Integrating oral health into general health and social care

Integrating oral health into general health and social care

PhD GTA Funded Studentship

Reference Number: 2CJ-22-2

Project Leads: Prof. Mark Gussy, Dr David Nelson, Prof. Amanda Kenny

Overview

The University of Lincoln’s newly established Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH) based in the Lincoln Medical School is offering a fully funded PhD studentship that will investigate the barriers facilitators to the effective integration of oral health into primary and social care.

Optimal oral health is essential for positive general health and wellbeing. Non-dental health professionals may be well placed to support and promote oral health. Simple and low-cost interventions delivered alongside routine health care delivery has the potential to reduce dental diseases, improve quality of life and reduce the overall cost burden to the health system. Despite this there has been little integration of oral health into general health and social care systems. Multiple barriers and facilitators at different levels have been identified including the lack of interprofessional education and discipline-oriented training in health and social care tertiary courses.       

This research will examine the current curricula of health and social care disciplines offered by universities to understand how oral health competencies are currently integrated across and within programmes with the aim of better preparing non-dental health band care professionals to support integrated oral health.   The research project will be interdisciplinary in its focus and in the methods/techniques underpinning it. A strong aptitude for mixed methods is desirable. The successful candidate will be based in the new Lincoln Medical School as part of the Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health in the College of Social Sciences.

Contact: Prof Mark Gussy: [Email Address Removed]

How to Apply

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant area (e.g. oral/dental health, nursing, allied health, public health, psychology, social science). Applicants with a relevant Master's degree are particularly welcome. Applicants should possess excellent report writing and English language communication skills, and an ability to work to deadlines. Past experience of applied research methods would be highly desirable.

Please email your CV (no longer than 2 pages) and a 1-page cover letter outlining your interest, relevant experience to Professor Mark Gussy [Email Address Removed]

Those called for interview will be required to prepare a presentation. Please quote project ID in the subject line of the email. 

Closing Date: 16^th September 2022  

Interviews: provisionally week beginning 4^th October 2022

Start date: By agreement

Eligibility and Funding

Suitably qualified candidates worldwide may apply, although international students must self-fund the difference between the International and UK Home fee rate. 

Home/EU fees will be covered by the studentship and a £16,062 per annum stipend will be paid in 36 monthly instalments.