Dr Rasha Abu-Eid
Associate Professor in Oral Biology
Dr Rasha Abu-Eid, Associate Professor in Oral Biology, School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham
Oral and Systemic Diseases
Oral cancer
Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer, with survival rates around 60%, largely due to late detection. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) can progress to cancer, but their behaviour is difficult to predict. There is a need for reliable markers to identify high-risk patients and enable earlier diagnosis when treatment is more effective. Our interdisciplinary research combines biological, physical, and clinical sciences to improve therapies and develop new treatments. Using advanced technologies such as digital pathology, advanced image analysis, Raman spectroscopy, spatial transcriptomics, and proteomics, we study oral tissues across disease progression to identify predictive markers, immunotherapy targets, and approaches for patient stratification.
We also develop 3D in vitro oral tissue models to better understand oral cancer (HNSCC), improve diagnosis and treatment, and support tissue regeneration using dental stem cells. These include complex 3D tissue models, in silico approaches, and drug screening systems. Our work further explores epigenetics, gene regulation, DNA methylation, and biomarker detection using micro-sensors, supported by multiple research funders.
Staff in this research area
Miss Annika Therese Kroeger
Clinical lecturer in oral surgery
Ms Annika Kroeger is a full time NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer and Specialty Registrar in Oral Surgery at the University of Birmingham.
Dr Malgorzata Wiench
Lecturer in Cancer Biology
Staff profile for Malgorzata Wiench who is a lecturer in Cancer Biology within the School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham.
Dental caries
Dental caries (tooth decay) is a biofilm-mediated disease in which acids produced by bacteria metabolising fermentable carbohydrates lead to the demineralisation of enamel and dentine. It is among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases globally, affecting individuals across all age groups. Our research focuses on targeting cariogenic microbial species and biofilms to develop effective antimicrobial treatment strategies.
In addition, our work seeks to advance understanding of the mechanisms underlying tooth demineralisation by investigating the spatial organisation and nanostructure of dental enamel and dentine, as well as the changes associated with early-stage caries and acid erosion. These insights aim to support the development of effective remineralisation therapies for dental tissues.
Staff in this research area
Dr Rasha Abu-Eid
Associate Professor in Oral Biology
Dr Rasha Abu-Eid, Associate Professor in Oral Biology, School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham
Professor Will Palin
Professor in Biomedical Materials Science
Staff profile of Professor Will Palin, Professor in Biomedical Materials Science at University of Birmingham.
Dr Ayesha Sabah Rahman
Associate Professor in Microbiology
Dr Ayesha Sabah Rahman, Associate Professor in Microbiology, School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham
Endodontics
A discipline focused on pulp therapy and root canal treatment, has advanced significantly in recent years. Research at the Department of Dentistry aims to better understand loss of mineralised tissues, in endodontic diseases and in molar-incisor hypomineralisation, and to improve their replacement and pulp management. As dental caries remains a leading cause of tissue loss, collaborative work within the Department of Dentistry and partners like Isis Neutron Imaging supports studies on effective treatments, including guidelines for full versus partial caries removal.
Additionally, our research explores molecular processes behind injury and regeneration of pulpal and periradicular tissues, helping to improve diagnostics through biomarkers and develop regenerative therapies. This includes identifying biomarkers in apical periodontitis to predict treatment outcomes. Our studies also examine how materials used in endodontics, specifically hydraulic calcium silicate cements, promote tissue repair by triggering processes like cell growth, angiogenesis, and mineralisation, and how irrigation during root canal therapy enhances regenerative components in dentine.
Staff in this research area
Professor Josette Camilleri
Clinical Professor of Endodontics and Applied Materials
Professor Josette Camilleri, Professor of Endodontics and Applied Materials, University of Birmingham, UK.
Mr Satnam Virdee
Clinical Lecturer & Honorary Specialty Registrar in Restorative Dentistry
Periodontitis and gingivitis
Periodontitis and gingivitis (gum diseases) are chronic, multifactorial inflammatory conditions associated with microbial biofilms. In the case of periodontitis, they are characterised by progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues. Periodontitis affects approximately 50% of adults worldwide and represents a significant global health burden, as it is a leading cause of tooth loss, adversely impacting nutrition, speech, aesthetics, and overall oral health–related quality of life. Our research focuses on the microbiological and immunological mechanisms underlying disease, patterns of gene expression in periodontal and peri-implant health and disease, and the links between periodontal and systemic conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis. This work is supported by the use of advanced methodologies, including multi-omics approaches, high-resolution imaging, and live-cell functional assays.
In addition, our research encompasses other oral conditions, including Behçet’s disease and epidermolysis bullosa. We conduct clinical trials within our periodontology department, often in collaboration with industry partners, and we are actively engaged in the development of novel diagnostic approaches using saliva and dental plaque, as well as innovative therapeutic strategies for periodontal diseases. These activities are undertaken by the researchers displayed below, together forming the Periodontal Research Group. We are also part of the University of Birmingham’s NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in the Inflammation, Oral, Gastrointestinal and Systemic Health theme, where we investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms linking oral and gut inflammatory diseases.
Staff in this research area
Professor Iain Chapple
Professor of Periodontology and Consultant in Restorative Dentistry
Professor Iain Chapple. Professor of Periodontology and Consultant in Restorative Dentistry. ICS Head of Research
Professor Thomas Dietrich
Professor of Oral Surgery
Thomas Dietrich is Head of the Department of Oral Surgery in the School of Dentistry in the School of Health Sciences.
Dr Melissa Grant
Associate Professor
Staff profile for Dr Melissa Grant, Associate Professor, School of Dentistry in the College of Medicine and Health at the University of Birmingham.
Dr Josefine Hirschfeld
Associate Professor & Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry
Staff profile for Josefine Hirschfeld, Associate Professor in Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry at University of Birmingham
Professor Moritz Kebschull
Chair of Restorative Dentistry
Professor Moritz Kebschull, Chair of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham
Miss Annika Therese Kroeger
Clinical lecturer in oral surgery
Ms Annika Kroeger is a full time NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer and Specialty Registrar in Oral Surgery at the University of Birmingham.
Ana Poveda
Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Oral Medicine
Ana Poveda, Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Oral Medicine in the School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, UK.
Dr Praveen Sharma
Associate Professor & Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry
Staff Profile for Dr Praveen Sharma, Associate Professor in Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham
Dr Zehra Yonel
Clinical Lecturer Periodontology
Staff profile of Zehra Yonel, Clinical Lecturer at the School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham.