The Oral Sciences Research Group currently has three research themes spanning across various disciplines within the field;
Cellular Responses and Host-Pathogen Interactions in the Oral Cavity and Beyond
This research theme encompasses studies focused on the interplay between oral diseases and systemic health, particularly investigations into periodontitis and endodontic infections. A major emphasis is placed on the use of host-pathogen and co-culture model systems to explore disease mechanisms and host responses.
A significant portion of the work centers around biofilm-related research, utilizing in vitro model systems to mimic various oral diseases such as periodontitis, endodontic infections, dental caries, and denture colonization. Beyond the oral cavity, similar research projects extend to chronic wound models where biofilm formation is a key factor.
Key areas of activity include:
- Development and optimization of biofilm model systems
- Investigation of host-pathogen interactions
- Evaluation of novel and conventional anti-biofilm therapies
Molecular Technologies in the Oral Cavity
This research theme focuses on studying and altering the behaviour of dental pulp stem cells using synthetic mRNA and gene editing technologies, with the future aim to explore using these in other live cell surfaces accessible in the oral cavity such as the oral mucosa. There is an opportunity to develop oral stem cells as readily accessible model system for fundamental research into the regenerative properties and potential of human stem cells and to leverage technologies developed in pursuit of this aim as the basis for novel clinical applications.
Antimicrobial Stewardship
This theme focuses on antimicrobial stewardship and respiratory bacterial infections (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, N. meningitis, S. pyogenes and L. pneumophila), integrating infection prevention, surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility in respiratory pathogens, whole genome sequencing in almost real time and Point of Care Tests for Group A strep infections. We work Nationally (Scotland) leading quality improvement initiatives related to antibiotic prescribing for dental infections.