Child dental decay is now concentrated in groups of individuals. Epidemiological data has demonstrated a rapid fall in dental disease over the last 30 years; with the prevalence of obvious decay experience in 12-year-olds in England falling from 81% in 1983, to 34% in 2013 (1). However this picture of overall improvement in population prevalence masks significant inequalities in tooth decay experience within society. In addition, national surveys do not report disease statistics among vulnerable groups. Previous research has also shown that family clusters can have high repeat rates for extractions taking place within a hospital setting. These groups can be hard to reach and engage with in order to reduce extreme dental decay.
This PhD will explore the characteristics of these groups and whether they can be identified through a combination of demographic, geographic and previously collected data. The research will include working with a number of large datasets. Further qualitative and quantitative work will establish the barriers and opportunities for engaging early with these hard to reach groups and the most appropriate ways to target interventions.
The aim of this research is to establish ways of targeting groups to intervene early and prevent severe decay which could lead to multiple extractions under dental general anaesthetic.
The applicant will be based in the Dental Health Unit, a unique collaboration between the University of Manchester and Colgate-Palmolive. Working in this environment there is the opportunity to be exposed to both industrial and academic projects ranging from public health to controlled clinical testing.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are expected to hold (or about to obtain) a minimum upper second class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in dentistry, psychology, public health, social sciences, statistics or similar. A Master's degree in a relevant subject and/or experience in public health/ dental public health is desirable.
Applicants interested in this project should make direct contact with the Primary Supervisor to arrange to discuss the project further as soon as possible.
How To Apply
To be considered for this Studentship you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on how to apply can be found on https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/
Please select Dental Health Sciences under academic programme when completing your online application.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/
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