About the project
Dental hypersensitivity affects 33% of the adult population. It is characterised as a sharp dental pain resulting from chemical, thermal, tactile, or osmotic stimuli applied to the teeth. This project, in collaboration with Haleon, will focus on the prevention and treatment of dental hypersensitivity.
You will use the latest serial block-face scanning electron microscopy to generate 3D visualisations of the structure of dentine. This will enhance our understanding of the structure-function relationship in the tissue and its influence on the painful stimuli suffered by dental hypersensitivity sufferers.
A novel sensitivity paste formulation, combining 2 active ingredients, will also be developed and its efficacy tested. You will investigate the combined ingredients to understand their interaction and reaction products. The aim is to generate a positive synergistic effect to provide rapid relief to patients with hypersensitivity and enhance long-term protection and prevention.
You will have the opportunity to learn a range of experimental techniques and analysis methods, including:
- serial block-face scanning electron microscopy
- nanoindentation
- x-ray diffraction
- nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
You will also have the opportunity to spend time with the oral health research and development team at Haleon. This will provide a unique insight into paste development, formulation, production, and the steps and processes involved in taking a product to market.
External supervisors
Alongside Doctors Cook and Rankin in Southampton, your supervisors at Haleon will include:
- Dr. Patricia Goggin
- Dr. Behrad Mahmoodi