Griffith University

Bridging safer dental implants

Griffith University PhD graduate Dr Rudi van Staden applied engineering technology in dentistry to reduce the risk of damage to the jawbone or nerves when attaching imitation teeth.

His research investigated the “stress” within the human jawbone when surgically implanting a titanium screw, used to attach imitation teeth.

He said dental implants were becoming more and more popular as they provided an enhanced function when compared to dental bridges or crowns. “However, there is a five per cent failure rate that is believed to be associated with incorrect insertion techniques and a lack of understanding of the complex stress characteristics within the jawbone.” Dr van Staden said.

With the help of computer modelling software used for bridges, buildings and big structures, he examined the “stress” within the jawbone induced by a titanium screw during and after insertion.

“Using medical imaging methods, I created a three-dimensional computer model of the human jawbone and implant and simulated the dynamic implantation process. There are 560 different jawbone material properties and screw dimensions, and this research can help dentists find the best fit for their patient.” Dr Rudi van Staden

Ground breaking research into the teaching of dental technology

On the face of it, the world of dental technology is all about the design and fabrication of oral prostheses.

“If you know someone who has a denture, an orthodontic plate or a crown in their mouth, it was most likely made by a dental technician,” Griffith School of Dentistry and Oral Health academic Jane Evans smiles.

“We’re technicians who tend to work in a back room and make things.”

Dr Evans, the inaugural dental technology academic at the Centre for Medicine and Oral Health in Southport, sees beyond the small room and the useful things made there.

Her doctoral thesis, the first of its kind to be conferred in Australia, confirms her vision. Her research evaluated the influence of an inter-professional dental technology curriculum, bringing her a PhD degree earlier this year.

For her, it’s equally as important for a graduate of dental technology to have a strong sense of professional identity, to appreciate the importance and value of teamwork, and to have active interpersonal skills.

“Our dental technology program gives students an unusual opportunity to work collaboratively with dentistry students throughout their degree. It also opens the door to professional experience at the same time as university education.