You are here: Home / Faculty of Dentistry / Research / Research at the Faculty

New Direction for Research in the Faculty of Dentistry

Development of Faculty of Dentistry Research Themes

IDR Laboratories
  • Broad research theme areas of Chronic Disease and Ageing Well-Ageing Productively in alignment with other Health Science disciplines at the University of Sydney.
  • The major public health burden of oral disease relates to two polymicrobial chronic infections-caries and periodontal disease. The causes, consequences and treatment needs continue to drive initiatives for prevention, early intervention and improved treatment outcomes.
  • Existing research strengths include microbial pathogenicity and biomaterials.
  • Planned initiatives will focus these areas of basic science investigation for linkage with translational research:
    epidemiology of infection by oral pathogens
    key virulence mechanisms
    response of oral tissues to commensal and pathogenic bacteria
    selective control of oral pathogens
    bioactive materials
  • Translational research has not been fully developed by the Faculty. There are current initiatives in implant technology, matrices to enhance tissue regeneration and in minimal intervention therapy for management of caries.
  • Planned initiatives for translational research:
    Research projects undertaken by DClinDent students (clinical specialty registrars are required to complete a university degree) will be collectivized into designated theme areas. This will generate an effective clinical research workforce.
    Development and maintenance of a patient database including a tissue bank to effectively assess and support a diverse and complex patient demographic, particularly in Western Sydney.
  • Trial initiatives to demonstrate the effectiveness of basic science-clinical science linkage:
    1. Animal models to assess the application of novel amelogenin and ameloblastin peptides in regeneration of bone, cementum and periodontal ligament.
    2. A paradigm shift: discovery of the neurosensory status of dental pulp provides new challenges in understanding the infection of caries and opportunities in manipulating host response.
    3. Microbe-epithelial interaction as a key interface determining resistance or susceptibility to periodontal disease.
Flow

Research Units at the Faculty of Dentistry

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.

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:

  • Farahani RM, Simonian M, Hunter N. Blueprint of an ancestral neuro-sensory organ revealed in glial networks in human dental pulp.
    J Comp Neurol. 2011 Jun 16. doi: 10.1002/cne.22701. [Epub ahead of print]
  • Li N, Yun P, Jeffries CM, Langley D, Gamsjaeger R, Church WB, Hunter N, Collyer CA. The modular structure of haemagglutinin/adhesin regions in gingipains of Porphyromonas gingivalis.Mol Microbiol. 2011 Sep;81(5):1358-73.
  • Harty DW, Hunter N. Carboxypeptidase activity common to viridans group streptococci cleaves angiotensin I to angiotensin II: an activity homologous to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
    Microbiology. 2011 Jul;157(Pt 7):2143-51. Epub 2011 May 5.
  • Cerda-Costa, N, Guevara, T, Karim, A, Ksiazek, M, Nguyen, K-A, Arolas, J, Potempa, J, Gomis-Ruth, F 2011, The structure of the catalytic domain of Tannerella forsythia karilysin reveals it is a bacterial xenologue of animal matrix metalloproteinases, Molecular Microbiology, 79(1), 119-132
  • Hare, D, Austin, C, Doble, P, Arora, M K 2011, Elemental bio-imaging of trace elements in teeth using last ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, Journal of Dentistry, 39(5), 397-403
  • Ye P, Yu H, Simonian M, Hunter N. Ligation of CD24 expressed by oral epithelial cells induces kinase dependent decrease in paracellular permeability mediated by tight junction proteins.
    Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2011 Aug 19;412(1):165-9.
  • Arora, M K, Hare, D, Austin, C, Smith, D, Doble, P 2011, Spatial distribution of manganese in enamel and coronal dentine of human primary teeth, Science of the Total Environment, 409(7), 1315-1319
  • Gao JL, Nguyen KA, Hunter N.Characterization of a hemophore-like protein from Porphyromonas gingivalis.
    J Biol Chem. 2010 Dec 17;285(51):40028-38.
  • Li N, Yun P, Nadkarni MA, Ghadikolaee NB, Nguyen KA, Lee M, Hunter N, Collyer CA.Structure determination and analysis of a haemolytic gingipain adhesin domain from Porphyromonas gingivalis. Mol Microbiol. 2010 May;76(4):861-73.
  • Farahani RM, Nguyen KA, Simonian M, Hunter N.Adaptive calcified matrix response of dental pulp to bacterial invasion is associated with establishment of a network of glial fibrillary acidic protein+/glutamine synthetase+ cells.
    Am J Pathol. 2010 Oct;177(4):1901-14.


