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.

Co-ordinated by Professor Mike Swain at the Biomaterials Unit. The principal objectives of this area of research are:

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.

Key researchers in this Unit are:

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. The key researcher is this area is

- Associate Professor Hans Zoellner.

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 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. 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 trialled. A series of studies are also being undertaken on the effects of the mandibular advancement splints on the management of obstructive sleep apnoea. The key researchers is this area are:

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

Community oral health and epidemiology/Dental public health