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Research at the Faculty of Dentistry

Research at the Faculty of Dentistry

Members of the Faculty of Dentistry contribute to the development of new knowledge and understanding in the field of dentistry and there are exciting and innovative research projects actively pursued across the Faculty. The key research areas of the Faculty are:

Other areas of research to which the faculty contributes are:

Read on to find out more about these areas of research and the key researchers involved in these areas.

Student Information

Postgraduate Information Week

Institute of Dental Research

The Institute of Dental Research (IDR) is the oldest named dental institute in the world and is located within the Westmead Centre for Oral Health at Westmead Hospital. The IDR forms part of the Infection and Immunity branch of the Westmead Millennium Institute. Its research is focused on the analysis of polymicrobial populations within the oral cavity and their involvement in the major oral infections, dental caries and periodontal disease, which contribute a major social burden both in morbidity and cost. In keeping with its role as one of the leading dental research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, researchers at the IDR are applying the latest advances in genomics and protein science to gain new insights into the study and control of these oral diseases and their complex aetiologies.

Current research initiatives include:

  • Proteomics and structural genomics of oral pathogens
  • Oral bacteria and infective endocarditis
  • Polymicrobial aetiology of caries progression
  • Targeted control of oral pathogens in periodontitis
  • Determinants of oral infection in high-risk Aboriginal communities
  • Role of oral bacteria in immune development in marsupials

Recent publications include:

  • CD24 regulated gene expression and distribution of tight junction proteins is associated with altered barrier function in oral epithelial monolayers, BMC Cell Biology, 2009; 10(2), Online: doi:10.1186/1471-2121-10-2-(16 pages)
  • Verification of a topology model of PorT as an integral outer-membrane protein in Porphyromonas gingivalis. Microbiology 2009; 155: 328-337
  • Characterization of a novel calibration method for mineral density determination of dentine by x-ray micro-tomography. The Analyst 2009; 134: 72-79
  • Identification and expression of a novel marsupial cathelicidin from the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii). Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 2009; 127(3-4): 269-276
  • Interpain A, a Cysteine Proteinase from Prevotella intermedia, Inhibits Complement by Degrading Complement Factor C3. PLoS pathogens 2009; 5(2): 1 (paper e1000316)-14 (14 pages)
  • Methods for optimizing DNA extraction before quantifying oral bacterial numbers by real-time PCR FEMS Microbiology Letters 2009; 296: 45-51
  • Porphyrin-linked nitroimidazole antibiotics targeting Prophyromonas gingivalis. Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry 2009; 7(Online: DOI: 10.1039/b904340c): 2855-2863
  • Structure of N-acetyl-B-D-glucosaminidase (GcnA) from the endocarditis pathogen Streptococcus gordonii and its complex with the mechanism-based inhibitor NAG-thiazoline. Journal of Molecular Biology 2008; 377: 104-116
  • Interventions for prevention of otitis media may be most effective if implemented in the first weeks of life. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology 2008; 72: 57-61
  • Veillonella denticariosi sp. nov., isolated from human carious dentine. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 2008; 57: 2844-2848

Key researchers in this area are:


Association Dean (Research) BDS, PhD, FRCPA
Key Interest: Oral Infections

BDS(Hons), PhD
Key Interest: The maturation and secretion of gingipain proteases from the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis

BSc(Hons), PhD
Key Interest: The pathogenicity of Streptococcus gordonii strains, with particular reference to infective endocarditis (IE) and their role as primary colonisers of the oral cavity

BSc, MSc, PhD
Key Interests: Innovative approaches for analysis of microbial communities in carious teeth; Identification and characterisation of lysine-gingipain (kgp) biovars of oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis


Biomaterials Research Unit

This Research Unit is located at Sydney Dental Hospital and is involved in studies of Dental Restorative Materials, Biomaterials and Biomechanics as well as normal and diseased teeth. As caries still affect the majority of the population these materials and their properties are of critical importance for effective dental restorative treatment.

The research unit has a number of major focuses which include the following:

  • Quantifying the spatial dependence of the micro-mechanical properties of teeth and the role of remnant proteins and peptides on their properties. This work also extends to hypoplastic enamel.
  • Evaluating the influence of caries on the micromechanical properties of enamel and dentine. This also includes quantifying mineral densities through natural and caries lesions plus exploring options for remineralisation of carious teeth.
  • Investigating the residual stresses associated with curing of composite resins and associated marginal failure.
  • Advanced dental ceramics for restorative applications.
  • Bone remodeling associated with dental restorative treatments including implants (with Engineering University of Sydney).
  • Characterisation of adhesion of dental materials.

