Taking a bite out of research

Dr Michael Foley and Oral Health Executive Director Andrew McAuliffe

Dr Foley is a member of the Australian Dental Association Oral Health Committee and immediate former director of the Brisbane Dental Hospital. His appointment coincides with the Oral Health Alliance between MNOHS and the University of Queensland at the Oral Health Centre at Herston – the largest oral health research and teaching facility in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Research is an integral part of the work to improve the oral health of all Queenslanders,” Dr Foley says.

“The Oral Health Alliance provides an opportunity for greater research collaboration and for us to increase and influence research activities.”

Dr Foley says the colocation of the research facility and the dental clinics at the Oral Health Centre provides a unique opportunity for clinical research and for
translation research.

“Patients will have greater opportunity to be involved in research programs and clinicians and students will have greater exposure to the research process and to the implementation of research outcomes,” he says.

The upcoming National Survey of Adult Oral Health will be an initial area of focus. A sample of around 250 Metro North residents will be examined with the data contributing to an updated picture of the oral health of Australians.

The development of the oral health research agenda will also link closely with other Metro North initiatives such as the Herston Biofabrication Institute.