Over the past 50 years, we have met these objectives by delivering numerous large-scale oral health epidemiological studies and clinical trials of new oral health interventions and products.<\/p>\n
We have also developed and tested new diagnostic technologies which continue to be employed globally across observational and interventional research projects.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Jump links” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n
On this page:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Spacing only” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Dental surgery” src=”https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/dental-health-unit\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/307\/2026\/10\/three_children_toothbrush_1400x400.jpg” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Spacing only” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: Our research” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Research – LHS” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n Our diverse team of clinicians, behavioural scientists and dental public health specialists work closely together on transformative research programmes. We seek to better understand and improve oral health and overall well-being at both the individual and population level.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Research – RHS” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n To ensure that we continue to meet the oral health needs of the populations we serve in a rapidly changing world, our research focus evolves over time. Our current research centres on four main domains:<\/p>\n These interconnected domains use the dental public health expertise and commercial scalability offered by the DHU partnership to maximise the impact of our research projects.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: Research domains” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion admin_label=”Accordion: Research domains” _builder_version=”3.17.6″][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Connected oral health” open=”on” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em”]<\/p>\n Advances in \u2018smart\u2019 oral health technologies continue to positively disrupt patient-led prevention and management of oral diseases. In addition, these new devices present novel opportunities for researchers to track oral health behaviours at home at a population level.<\/p>\n Using data collected remotely from users of connected toothbrush devices, we are exploring population-level brushing behaviours to develop a real-world understanding of the benefits of these innovative devices.<\/p>\n The COVID pandemic has accelerated the adoption of \u2018tele-dentistry\u2019 models across global populations. We are actively evaluating novel imaging approaches involving deep learning for the delivery of tele-dentistry services to individuals.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Diagnostic technologies” open=”off” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em”]<\/p>\n The DHU has a long history of developing and testing diagnostic technologies for the detection of oral conditions. With increasing technological capacity, and reduced barriers to entry, diagnostic oral care devices are being increasingly integrated into clinical practice, research, and even by individuals at home.<\/p>\n Imaging devices, such as intraoral cameras and scanners, are increasingly adopted by dental care professionals. Recent advancements in these technologies have greatly increased their diagnostic potential. This has led to a need for robust evaluation of the diagnostic utility of these devices in the research setting for a variety of conditions.<\/p>\n Our team are actively exploring the use of these devices for various applications. The ability to combine these devices with machine learning methods stands to revolutionise the approach to routine dental examinations.<\/p>\n We are also exploring the translation of diagnostic imaging capabilities into the hands of individuals through new devices for use outside of the professional environment, driving the evidence base towards true \u2018precision oral health\u2019.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Behaviour change” open=”off” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em”]<\/p>\n Considering the largely preventable nature of oral diseases when optimal oral hygiene practices are followed, behaviour change plays a crucial role in preventing disease and promoting oral health for all.<\/p>\n Our research explores how bedtime routines form in families with young children, how they can affect children\u2019s development and wellbeing and how we can support parents to achieve better routines with the use of technology.<\/p>\n Our work explores how text messages, as a cheap and easy to use technology, can be used for data collection and intervention delivery to instil change, capture data and manage studies more effectively.<\/p>\n We are interested in how to effectively capture and quantify patient experiences and patient-reported outcomes to inform and complement our work and clinical studies relating to oral health.<\/p>\n Working with schools to develop an evidence-based behaviour change intervention to promote oral health practices in students utilising connected, smart brushes.<\/p>\n Our work, in partnership with Manchester City Council, aims to create a community-based, oral health promotion intervention targeting underserved communities across Manchester.<\/p>\n The DHU and Dr George Kitsaras lead a research network on oral health behaviour change. BeCinD aims to improve oral health through the application of evidence-based behaviour change science. For more information visit our X paper BECINDNetwork<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Dental public health” open=”off” _builder_version=”3.17.6″ title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” title_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em” body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”0em” body_text_shadow_blur_strength=”0em”]<\/p>\n While dental public health principles are regularly integrated into many of our projects, our team also lead multiple grant-funded dental public health projects focused on population-level outcomes and interventions.<\/p>\n This landmark 7-year study uses a \u2018natural experiment\u2019 design to evaluate the impact of artificial water fluoridation on caries levels in children.<\/p>\n This family-level interventional study delivers toothpaste and toothbrushes for 24 months to families with children who are at increased risk of experiencing a general anaesthetic to have teeth extracted. The study will evaluate whether the incidence of repeat general anaesthetics is reduced.<\/p>\n This retrospective cohort study will review over 30 million dental treatment records of adults alongside water fluoridation data to explore the effects of water fluoridation on dental treatment experiences of UK adults.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Symposia” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n With the support of Colgate-Palmolive, the DHU has delivered multiple symposia on oral health topics in previous years, bringing together leading experts to present key research in the field and hosting dynamic workshops to advance discussion on key issues. The proceedings of these symposia are published in leading journals as special issues and are available on an open access basis via the links below.<\/p>\n An exciting opportunity to hear from a number of international speakers on practical approaches for oral health behaviour change.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Spacing \/ back to top” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n < Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Dental surgery” src=”https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/dental-health-unit\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/307\/2024\/01\/mouth.png” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Spacing only” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: Our team” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Team – LHS” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n Our team combines leading experts from academic and commercial research to power improvements in oral health.