Key researchers in this area are:

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

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

Dr Derek Harty
BSc(Hons), PhD
derek.harty@sydney.edu.au
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

Dr Mangala Nadkarni
BSc, MSc, PhD
mangala.nadkarni@sydney.edu.au
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

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

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:

  • Bertassoni LE, Stankoska K, Swain MV. Insights into the structure and composition of the peritubular dentin organic matrix and the lamina limitans. Micron. 2011 Aug 12. [Epub ahead of print]
  • Thompson M, Field C, Swain M. The all-ceramic, inlay supported fixed partial denture. Part 2. Fixed partial denture design: a finite element analysis. Aust Dent J. 2011 Sep;56(3):302-11.
  • Zou W, Hunter N, Swain MV. Application of polychromatic µCT for mineral density determination. J Dent Res. 2011 Jan;90(1):18-30.
  • Kahler, B, Swain, M V, Kotousov, A 2011, Comparison of an analytical expression of resin composite curing stresses with in vitro observation of marginal cracking, American Journal of Dentistry, 23, 357-364
  • Yamamoto, T, Nishide, A, Swain, M V, Ferracane, J, Sakaguchi, R, Momoi, Y 2011, Contraction stresses in dental composities adjacent to and at the bonded interface as measured by crack analysis, Acta Biomaterialia, 7(1), 417-423
  • Li, W, Lin, D, Rungsiyakull, C, Zhou, S, Swain, M V, Li, Q 2011, Finite element based bone remodeling and resonance frequency analysis for osseointegration assessment of dental implants, Finite Elements in Analysis and Design, 47(8), 898-905
  • Rungsiyakull, P, Rungsiyakull, C, Appleyard, R, Li, Q, Swain, M V, Klineberg, I J 2011, Loading of a Single Implant in Simulated Bone, International Journal of Prosthodontics, 24(2), 140-143
  • Sornsuwan T, Swain MV. Influence of occlusal geometry on ceramic crown fracture; role of cusp angle and fissure radius. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2011 Oct;4(7):1057-66.
  • Huang TT, He LH, Darendeliler MA, Swain MV. Correlation of mineral density and elastic modulus of natural enamel white spot lesions using X-ray microtomography and nanoindentation. Acta Biomater. 2010 Dec;6(12):4553-9.
  • Rungsiyakull C, Li Q, Sun G, Li W, Swain MV. Surface morphology optimization for osseointegration of coated implants. Biomaterials. 2010 Sep;31(27):7196-204.


Key researchers in this area are:

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

Dr Ayman Ellakwa
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:

  • Minami, I, Zhao, NN, Oogai, K, Nemoto, T, Whittle, T E, Murray, G M 2011, A comparison between jerk-cost derived from a jaw-tracking system with that from an accelerometer, Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 38(9), 661-667
  • Zhao, NN, Evans, R W, Byth Wilson, K B, Murray, G M, Peck, C C 2011, Development and Validation of a Screening Checklist for Tempormandibular Disorders, Journal of Orofacial Pain, 25, 210-222
  • Gustin, S M, Peck, C C, Wilcox, S, Nash, P, Murray, G M, Henderson, L A 2011, Different Pain, Different Brain: Thalamic Anatomy in Neuropathic and Non-Neuropathic Chronic Pain Syndromes, The Journal of Neuroscience, 31(16), 5956-5964
  • Gustin, S M, Wilcox, S, Peck, C C, Murray, G M, Henderson, L A 2011, Similarity of suffering: equivalence of psychological and psychosocial factors in neuropathic and non-neuropathic orofacial pain patients, Pain, 152(4), 825-832
  • Greene CS, Murray GM. Atypical odontalgia: An oral neuropathic pain phenomenon. J Am Dent Assoc. 2011 Sep;142(9):1031-2.
  • Brandini DA, Benson J, Nicholas MK, Murray GM, Peck CC. Chewing in temporomandibular disorder patients: an exploratory study of an association with some psychological variables. J Orofac Pain. 2011 Winter;25(1):56-67.
  • Gustin SM, Wilcox SL, Peck CC, Murray GM, Henderson LA. Similarity of suffering: equivalence of psychological and psychosocial factors in neuropathic and non-neuropathic orofacial pain patients. Pain. 2011 Apr;152(4):825-32.
  • Silthampitag, P, Klineberg, I J, Jones, A S, Austin, B, Zee, KY, Wallace, C, Scholz, S, Naim, A, Zoud, K 2011, Ultramicroscopy of Bone at Oral Implant Sites: A Comparison of ED and Control Patients. Part 1 - Defining the Protocol, International Journal of Prosthodontics, 24(2), 147-154


Key researchers in this area are:

Professor Iven Klineberg
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.

Professor Greg Murray
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.

