Improving health outcomes for our communities
At Griffith Dentistry, research is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to enhancing oral health and overall health for individuals, families, and communities in Australia and worldwide. We operate as an integral part of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, working alongside its esteemed faculty and researchers.
Our research informs the way we teach, practice, and contribute to society. With a strong focus on collaboration and real-world impact, we aim to:
- Advance knowledge of oral and general health, exploring the causes of disease and developing better ways to prevent, diagnose, and manage health conditions.
- Be the first choice for industry and health sector partners, providing expertise, collaboration, and research that supports the development of new technologies and better health care solutions.
- Build a thriving research culture, working closely with university partners, health professionals, and community organisations to drive innovation and discovery.
- Improve quality of life, by delivering research that leads to healthier smiles and healthier communities, locally, across Australia, and globally.
Through world-class research, we are building a future where better oral health contributes to better overall health for everyone.
Regenerative dentistry and biomaterials
Team lead: Distinguished Professor Yin Xiao
Our highly skilled, multidisciplinary research team combines expertise in cell and tissue biology, biomaterials and engineering, microbiology, animal models, and clinical research. Working in close collaboration with national and international partners, we are exploring innovative approaches to the regeneration and reconstruction of oro-dental and craniofacial tissues. Through this collaborative and translational research, we aim to deliver new solutions that improve patient care and advance the science of oral and craniofacial health.
Periodontal medicine
Team lead: Professor Marcelo Figueredo
Lead by Professor Figueredo, we investigate the clinical and immunological connections between periodontal disease and systemic chronic conditions, with a particular focus on inflammatory bowel disease and neurodegenerative disorders. We have established strong collaborative partnerships with institutions in Brazil and Sweden, supported by a solid track record of publications. The primary goal is to highlight the role of periodontal disease as a source of low-grade inflammation that disrupts systemic homeostasis and exacerbates pre-existing chronic diseases.
Pathogenesis of periodontal and peri-implant diseases
Team lead: Professor Marcelo Figueredo
This research team investigates the immunological responses caused by dysbiosis from biofilm build-up around teeth and dental implants, with a particular focus on osteoclastogenesis. Our work is backed by strong collaborative partnerships with institutions in Brazil and Sweden and supported by a proven track record of scientific publications. Our main aim is to understand how biofilm-induced inflammation can lead to damage in the periodontal and peri-implant tissues in susceptible individuals.
Laser dentistry and pulp biology
Team lead: Professor Roy George
The laser dentistry and pulp biology team, led by Professor George, is focused on developing laser-based technologies to enhance oral health through minimally invasive, biologically informed dental treatments. The team works across four core areas:
- Pulp biology - examining how laser energy affects pulp tissue healing, inflammation modulation, and regenerative processes.
- Hard and soft tissue ablation - designing precise laser protocols for the conservative management of enamel, dentine, gingival, and mucosal tissues, aiming to reduce collateral damage and improve patient outcomes.
- Laser-assisted periodontal management - investigating the role of lasers in managing periodontal disease by targeting biofilms, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair in both non-surgical and surgical contexts.
- Photobiomodulation (PBM) - exploring the therapeutic potential of low-level laser therapy to reduce pain, accelerate healing, and modulate inflammatory responses in dental and oral soft tissue conditions.
The team bridges fundamental science with clinical translation to establish evidence-based laser protocols suitable for general and specialist practice. With a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and community impact, this research supports the integration of laser-assisted dentistry into routine care to improve population-level oral health.
Public oral health
Team lead: Professor Jeroen Kroon
The public oral health research team has existing projects with local communities and in collaboration with Queensland Health. The focus of research is oral health promotion, rural and remote oral health needs, and the barriers to care.
Contact us
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School of Medicine and Dentistry
Parklands Drive, Southport Gold Coast Griffith University QLD 4222
Sunshine Coast University Hospital Sunshine Coast Health Institute 6 Doherty Street Birtinya, QLD 4575
