Despite significant improvements in oral health since the 1970s, dental caries still affects almost a third of five-year-olds in England and is the number one reason why children aged between five and nine are admitted to hospital and have a general anaesthetic. Water fluoridation is a public health strategy to prevent caries and is present in approximately 10% of the UK populations water supplies. There is evidence that water fluoridation is beneficial at reducing caries experience however this is not for all cases. This study seeks to understand why water fluoridation appears to work for part of the population but not for others.
The aim of the study is to understand how contextual factors support or constrain the intended mechanisms through which water fluoridation schemes are expected to work and reduce the incidence of caries in children
This will be achieved by
Carrying out a synthesis of existing evidence to compare how water fluoridation schemes are expected to work with how they actually work in practice
Analysing a large quantitative data set of caries experience in and out of a fluoridated area against various behaviours
Conduct in depth interviews with those who live within a fluoridated area to understand risk taking behaviours in people living in water fluoridated areas and the impact of those behaviours on dental hygiene and diet
The study will provide additional evidence to allow policy makers to target planned or existing water fluoridation schemes more effectively to local circumstances and to gain a greater insight into the impact of cessation.
Entry requirements
Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a first-class honours degree (or equivalent) of distinction at masters level in physics or medical physics or a closely related area/subject.
How To Apply
For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select PhD Cancer Sciences
For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit http://www.internationalphd.manchester.ac.uk
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