Research undertaken In Dentistry at the University of Birmingham, focuses on the management of oral diseases. Oral infectious and inflammatory diseases are the most common human diseases worldwide and cause significant morbidity, impacting upon general health, wellbeing and mortality rates. Their impact on the economy is substantial. Our research is making significant inroads into understanding their pathobiology and translating this into novel treatments.
Oral cancer is currently the 6th most common form of cancer with survival rates of only 60% and we aim to impact significantly upon these statistics through our collaborative research activities. Our interdisciplinary research excellence in the field of tissue repair, regeneration and rehabilitation draws upon multi-disciplinary expertise in the biological, physical and biological sciences to improve current, and develop future, therapeutic solutions.
It is estimated that globally over 3.5 billion people suffer from dental caries, with three out of four people affected living in middle-income countries. Together with periodontal disease, it is known to be the top oral health burden in both developing and developed nations affecting around 20–50% of the population of this planet and the uppermost reason for tooth loss. In the United Kingdom, caries continues to be a significant liability to the national healthcare system. Dental caries, if left untreated will lead to the need for endodontic therapy. Our cutting-edge research investigates the demineralization effects together with development in materials for both tooth restoration, endodontics and also surgical procedures. The link of periodontal disease and systemic health is crucial as most diseases are inflammatory and can be related.
Our clinician-basic science partnerships provide broad expertise and enable us to translate our lab-based research and exploit our findings through clinical trials of novel diagnostics and therapeutics in collaboration with our NHS partners. While our state-of-the-art purpose built laboratories and associated clinics house cutting-edge technologies enabling us to explore disease mechanisms, improve our understanding of pathogenic processes, and formulate new healthcare solutions.
The strengths of our internationally-leading teams centre on developing a sound understanding of disease mechanisms to underpin novel diagnostic, tissue regenerative and engineering therapeutic strategies for periodontal diseases, caries and oral cancer; and are enhanced by strong local, national and international (Europe, North/South America, Far-East, Asia) collaborations.
Our focus on the scientific basis of oral and dental disease is providing innovative solutions to important problems significantly impacting the population and is helping us to deliver our vision for improving oral and general health.
Besides our research, our staff work hand in hand with industrial partners undertaking quality control on oral hygiene products and dental materials. The dental material quality control is undertaken through an operating division based at University of Birmingham Enterprise. Details of the operating division – Birmingham Materials Testing Services (BiMaTS) can be found at www.bimats.co.uk
Research themes within Dentistry
Postgraduate research programmes within Dentistry
Our Dentistry PhD/MSc by Research will equip you with the skills you need to contribute to research that focuses on the scientific basis of oral and dental disease, providing innovative solutions to important problems significantly impacting the population.