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Team members – RHS” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n DHU Co-Director (Colgate) and Clinical Research Manager<\/strong><\/p>\n Dr. Juliana Gomez holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree specializing in Pediatric Dentistry and a PhD in Dental Public Health from the University of Manchester. She manages a cross-organisational team, supervises human clinical testing programs and leads strategic collaborations with academic and commercial partners to enhance Colgate\u2019s R&D capabilities and to bring new oral care products\/experiences to market. Dr. Gomez\u2019s expertise lies in a wide range of areas, including cariology, advanced diagnostic methods, public health initiatives, paediatric dentistry, and innovation in dentistry.<\/p>\n Dr. Zilson Malheiros holds a degree in Dentistry from the University of S\u00e3o Paulo, a master\u2019s degree in Dental Sciences, as well as an MBA in Business Management. Dr. Malheiros led studies in different countries and played a pivotal role in establishing the Latam Dental Health Unit, collaborating with Regional Dental Associations and research organizations. Recently, Dr. Malheiros joined the team at the Dental Health Unit in Manchester, dedicating himself to advancing innovative studies and actively collaborating in the identification and development of new regional leaders. Additionally, he is focused on expanding the research network in the region.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Spacing \/ back to top” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n < Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: Research project opportunities” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Research project opportunities – LHS” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n Our students and researchers have unique opportunities to work at the interface of academia and industry in the oral health space.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Research project opportunities – RHS” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n Beyond our research projects, the DHU is proud to have supported the early careers of many individuals over the past 50 years through our PhD and post-doctoral programmes. Our \u2018DHU Alumni\u2019 have gone on to forge successful careers in academia, industry and public organisations.<\/p>\n We continue to support new and early career researchers with PhD student and postdoc positions. Please take a look at the \u2018Opportunities\u2019 section of the individual research profiles of our team<\/a> if you are interested in PhD opportunities with us.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Spacing \/ back to top” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n < Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: Contact us” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Contact us – LHS” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n If you have any questions or would like to collaborate with the DHU on joint research projects, please contact a member of our team.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Contact us – RHS” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n Michelle Address<\/strong><\/p>\n Colgate-Palmolive Dental Health Unit [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Spacing \/ back to top” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n < Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Connect Title” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” _builder_version=”3.0.90″ background_color=”#1d1d1d” module_class=”footer-section” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” global_module=”380″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” global_parent=”380″ locked=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” make_equal=”off” module_id=”footer-row” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contact Us Title” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_text_color=”#ffffff” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contact Us” global_parent=”380″ text_text_color=”#aaaaaa” parent_locked=”off” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” module_class=”contact-us” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n +44 (0) 161 306 6000<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Find Us Title” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_text_color=”#ffffff” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Address” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” module_id=”address” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n The University of Manchester [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Connect Title” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_text_color=”#ffffff” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Social Media” global_parent=”380″ parent_locked=”off” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/ul>\n [\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Improving oral health through academic-industrial research. The Dental Health Unit (DHU) is a leading centre for oral health research based at The University of Manchester. Established over 50 years ago in partnership with the Colgate-Palmolive Company, the DHU continues to advance oral health through our innovative, multidisciplinary research streams. Most oral health conditions […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1423","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/dental-health-unit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1423","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/dental-health-unit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/dental-health-unit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/dental-health-unit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/dental-health-unit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1423"}],"version-history":[{"count":69,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/dental-health-unit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1423\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1539,"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/dental-health-unit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1423\/revisions\/1539"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/dental-health-unit\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1423"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
Our research<\/h2>\n
\n
Research domains<\/h3>\n
Key projects <\/h3>\n
Exploring tooth brushing behaviours through connected brushes<\/h4>\n
Advancing dental care models through tele-dentistry<\/h4>\n
Key projects <\/h3>\n
Evaluating next-generation imaging methods for detecting and monitoring oral disease<\/h4>\n
Key projects <\/h3>\n
Bedtime routines<\/h4>\n
Text messages<\/h4>\n
Patient-reported outcomes<\/h4>\n
Leapfrog<\/h4>\n
HeRo<\/h4>\n
Behaviour Change in Dentistry (BeCinD) network<\/h3>\n
Key projects <\/h3>\n
Impact of water fluoridation on childhood decay (CATFISH)<\/h4>\n
\n
Postal distribution of oral care products to reduce paediatric general anaesthetics for tooth extractions (TIGER Teeth)<\/h4>\n
Exploring the impact of water fluoridation on dental treatment experience in adults (LOTUS Study)<\/h4>\n
Symposia<\/h3>\n
\n
Practical Approaches in Oral Health Behaviour Change Research, Barcelona (2025)<\/h4>\n
Our team<\/h2>\n
The University of Manchester<\/h3>\n
\n
Colgate-Palmolive<\/h3>\n
Dr Juliana Gomez<\/h4>\n
Dr Zilson Malheiros<\/h4>\n
PhD students<\/h3>\n
\n
Research project opportunities<\/h2>\n
Contact us<\/h2>\n
Email:\u00a0michelle.schmitz@manchester.ac.uk<\/a><\/p>\n
Division of Dentistry
Coupland Building 3
Manchester
M15 6FH<\/p>\nContact Us<\/h4>\n
Find Us<\/h4>\n
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M13 9PL
UK<\/a><\/p>\nConnect With Us<\/h4>\n
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