Recent publications include:

  • Calculation of contraction stresses in dental composites by analysis of crack propagation in the matrix surrounding a cavity. Dental Materials 2009; 25: 543-550
  • Dental implant induced bone remodelling and associated algorithms. Journal of the mechanical behaviour of biomedical materials, 2009; 2(5): 410-432
  • Determination of bound and unbound water in dental alginate irreversible hydrocolloid by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Dental Materials, 2009; 25(4): 486-493
  • Determination of viscoelastic-plastic material parameters of biomaterials by instrumented indentation. Journal of the Mechanical Behaviour of Biomedical Materials, 2009; 2: 318-325
  • Effect of microstructure upon elastic behaviour of human tooth enamel. Journal of Biomechanics, 2009; 42(8): 1075-1080
  • In vitro demineralization of human enamel natural and abraded surfaces: A micromechanical and SEM investigation. Journal of Dentistry, 2009; 37(4): 264-272
  • Unstable cracking (chipping) of veneering porcelain on all-ceramic dental crowns and fixed partial dentures. Acta Biomaterialia, 2009; 5: 1668-1677
  • Wear behaviour of dental enamel at the nanoscale with a sharp and blunt indenter tip. Wear, 2009; 266(1-2): 60-68
  • Effect of low magnitude and high frequency mechanical stimuli on defects healing in cranial bone. Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 2008; 66: 1104-1111
  • On the design of dental resin-based composites: A micromechanical approach. Acta Biomaterialia 2008; 4: 165-172

Key researchers in this area are:

Head of Unit
B.Sc (Physics), PhD
Key Interests: Biomaterials; Teeth structure and properties; Caries; Mechanical properties; Ceramics

BDS, MSc, PhD
Key Interests: The clinical application of FRC on restorative dentistry; The success rate of using FRC with dental implant; The new ceramic systems especially cerec 3 system versus cercon system; Bonding agents as new materials for direct pulp capping; Bleaching systems; Dental implant systems


Jaw Function and Orofacial Pain Research Unit

This Research Unit is located at the Westmead Hospital Centre for Oral Health and is involved in studies of Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) that are a painful, life-changing disorder severely affecting 5% of the population. Onset for TMD is generally in early adult life, the formation years for lifestyle stability. Symptoms vary in intensity from pain and clicking noises with jaw movement to an inability to chew or speak without intense, continuing pain.

The research unit is modelling normal jaw function through refined recordings of muscle activity and jaw movement in 3 dimensions as well as computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for studying the detailed structure of the jaw muscles. The same methodologies are being now applied to the study of jaw function in TMD patients to identify differences between TMD patients. This unique methodology will allow an assessment of the effectiveness of various commonly used treatments that have a variable success rate in the management of these debilitating disorders. The information should lead to a reduction of the burden that TMD causes on the health-care system.

Recent publications include:

  • Osseointegration and Dental Implants, Neurophysiologic Perspective on Rehabilitation with Oral Implants and Their Potential Side Effects, Klineberg, I J, Svensson, P, Sessle, B 2009, Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa, 333-344
  • Effects of experimental pain on jaw muscle activity during goal-directed jaw movements in humans. Experimental Brain Research 2008; 189: 451-462
  • Effects of noxious stimulation of orofacial tissues on rat licking behaviour. Archives of Oral Biology 2008; 53: 361-368
  • Experimental jaw-muscle pain has a differential effect on different jaw movement tasks. Journal of Orofacial Pain 2008; 22 (1): 15-29
  • How does pain affect jaw muscle activity? The integrated pain adaptation model. Australian Dental Journal 2008; 53 (3): 201-207
  • Noxious lingual stimulation influences the excitability of the face primary motor cerebral cortex (face MI) in the rat. Journal of Neurophysiology 2008; 100: 1234-1244
  • Pain and motor reflexes. Orofacial Pain from Basic Science to Clinical Management, The Transfer of Knowledge in Pain Research to Education (Eds) Sessle BJ, Lavigne G, Lund JP, Dubner R. Vol 1; pp 109-116
  • Regional properties of the superior head of human lateral pterygoid muscle. European Journal of oral Sciences 2008; 116: 518-524
  • Clinical implications of central neuroplasticity. Conference Proceedings: The Toronto Osseointegration Conference Revisited: A Neurophysiologic Perspective on Rehabilitation with Oral Implants and their Potential Side Effects; pp: 333-344
  • The bases of using a particular occlusal design in tooth and implant-bourne reconstructions and complete dentures. Clinical Oral Implants Research 2007; 18(suppl 3): 151-167

Key researchers in this area are:

Head of Unit
AM RFD, BSc MDS, PhD, FRACDS, FDSRCS
Key Interests: The clinical use of oral implants including bone augmentation and biomechanical considerations; Occlusion and temporomandibular joint neurology – reflex contributions to jaw muscle function and studies of jaw muscle electromyography and jaw kinematics.

