We have a long history of high-quality, impactful dental, oral and craniofacial research. Our internationally renowned research is funded by research councils, the NHS, the EU, charity, and industry. 

Our research

Dentistry has two principal themes:

• Basic Dental Sciences;
• Applied Health Sciences.

Basic Dental Sciences

Our researchers within this theme aim to improve craniofacial health by adding to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying health and disease, and by developing and improving health technologies and biomaterials. 

Biomaterials and biomechanics

Our internationally recognised research group conducts high-level research at the clinical/basic science interface. We examine many biomaterials for operative dentistry, prosthodontics, implantology, endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, plus research on orthopaedic materials.  

Our research is focused on the characterisation of the existing biomaterials and the development of new ones, with special interest in polymers, composites and ceramics. We perform laboratory tests that simulate the oral environment aiming to predict the clinical behaviour of the biomaterials. 

New technologies applied in digital dentistry, such as scanners, CAD/CAM subtractive and additive (3D printing) systems, are investigated in our laboratory and clinical settings. Research projects on artificial intelligence in dentistry are ongoing. 

Our group has a long history of collaboration with national and international universities, and the industry. We have been actively engaged with international dental research organisations, such as the Academy of Dental Materials.

Researchers: 

• Prof David Watts
• Prof Nick Silikas
• Dr Marcia Borba
• Dr Xiaohui (Helen) Chen
• Prof Jukka Matinlinna
• Prof Julian Satterthwaite
• Dr Evgeny Kushnerev

Craniofacial genetics and development

Craniofacial anomalies are among the most common and distressing congenital malformations affecting humans. Research in our laboratories uses systems-level approaches to delineate gene regulatory networks underlying development of the lip and palate and dissect how their modification is related to the pathogenesis of cleft lip and palate.

Research is also developed using the latest genomics technologies to decipher the transcriptional networks that guide neural crest cells cell into forming diverse anatomical structures such as the face, the ear and the heart and shape the countless anatomical features of vertebrates.

Researchers:

• Prof Michael Dixon
• Dr Jill Dixon
• Prof Nicoletta Bobola

Applied Health Sciences

Our Applied Health Sciences researchers work collaboratively across a broad range of research areas with the aim of improving oral health and with a strong focus on reducing oral health inequalities. We are experienced in carrying out oral health research across the life course (including the general public, children, those living with disabilities and older adults).

We develop oral health research in the Colgate-Palmolive Dental Health Unit, a 50-year successful partnership between The University of Manchester and industry. The unit has contributed to major scientific advances in dental health and continues to undertake world-leading research.

Within the Division, our research in Dental Public Health and Primary Care has utilised a range of methodological approaches including randomised clinical trials, observational studies, working with routinely collected data and conducting evidence synthesis to address priority questions. 

Given the high rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing by primary care dentists around the world, our researchers are developing and evaluating evidence-based dental antibiotic stewardship interventions, underpinned by behavioural science. In addition to clinical primary care research, our researchers are also undertaking NIHR funded work to develop ways to improve how primary care dental teams engage in research.

With individual behaviours key for the development and progression of many dental diseases, our researchers are looking into ways of incorporating Behavioural Science into oral health. Areas they are researching include the development of behaviour change interventions, use of behavioural insights to understand oral health behaviours and finally, exploring the role of digital technologies in supporting long-lasting changes and achieving better oral health outcomes. 

Our research within Health Service Delivery focuses on improving the quality and timing of oral care. Our applied health research includes the evaluation of Digital Health Technologies with the aim of improving oral health services. 

We are world-leading in our Evidence Synthesis research and host Cochrane Oral Health. Our evidence syntheses cover a wide range of oral health topics seeking to elucidate the evidence for clinical practice and patient care. We work closely with international stakeholders to ensure our evidence addresses the needs of health care providers, the public and policy makers. Our evidence has been used to inform national and international clinical practice guidelines resulting in substantial real-world impact. 

Researchers:     

• Prof Anne-Marie Glenny
• Prof Tanya Walsh
• Prof Julian Yates
• Dr Lucy O’Malley  
• Dr Michaela Goodwin
• Dr Wendy Thompson
• Dr Matt Byrne  
• Prof Janet Clarkson
• Dr Ali Feizollah
• Dr George Kitsaras
• Sharon Lewis 
• Dr Chiu-Yi Lin
• Dr Phil Riley 
• Prof Martin Tickle (Emeritus)
• Prof Helen Worthington (Emeritus)

Interim Head of Division

Professor Jo Hart

Deputy Head of Division

Professor Julian Yates

Our researchers

View list of researchers within the Division

Contact

Email: [email protected]