Research at Melbourne Dental School
The Melbourne Dental School in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences is part of the largest biomedical precinct in the southern hemisphere. With state-of-the-art facilities and global collaborations, the School drives innovation in oral health, translating research into clinical practice and policy.
The Melbourne Dental School in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences is part of the largest biomedical precinct in the southern hemisphere. With state-of-the-art facilities and global collaborations, the School drives innovation in oral health, translating research into clinical practice and policy.
Our Research Themes
Melbourne Dental School research is encompassed within several broad research themes. This multidisciplinary approach aims to increase the opportunities for researchers to collaborate on projects that span common themes.
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Investigating and transforming the complex interplay of the oral microbiome and host response with the aim of advancing strategies for prevention and treatment of oral and systemic disease.
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Investigating and developing materials, technologies and applications intentioned for restoration, repair and regeneration of hard tissues and their roles in oral function and whole body health.
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Investigating the trajectories of oral health and disease from before birth to advanced age, to understand and impact biological, social, and environmental influences to improve health equity and outcomes across all life stages and populations.
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Explores and impacts design and implementation of learning activities, assessment approaches and feedback practices to advance learning and educational outcomes
Our work is innovative: As a clinical school, we deliver research that changes the world. Ranging from unravelling the mysteries of biology, to clinical breakthroughs and public health strategy, our researchers are providing new solutions to the challenges, both new and old, that face our community. Associate Professor Mihiri Silva, Director of Research
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International Reach
The Melbourne Dental School has a long history of international collaboration. Discover our global engagement and study visit opportunities.
Services and Opportunities
The Melbourne Dental School offers shared research facilities and specialised services available to external researchers on a fee-for-service basis.
Dental Research Student Association
Connect with the Dental Research Student Association and be part of Melbourne Dental School’s postgraduate research community.
Our Successes
2020 - 2024 successful outcomes
450+
publications
650+
international partners and collaborations
$22+ million
research income
Spotlight on Research
Dr Rishi Ramani developed tandem AI-powered convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for real-time in vivo oral mucosal biopsy using Optiscan's Invivage high-resolution confocal laser endo-microscope. The developed models were able to filter the images for quality, followed by triaging them into diagnostic categories for oral dysplasia and oral cancer. This breakthrough paves the way for faster, painless sampling with real-time feedback capability for diagnosis.
Annual Research Report
Discover our 2024 Annual Research Report. This report details the tremendous breadth and depth of our research and its impact.