PhD, BDS, MDS, FRACDS
Key Interests: Normal jaw motor function; Effects of pain in jaw motor function; Central representation of experimental and clinical orofacial pain.

PhD, BDS, MScDent, GradDipScMed(Pain)
Key Interests: Mechanisms underlying orofacial pain and effectiveness of management strategies; Jaw structure function relationships and strategies to manage jaw dysfunction


Cellular Molecular Pathology Research Unit

This department is primarily located at the Westmead Hospital Centre for Oral Health. Research work in cancer, wound healing, and cell biology is directed towards improving both the understanding of basic pathological processes and the management of disease. The departmental laboratories are very well equipped, allowing employment of a wide range of experimental methodologies to these varying projects including: tissue culture; light, con-focal, and electron microscopy; small and large animal experimentation; protein chemistry; molecular biology; and cell biology. A wide collaborative network provides access to further resources and expertise including mass spectrometry and micro-array technology.

Recent publications include:

  • Physiotherapeutic treatment improves oral opening in oral submucous fibrosis. Journal Of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 2009; 38: 220-226
  • Negative Feedback for Endothelial Apoptosis: A Potential Physiological Role for Fibroblasts Growth Factor. Journal of Vascular Research 2008; 45: 193-204
  • Effect of low magnitude and high frequency mechanical stimuli on defects healing in cranial bones. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2008; 66: 1104-1111
  • Physiotherapeutic treatment improves oral opening in oral submucous fibrosis. Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine 2008; 38:220-226
  • The application of synchrotron radiation induced x-ray emission in the measurement of zinc and lead in Wistar rat ameloblasts. Archives of Oral Biology 2007; 52: 938-944
  • The anti-apoptotic activity of albumin for endothelium is mediated by a partially cryptic protein domain and reduced by inhibitors of G-coupled protein and PI-3 Kinase, but is independent of radical scavenging or bound lipid. Journal of Vascular Research 2007; 44: 313-324
  • Resection of an orbital rim intraosseous cavernous haemangioma and reconstruction by chin graft and resorbable fixation plate. Opthalmic Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery 2007; 23: 232-234
  • Interferon-a and interferon-y sensitize human tenon fibroblasts to mitomycin-c. Investigative Opthamology and Visual Science 2007; 18: 3655-3661
  • Human serum reduces mitomycin-C cytotoxicity in Human tenon's Fibroblasts. Investigative Opthamology and Visual Science 2006; 47: 946-952
  • Marked differences in the structures and protein associations of lymphocyte and monocyte CD4: Resolution of a novel CD4 isoform. Immunology and Cell Biology 2006; 84: 154-165

Key researchers is this area are:

Head of UnitPhD, BDS(Cl II Hons)
Key Interests: Experimental pathology; Vascular remodeling in health and disease

PhD, BDS, MSc (Oral Path), FRACDS, FICD
Key Interests: Oral submucous fibrosis; Oral cancer


Discipline of Orthodontics

Research in the discipline in recent years has been multi-facetted. Efficient mechanics of tooth movement are being examined to improve our understanding of the processes of tooth movement. The effects of orthodontic therapy on biological tissues are being analysed to gain a greater understanding of the physiological and pathological processes that occur in orthodontic treatment. High-precision indentation and scanning methods have been developed to analyse the spatial variation of the mechanical properties of teeth. This work has now been extended to relate the change of physical and chemical as well as structural properties of cementum in different areas of the root surface when different amounts of orthodontic forces are applied. Target genes and receptors involved in the control of tooth movement and resorption are being studied. In the area of the management of obstructive sleep apnoea using oral appliances the discipline is one of the leading institutions. A series of studies has been undertaken on the effects of the mandibular advancement splints on the management of obstructive sleep apnoea. The discipline is also active in studies that have shown that magnetic and electromagnetic fields can accelerate bone repair as well as soft tissue healing. The discipline is also improving appliance design and is analyzing the effectiveness and efficacy of appliances. Clinical studies on newly designed mandibular growth modification appliances are being trialed.

