Research

Periodontal Research

Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

Isolation, characterisation and utilisation of human and animal periodontal ligament stem cells for periodontal regeneration. These studies involve extensive cell culture, molecular biology and proteomic assays.

Tissue Engineering of Periodontal Matrices

Using cell seeding into bioresorbable matrices. This includes specific studies on the role of matrix components in the regeneration of periodontal structures.

Mechanisms of Bone Destruction in Periodontitis

Using animal models of periodontitis we are investigating new mechanisms of alveolar bone resorption as well as novel therapeutics to control this process.

Periodontal Medicine

We have research programs investigating the interrelationship between periodontitis and rheumatoid disease and also the relationship between periodontitis and pre term low birth weight infants.

Implants

We are currently investigating both soft and hard tissue reactions to various implant surfaces and shapes.

Biomaterials Research

Evaluation of new materials and techniques, with strong emphasis on materials research and product evaluation.

The unit's objectives are to:

• Establish a state-of-the art biophysical research laboratory;
• Undertake scientific evaluation of existing as well as new materials and techniques;
• Encourage practicing dentists to participate in clinical and laboratory research of dental materials;
• Support existing studies into subjects closely allied to dental materials.

Oral Microbiology

The Colgate Australian Clinical Dental Research Centre is affiliated with the Oral Microbiology group inthe University of Adelaide School of Dentistry.

The Oral Microbiology group is involved in research into the physiology, interactions between, and ecology of, micro-organisms found in dental plaque. Many of these have been implicated in the aetiology of Dental Caries and Periodontal Diseases.

Most of the investigations undertaken involve the growth and subsequent analysis of one or more bacterial species under continuous culture conditions.

The laboratory also provides a Caries Risk Assessment service to Dental Practitioners.

Honours Projects

The Colgate Australian Clinical Dental Research Centre has many exciting opportunities for students to be involved in Honours Projects either within the Centre or in conjunction with our affiliates.

Honours information brochure

Research Scholarships

The Colgate Australian Clinical Dental Research Centre is currently calling for applications for the Colgate Betty Fanning Scholarship to assist a student to undertake a PhD.

The object of this Postgraduate Scholarship is to assist a student to undertake a PhD at the University of Adelaide's School of Dentistry in association with the Colgate Australian Clinical Dental Research Centre. Fields of research may include Dental Materials, Periodontal Regeneration, Bone Regeneration or Stem Cell Research and must be agreeable to Colgate-Palmolive Pty Ltd. The Scholarship is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents. International students with an Australian residency visa may also apply however full tuition fees for a PhD program are payable to the University of Adelaide and are not covered by the Scholarship.

Details of the Scholarship are available here. Please read this document carefully and if you still require further information please contact us.

Betty Fanning Scholarship information sheet