Patient and Population Orientated Research

Patient and Population orientated research represents a major new development in the Institute of Dentistry (IoD) research strategy, leading to the further development of a strong research team to test the patient benefits of findings from basic science research through to methodologically rigorous randomised clinical trials. In addition, the group has carried out extensive research in collaboration with local NHS Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). This included several oral health needs assessments in the UK, producing recommendations for oral health strategy based on local needs, and developing business cases to implement cost-effective oral health initiatives.

The group has an established track in patient and population research hosting world-renowned experts in oral epidemiology, systematic reviews, health services planning and management. Our group also has several multi-disciplinary teams with complementary skills ranging from statistics, research design, metrology, behavioural sciences, project management, and dental public health. Our physical infrastructure includes our excellent dedicated clinical facilities, which are equipped with the latest technology. Touch screen computers are used for routine standardised data collection from patients using validated clinical measures, behavioural and psychological questionnaires. We host the only NAMAS accredited facility for clinical dental biometrics in the UK, which provides quantitative measurement of three- dimensional shapes: a critical asset for modern dentistry enhancing our research activity.

The Patient and Population Research Group’s main mission is to address social oral health inequalities at local, national, and global levels, to identify oral health protective factors, and to develop cost-effective oral health promotion strategies, which include minimal intervention evidence-based dental care.