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Research

Research themes

anaerobic cabinet microbiologyOur research spans the ecology, structure, and behaviour of the oral microbiome and its biofilms, with a strong focus on how these communities contribute to health and disease.

  • We use advanced biofilm models for caries, periodontitis and peri‑implantitis to study microbial succession, pathogenic shifts, and host‑tissue impact.
  • A key area of interest is antimicrobial resistance, including the composition and dynamics of the oral resistome and how resistance traits persist within complex microbial communities.
  • We also investigate understudied members of the oral microbiome, particularly archaea, to understand their prevalence, functional roles, and involvement in both healthy and dysbiotic states.
  • In parallel, our work examines host-microbe interactions, including how bacteria within biofilms influence and modulate host immune responses.
  • Beyond local disease, we explore broader links along the oral-systemic axis, such as the role of periodontal pathogens in rheumatoid arthritis and the potential of dental plaque to act as a reservoir for gut infection.
  • Our translational research includes extensive modelling of viral aerosol‑generating procedures in dentistry.
  • This work helps improve the mitigation of COVID‑19 transmission in clinical settings.
  • We also carry out novel antimicrobial testing. In addition, we evaluate probiotics and prebiotics as microbiome‑modifying interventions.
  • We are developing strategies to promote and maintain a stable, health‑associated oral microbiome.

Research Impact

The Rheumatoid Arthritis – Periodontitis  project

This collaborative Leeds project investigates the mechanistic link between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis through advanced microbiome profiling.
It has established a world-leading position in understanding oral-systemic connections, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis.
Findings suggest targeting the oral microbiome could help prevent or slow RA, with strong potential for future clinical impact.

The aerosol-generating procedures study

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, this study developed an innovative viral surrogate model to better understand and reduce aerosol risks during dental procedures.
It demonstrated that electric drills without air coolant are a safe mitigation, influencing NHS guidance and enabling safer, more efficient clinical practice.
The methodology is now becoming a gold standard in dental infection research, improving global preparedness for future pandemics.

Technologies we use

We use a range of tools to study microbes, biofilms and host cells, including:

  • anaerobic and microaerophilic culture
  • oral biofilm models for caries, periodontitis and peri implantitis
  • confocal and scanning electron microscopy
  • tissue culture and co culture systems
  • Realtime PCR and molecular assays
  • high performance computing for sequencing and analysis

These tools help us build a clear picture of microbial behaviour and host responses.

Impact

board room chatOur research contributes to both oral and systemic health by improving understanding of how microbial communities influence disease, identifying mechanisms that link oral dysbiosis to wider health outcomes, and developing strategies that support more effective prevention and treatment.

We also engage in translational work with real‑world impact. Our award winning studies on dental aerosols directly informed updated NHS national guidance on aerosol‑generating procedures (AGPs) during COVID‑19, helping to guide clinical practice and support the dental profession throughout the pandemic.

This combination of foundational science and applied research ensures that our work benefits patients, clinicians, and the broader healthcare community.