Recent publications include:

  • Mechanical responses to orthodontic loading: A 3-dimensional finite element multi-tooth model. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2009; 135(2): 174-181
  • Effects of mechanical stimuli on adaptive remodeling of condylar cartilage. Journal of Dental Research, 2009; 88(5): 466-470
  • Effects of steroidal and nonsteroidal drugs on tooth movement and root resorption in the rat molar. Angle Orthodontist, 2009; 79(4): 715-726
  • Comparison of mandibular advancement splint and tongue stabilizing device in obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep, 2009; 32(5): 648-653
  • Effect of low magnitude and high frequency mechanical stimuli on defects healing in cranial bones. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2008; 66: 1104-1111
  • Esthetic evaluation of Asia-Chinese profiles from a white perspective. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics 2008; 133 (4): 532-538
  • Force magnitude and duration effects on amount of tooth movement and root resorption in the rat molar. Angle Orthodontist 2008; 78 (3): 502-509
  • Influence of nasal resistance on oral applicants treatment outcome in obstructive sleep apnoea. Sleep 2008; 31 (4): 543-547
  • Physical properties of rooth cementum: Part 10. Comparison of the effects of invisible removable thermoplastic appliances with light and heavy orthodontic forces on premolar cementum. A microcomputed-tomography study. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics 2008; 133 (2): 218-227
  • Mandibular functional positioning only in vertical dimension contributes to condylar adaptation evidenced by concomitant expressions of L-Sox 5 and type II collagen. Archives of Oral Biology 2008; 53: 567-574

Key Researcher is:

Head of Unit BDS, PhD, MDSc (Ortho)
Key Interests: Tooth movement and Sleep apnoea

Population Oral Health and Clinical Epidemiology

Research in this area is wide-ranging with projects being undertaken in Private General Practice and the Public Dental Service. In addition, research is focusing on improving oral health in rural communities and assessing the impact of water fluoridation.

As part of the general practice project, greater emphasis is being placed on predicting risk to dental caries and offering targeted prevention programs to reduce the need for clinical care. Strong links have been established with other disciplines including the School of Public Health and the Sax Institute.

Recent publications include:

  • Association of environmental cadmium exposure with periodontal disease in US adults. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2009; 117(5): 739-744
  • Child Dental Health Survey 2007: a snapshot of the oral health status of primary school-aged children in NSW. NSW Public Health Bulletin, 2009; 20(3-4): 40-45
  • An investigation of non-participation in health promotion interventions and its impact on population level outcome. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education 2008; 46(3): 107-112
  • Association of environmental cadmium exposure with pediatric dental caries. Environmental Health Perspectives 2008; 116(6): 821-825
  • Attitudes of the Victorian oral health workforce to the employment and scope of practice of dental hygienists. Australian Dental Journal 2008; 53: 67-73
  • Caries risk reduction in patients attending a caries management clinic. Australian Dental Journal 2008; 53: 340-348
  • Dental therapists: a global perspective. International Dental Journal 2008; 58(2): 61-70
  • Drug use among secondary school children in Central Delta State, Nigeria. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education 2008; 46(1): 33-34
  • English general dental practitioners views on the new contract: The problems of collecting information in a time of change. Health Education Journal 2008; 67(3): 231-239
  • Psychological stress and health in undergraduate dental students: fifth year outcomes compared with first year baseline results from five European dental schools. European Journal of Dental Education 2008; 12(2): 61-68
  • The caries management system: an evidence-based preventive strategy for dental practitioners. Application for adults. Australian Dental Journal 2008; 53: 83-92
  • The Monitor Practice Programme: is non-invasive management of dental caries in private practice effective? Australian Dental Journal 2008; 53: 306-313

Key researchers in this area are:

Head of Unit
BDS, MSc, PhD, FDS, FFPHM
Key Interests: Epidemiology; Behavioural Science; Primary Caries Research

DDS, MPH, PhD, FHKAM, FHKCDS
Key Inerest: Population Oral Health

BDS, MDS, DDSc
Key Interests: Dental Caries; Dental Plyorosis; Health promotion

BDS, MPH, PhD
Key Interest: Environment oral health; Links between oral and systemic health, with a particular emphasis on cancer; Bio-epidemiological research methods

BDS, MDS, Cert Health Econ, GradDip (Public Health)
Key Interest: Cost and utilisation of dental services for an insured population; Sugar consumption in Australia; Water fluoridation; Academic performance and social characteristics of dental students