Professor Chris Peck
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:

  • Curtis NJ, Owen E, Walker DM, Zoellner H. Comparison of microsuture, interpositional nerve graft, and laser solder weld repair of the rat inferior alveolar nerve. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2011 Jun;69(6):e246-55
  • Zoellner, H 2011, Dental Infection and Vascular Disease, Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis, 37(3), 181-192
  • Georgiou, A, Yeoh, S, Coleman, H 2011, Hidden mandibular pathology in a patient planned for radiotherapy highlighting the need for dental screening, Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice, 10, 65-68
  • S Cox, ER Vickers, S Ghu, H Zoellner. Salivary arecoline levels during areca nut chewing in human volunteers. J Oral Path Med 2010 – DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2009.00881.x
  • C Bolitho, M Xaymardan, G Lynch, H Zoellner. Vascularity during wound maturation correlates with fragmentation of serum albumin but not ceruloplasmin, transferring or haptoglobin. Wound Rep Reg 2010; 18: 211-222.
  • Cox, S C, Zoellner, H 2009, Physiotherapeutic treatment improves oral opening in oral submucous fibrosis, Journal Of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 38, 220-226
  • Zoellner, H, Siddiquis, S, Kelly, EM, Medbury, H J 2009, The anti-apoptotic activity of albumin for endothelium is inhibited by advanced blycation end products restricting intramolecular movement, Cellular and Molecular Biology Letters, 14, 575-586
  • SE Thomson, SV McLennan, A Hennessy, P Boughton, J Bonner, H Zoellner, DK Yue, SM Twigg. A novel primate model of delayed wound healing in diabetes: dysregulation of connective tissue growth factor. Diabetol 2010; 53: 572-583


Key researchers is this area are:

A/Professor Hans Zoellner
PhD, BDS(Cl II Hons)
Key Interests: Experimental pathology; Vascular remodeling in health and disease

Dr Stephen Cox
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:

  • Mostafiz, W, Dalci, O, Sutherland, K, Malhotra, A, Srinivasan, V, Darendeliler, M A, Cistulli, P 2011, Influence of Oral and Craniofacial Dimensions on Mandibular Advancement Splint Treatment Outcome in Osbstructive Sleep Apnea, Chest, 139(6), 1331-1339
  • Lim, E, Belton, D, Petocz, P, Arora, M K, Cheng, L L, Darendeliler, M A 2011, Physical properties of root cementum: Part 15. Analysis of elemental composition by using proton-induced x-ray and gamma-ray emissions in orthodontically induced root resorption craters of rat molar cementum after exposure to systemic fluoride, American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 139(2), e193-e202
  • Paetyangkul, A, Turk, T, Elekdag-Turk, S, Jones, A S, Petocz, P, Cheng, L L, Darendeliler, M A 2011, Physical properties of root cementum: Part 16. Comparisons of root resorption and resorption craters after the application of light and heavy continuous and controlled orthodontic forces for 4, 8 and 12 weeks, American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 139(3), e279-e284
  • Bartley, N B, Turk, T, Colak, C, Elekdag-Turk, S, Jones, A S, Petocz, P, Darendeliler, M A 2011, Physical properties of root cementum: Part 17. Root resorption after the application of 2.5 and 15 of buccal root torque for 4 weeks: A microcomputed tomography study, American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 139(4), e353-e360
  • Wu, A T, Turk, T, Colak, C, Elekdag-Turk, S, Jones, A S, Petocz, P, Darendeliler, M A 2011, Physical properties of root cementum: Part 18. The extent of root resorption after the application of light and heavy controlled rotational orthodontic forces for 4 weeks: A microcomputed tomography study, American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 139(5), e495-e503
  • Dalci, K, Cetiner, S 2011, Soft Tissue Profiles of 3-5 Year Old Preschool Children, Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 35(3), 339-344
  • Barnouti, ZP, Owtad, P, Shen, G, Petocz, P, Darendeliler, M A 2011, The biological mechanisms of PCNA and BMP in TMJ adaptive remodelling, Angle Orthodontist, 81(1), 91-99
  • Sirisoontorn, I, Hotokezaka, H, Hashimoto, M, Gonzales, B C, Luppanapornlarp, S, Darendeliler, M A, Yoshida, N 2011, Tooth movement and root resorption; The effect of ovariectomy on orthodontic force application in rats, Angle Orthodontist, 81(4), 570-577
  • Ng, A, Darendeliler, M A, Petocz, P, Cistulli, P 2011, Cephalometry and prediction of oral appliance treatment outcome, Sleep and Breathing
  • Sutherland, K, Deane, S A, Chan, A, Schwab, R, Ng, A, Darendeliler, M A, Cistulli, P 2011, Comparative Effects of Two Oral Appliances on Upper Airway Structure in Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleep, 34(4), 469-477


