials that may be prohibited because of a potential
area as odors from their work may be carried with them to the
panelist’s cultural or religious background, it is recommended
testing site and compromise sample evaluations.
that this be disclosed to potential panelists early in the
6.4.4 Panelists need to be completely blinded/shielded from
recruitment process.
the samples in their daily work for the entire testing period.
6.3.3 Questions to Ascertain General Health and
6.4.5 Based on the results of the prescreening questionnaire,
Condition—Generally, exclude potential panelists with food
candidates are selected to participate in the acuity screening
allergies, diabetes, hypertension not managed by medication
phase. Candidates meeting prescreening criteria are invited to
(less than ⁄90), on medications that noticeably affect their
anonsitesession(s)fortheassessmentofsensoryacuity,ability
ability to smell/taste, have serious chronic medical conditions
to perform the task, and ability to work independently and in a
(for example, cancer), are pregnant, or are lactating. Further
group.
medical history and current medication assessment can be
6.4.6 If internal panelist acuity data has been collected for
conducted in cooperation with safety, regulatory, and legal
previous studies, acuity should be reverified for the current
partners. If the candidate’s medical history is collected, ensure
project if the previous acuity screen does not apply to tooth-
that this is acceptable from a Human Resources (HR) perspec-
paste or toothbrush evaluation or both.
tive and not subject to the Health Insurance Portability and
6.5 On-Site Screening:
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) (or similar) restrictions.
6.5.1 Candidates meeting the prescreening criteria are
6.3.4 Oral Health and Condition—Health and condition of
invited to an onsite session(s) for assessment of underlying
mouth and teeth, the presence or absence of dentures or
sensory abilities. Sensory acuity screening should include, but
partials, and age may be considered when recruiting assessors
is not limited to, tests of olfactory ability, gustatory ability, and
for a toothpaste or toothbrush product panel. Unless the
texture sensitivity.
product is formulated to address denture wearers, it is recom-
6.5.2 During the sensory screening process, assessors
mended that denture wearers not be included in sensory
should demonstrate the ability to both evaluate products
toothpaste or toothbrush evaluations.
independently (without being a distraction to or being dis-
6.3.4.1 It is also recommended that individuals who have
tracted by others) and participate in group discussions. For
chronic oral conditions, periodontal disease, excessive fillings,
example, candidates may participate in a mock evaluation
orthodontia, fewer than 80 % of their natural teeth, sensitivity
session of a toothbrush or toothpaste product or both for
to ingredients commonly included in toothpaste, and the
observation of their ability to work both independently and in
presence of veneers be excluded. Issues such as tooth
a group.
sensitivity, recent dental or oral surgery, tobacco use, and
6.5.3 It is recommended that a one-on-one interview be
bridgework should also be considered when selecting asses-
conducted for determination of fit to the role at the end of the
sors.
screening process before the final selection of assessors.
6.3.5 Commitment: Training, Practice, and Ongoing (Over-
6.5.4 Questions that may be asked during the one-on-one
all Length of Commitment)—The amount of time invested in
interview may include, but are not limited to:
the candidate should balance with the amount of time the
6.5.4.1 If you were in a discussion in the group and
candidate delivers.
everyone else on the panel disagreed with your position, what
6.3.6 Descriptive Ability (Gauged from Written
would you do?
Questions)—The objective should not be called out to the
6.5.4.2 If you took this job, how would it fit into your
panelist. If prescreening is done online, be very careful not to
life/schedule/routine?
include questions in an online screener that can be answered
6.5.4.3 What questions do you have that have not been
through an internet search
...