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Current research projects

The Master of Research (MRes) Science course is a postgraduate course that will provide applicants with an excellent opportunity to focus their research interests on one or two areas of science whilst also giving them the opportunity to work towards being able to translate their learning into research related outputs (e.g. submission for a peer reviewed publication, peer reviewed research/knowledge transfer grant application, presentations).

The MRes Science can be studied either full time (one year) or part time (two years) and will enable students to develop a wide variety of skills, experience and competence throughout their studies. The MRes will provide a thorough grounding should students consider moving towards Doctoral (PhD) students, or pursue research related activities as a career.

Exploring the impact of menopause amongst a female-dominated workforce

Supervisor: Dr Marina Harris

NHS England signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge in 2022, a move that demonstrated a commitment to ensuring employees experiencing the menopause felt well informed and supported while at work. Women make up nearly half of the UK workforce, but many feel forced to reduce their hours at work, pass up promotions and even quit their jobs due to lack of menopause support. Trans, non-binary and intersex people can also experience the menopause. The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) requires employers to ensure the health safety and welfare of all workers. Within this, employers are required to perform risk assessments which should include any specific risks to menopausal employees.

The menopause is also an equalities issue. Under the Equality Act (2010), employers have a duty not to discriminate in terms of age, sex and disability. Detrimental treatment related to the menopause could represent direct or indirect sex discrimination on any or all of these protected characteristics. The menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but can also occur in younger women. It happens when the ovaries run out of eggs and the hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone fall. The perimenopause is the time before the menopause when hormone levels start to decline and symptoms start. Perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms can last many years and even decades for some women. These symptoms can include hot flushes, anxiety, insomnia, problems with concentration and memory, fatigue, headaches, muscle and joint pains, urinary symptoms and low mood. Within the dental profession, it is not surprising that a large majority of dental care professionals will be impacted by menopause at some stage during their working life. However, there is very little research into the extent of which the experience of menopause has on this female-dominated profession.

The project will use a mixed-method approach to explore meaningful understanding of the impact of menopause on a female-dominate profession. Data captured will aim to reflect the impact which the experience of the menopause has on different members of the dental team in everyday practice and throughout their careers.

Oral Health Training Resources for Care Homes

Supervisors: Dr Bhavin Dedhia and Dr Carolina Machuca Vargas

The life expectancy in the United Kingdom has increased and thereby, more elderly people live in care homes. The oral health of individuals in care homes is poorer than those who live in the community. This can be explained by lack of access to dental care and limited training of oral health for the care homes staff or carers.

Evidence evaluating the oral health training resources currently available for carers in the UK is scarce. Therefore, this project will review existing Public health England Care home staff training resources to support oral health. The training resources will then be piloted in local care homes to assess feasibility and acceptability using a mix-method qualitative approach to evaluate the training on site.

‘Brain waste’ - Under-utilisation of highly skilled migrant dentists in the United Kingdom

Supervisor: Dr Bhavin Dedhia and Dr Mahdi Mutahar

The migration of International Qualified Dentists (IQDs) to the UK has been on the rise, with an increasing number of IQDs contributing to the UK dental services. However, their integration into the UK dental industry is not without challenges. The NHS in the UK is experiencing a shortage of dentists for various reasons, including dentists leaving the NHS for private dental care, uneven distribution of dentists between rural and urban areas, and a decrease in the number of UK dental student intake.

IQDs face several obstacles in their careers, including long-term career stagnation, deskilling, loss of earning potential, and limited equal opportunities due to health systems and regulatory policies. Moreover, the recent withdrawal of the UK from the European Economic Area (EEA) is expected to impact the supply of IQDs. These challenges are further compounded by issues related to the examination process for IQDs. Furthermore, there are notable differences between the requirements for IQDs and UK dental graduates, as well as overseas medical doctors (OMDs). The standards set for IQDs in the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and the License in Dental Surgery (LDS) exams raise questions about whether the same standards are expected from UK-trained dentists. Given the significant contributions made by IQDs to the UK dental services, it is important to address the challenges they face and ensure fair and equal opportunities for their professional growth and advancement. This background provides an overview of the issues faced by IQDs and serves as a foundation for further research and discussions on potential solutions and improvements in the system.

The aim of this project is to investigate and address the challenges faced by international migrant dentists working in the UK dental industry as non-practitioners. By identifying these challenges and exploring potential solutions, the project seeks to improve the integration, career progression, and overall experiences of IQDs in the UK dental services.

The project will involve both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches in order to explore IQDs’ experiences, challenges, and perceptions related to their integration into the UK dental industry, including topics such as the examination process, career progression, deskilling, opportunities for professional growth, and any barriers they have encountered.

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs): Isolation and characterisation

Supervisors: Dr Mahdi Mutahar and Prof. Gordon Blunn

Regenerative medicine in dentistry has gained validation as a means to restore dental tissues and repair damage. Stem cells, specifically dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), have shown promise in regenerating dental tissues and maintaining their function and structure. Four types of human dental stem cells have been identified: DPSCs, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), and stem cells from the apical papilla tissue of impacted third molars (SCAP). DPSCs can be easily collected and have been tested for safety and efficacy in clinical applications. They also modulate the immune system and have a high mineralization potential, indicating their ability to regenerate pulp and bone tissues. In vitro growth and proliferation of DPSCs can be enhanced through the use of appropriate culture conditions, including growth factors and cytokines. The use of scaffolds and matrices further supports DPSC growth and provides a 3D environment mimicking natural tissue structure.

The aim of the project is to isolate DPSCs from different pulp regions of extracted human teeth and characterize them to the required cells. The work on this project could involve isolation and characterization of DPSCs from different pulp regions from extracted permanent third molars and growing dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on teeth and soft tissues using scaffolds that are placed on the tooth and gum tissues.

Integration of Intraoral Scanners for Simultaneous Measurement of Dental Pellicle and Erosion

Supervisors: Dr Mahdi Mutahar and Prof. Chris Louca

Regenerative medicine in dentistry has gained validation as a means to restore dental tissues and repair damage. Stem cells, specifically dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), have shown promise in regenerating dental tissues and maintaining their function and structure. Four types of human dental stem cells have been identified: DPSCs, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), and stem cells from the apical papilla tissue of impacted third molars (SCAP). DPSCs can be easily collected and have been tested for safety and efficacy in clinical applications. They also modulate the immune system and have a high mineralization potential, indicating their ability to regenerate pulp and bone tissues. In vitro growth and proliferation of DPSCs can be enhanced through the use of appropriate culture conditions, including growth factors and cytokines. The use of scaffolds and matrices further supports DPSC growth and provides a 3D environment mimicking natural tissue structure.

The aim of the project is to isolate DPSCs from different pulp regions of extracted human teeth and characterize them to the required cells. The work on this project could involve isolation and characterization of DPSCs from different pulp regions from extracted permanent third molars and growing dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on teeth and soft tissues using scaffolds that are placed on the tooth and gum tissues.

Other Research Projects

Discover the current research projects available in each of our schools and departments: 

Please note, this list is not exhaustive and you'll need to meet and discuss the project you're interested in with a member of research staff before you apply.