Caries, Hard Tissues and Material Research
This multidisciplinary research group comprises clinical and non-clinical academics with research expertise in conservative and paediatric dentistry, anatomy, biophysics, chemistry, crystallography, electronic engineering, epidemiology and materials science. The Biophysics Group in the Institute are pioneers in the development and application of x-ray microtomography and other x-ray microscopes. This group apply these highly sophisticated techniques for the visualisation and quantification of mineralised tissue structures in 3 -dimensions, for example in determining mineral kinetics in dental caries.
Recent work on saliva has concentrated on the role of salivary proteins on calcium binding and their potential influence on dental caries protection and disease progression. This work has attracted considerable interest for the potential therapeutic implications and application.
Dental materials science research concentrated on the development of novel polymer-based materials for specific applications in clinical dentistry. The group has a long history of expertise in polymer chemistry and recent work includes the potential use of modified methacrylates for topical drug delivery systems from (eg.) denture base materials. Expertise is also applied to the development of laser based photo activation disinfection systems for clinical application, and the development of novel ceramic materials for dental application.
Academic staff:
Professor Jim Elliot
Professor Mark Hector