Key Researcher is:

Professor Ali Darendelilar
PhD, BDS(Cl II Hons)
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:

  • Arora, A, Scott, J, Bhole, S, Do, L, Schwarz, E, Blinkhorn, A S 2011, Early childhood feeding practices and dental caries in preschool children: a multi-centre birth cohort study, BMC Public Health, 11(28), 1-7
  • Dashash, m, Bazrafshani, M, Poulton, K, Jaber, S, Naeem, E, Blinkhorn, A S 2011, Enamelin/ameloblastin gene polymorphisms in autosomal amelogenesis imperfecta among Syrian families, Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry, 2(1), 16-22
  • Arora, A, Evans, R W 2011, Is the consumption of fruit cariogenic?, Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry, 2, 1-6
  • Arora, A, Schwarz, E, Blinkhorn, A S 2011, Risk factors for early childhood caries in disadvantaged populations, Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry, 2, 1-6
  • Kyrgidis, A, Antoniades, K, Arora, A 2011, Rubber Dam Clamp Trauma, Root Canal Therapy, and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw [To The Editor], Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 69(7), 1854-1855
  • Chong, G, Evans, R W, Dennison, P J 2011, Screening for caries in targeted schools in the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury districts, New South Wales, Australia: an evaluation of the School Assessment Program, Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry, 2, 1-9
  • Curtis, B H, Warren, E, Pollicino, C, Evans, R W, Schwarz, E, Sbaraini, A 2011, The Monitor Practice Programme: is non-invasive management of dental caries in private practice cost-effective?, Australian Dental Journal, 56, 48-55
  • Hopcraft, M, Morgan, M, Satur, J, Wright, F A 2011, Utilizing dental hygienists to undertake dental examination and referral in residential aged care facilities, Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 39(4), 378-384
  • Sivaneswaran S, Chong G, Blinkhorn A. Successful fluoride plepiscite in the township of Deniliquin, New South Wales, Australia. J Pub Health 2010; 70: 163-166
  • E Warren, C Pollicino, B Curtis, W Evans, A Sbaraini, E Schwarz. Modeling the long-term cost-effectiveness of the Caries Management System in an Australian population. Val in Health 2010; 13 (6): 750-760

Key researchers in this area are:

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

A/Professor Wendell Evans
BDS, MDS, DDSc
Key Interests: Dental Caries; Dental Plyorosis; Health promotion

Shanti Sivaneswaran
Shanti_Sivaneswaran@wsahs.nsw.gov.au
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

A/Professor Peter Dennison
peter.dennison@sydney.edu.au
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:

  • Highfield J. Diagnosis and classification of periodontal disease. Aust Dent J 2010: 54: (1 Suppl); S11-S26
  • N Savage, C Daly. Gingival enlargements and localized gingival overgrowths. Aust Dent J 2010; 55: 55-60.
  • Crasta, K, Daly, C G, Mitchell, D, Curtis, B H, Stewart, D, Heitz-Mayfield, L J A 2009, Bacteraemia due to dental flossing, Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 33:323-332 Online(doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2008.01372.x)
  • Gunaratnam, K, Taylor, B A, Curtis, B H, Cistulli, P 2009, Obstructive sleep apnoea and periodontitis: a novel association?, Sleep and Breathing, 13(3), 233-239
  • Daly, C G 2009, Prescribing good oral hygiene for adults, Australian Prescriber, 32(3), 72-75
  • Cheng A, Dally CG, Logan RM, Stein B, Goss AN, 2009. Alveolar bone and the bisphosphonates, Australian Dental Journal 54: (1 Suppl) S51-S61

Key researchers in this area:

A/Professor Stephen Yeung
BDS, MDS, PhD, FRACDS, MRACDS (Perio), FICD
Key Interests: periodontology and periodontal disease, oral immunology, implant surgery

A/Professor Axel Spahr
Axel.Spahr@sswahs.nsw.gov.au

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:

  • Handal, B, Groenlund, C E, Gerzina, T M 2011, Academic perceptions amongst educators towards eLearning tools in dental education, International Dental Journal, 61(2), 70-75
  • Skapetis, T, Gerzina, T M, Hu, W 2011, Review article: Management of dental emergencies by medical practitioners: Recommendations for Australian education and training, Emergency Medicine Australasia, 23(2), 142-152
  • B Handal, C Groenlund, T Gerzina. Dentistry students’ perceptions of learning management systems. Eur J Dent Educ 2010; 14:50-54.


Key researchers in this area are:

Dr Cathie Groenlund
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

A/Professor Tania Gerzina
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 researcher in this area are:


A/Professor Elizabeth Martin
BDS, PhD