BDS, DPH(Dent), MCom (Dent)
Key Interests: Cariology; Special Needs Dentistry; Public Health Dentistry


Periodontics

Current research has focused on bacteraemia caused by dental procedures and by patient-performed activities. This has been a combined research effort between the Discipline of Periodontology of the Faculty of Dentistry and the Centre for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases of the Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research at Westmead Hospital. Bacteraemia of oral origin is important in the pathogenesis of Infective Endocarditis and the findings of our group have provided published evidence to assist decision making in relation to antibiotic prophylaxis for the prevention of Infective Endocarditis. There is also increasing interest in the potential role of bacteraemia of oral origin in systemic diseases. To date, we have published findings on bacteraemia in relation to periodontal probing, ultrasonic scaling, chewing, flossing and the effect of oral rinsing with Povidone-Iodine on post-scaling bacteraemia.

Recent publications include:

  • Bacteraemia due to dental flossing, Journal of Clinical Periodontology 2009; 33:323-332 Online(doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2008.01372.x)
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea and periodontitis: a novel association?, Sleep and Breathing 2009;13(3), 233-239
  • Prescribing good oral hygiene for adults, Australian Prescriber 2009; 32(3), 72-75
  • Alveolar bone and the bisphosphonates, Australian Dental Journal 2009 54: (1 Suppl) S51-S61
  • A change of heart: The new infective endocarditis prophylaxis guidelines. Australian Dental Journal 2008; 53: 196–200

Key researchers in this area:

Head of Unit
BDS, MSc, PhD, FRACDS, FICD
Key interests: Bacteraemia caused by dental procedures and by patient-performed activities; Effect of toothbrush wear on plaque control

BDS, MDSc, Odont Dr, FCDSHK, FHKAM
Key interests: Plaque development; Periodontal microbiology; Subtraction radiography; Adjunctive efforts of traditional Chinese medicine in periodontal treatment; Implant performance in periodontal patients; Peri-implantitis


Learning and Teaching

Areas of focus are in student approaches to learning, eLearning, assessment practices and problem-based learning, pedagogy in clinical teaching and in benchmarking in higher education. Educational research projects have been completed in international benchmarking ( with the University of Adelaide) and in student approaches to learning in enquiry-based curricula ( resulting in three publications in refereed journals). . Funding has successful been achieved for all activities from university ( eg TIES) and external sources (eg ADRF). Currently members of the group are involved in an ALTC-funded multidisciplinary project in Australian Indigenous communication in health with the Poche Centre of the university. Research methodologies used include qualitative and quantitative and these are often strongly collaborative across the faculties of health in the university. Scholarship of teaching and learning in health education projects are designed to support, investigate and evaluate dental education and contribute to international endeavour in dental education, evidenced by conference presentations and peer-reviewed published articles. Several of these projects have been honoured by awards for the group and group members, such as that from the American Dental Education Association and University Teaching Awards. Higher degree research projects in dental education are developed to align to state or federal government dental and oral health care imperatives such as rural dental education, as an action research project and in multi-disciplinary health promotion. Research projects also align to national and international higher education policy such as current doctoral projects in translational knowledge n rural emergency medicine and dentistry, in student approaches to dental educational and the development of critical reasoning in dentistry related to assessment.

Recent publications include:

  • Dentistry students’ perceptions of learning Tools. International Censer for Information Technology and Development, Southern University ICT for Africa 2008 Conference Proceedings. ISBN 9956-27-002-4.Dec 18-21 2008. Boateng R, Molla A and Mbarika V Eds. P. 13
  • How does pain affect jaw muscle activity? The Integrated Pain Adaptation Model Australian Dental Journal 2008; 53: 201–207
  • Competency-based curriculum: Permanent Transition in Dentistry. (=chapter 21) in The Transformed University: The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Practice, edited by J. Sachs and A. Brew. (2007). Sydney
  • Benchmarking Learning and Teaching: developing a method. Journal for Quality Assurance in Education 2006 32(4): 12-18

Key researchers in this area are:

BDS, MDSc, MHP, FICD, FACD, GradDip (Marketing)
Key interests: Smoking counselling; Dental and Oral Health education using elearning evaluation techniques for student learning; Development of teaching modalities for dental education

BDS, PhD, FRACDS
Key interests: Clinical education; Interprofessional learning; Cognition and tacit knowledge; Knowledge translation in the professions; Biomaterials.

Other Areas of Research

Other areas under which the Faculty conducts research are listed below, along with key researchers in each area.

Tooth Conservation

Key researchers in this area are: