Prof. Shaju Jacob Pulikkotil Group. Oral Health Research

Organisation profile

Organisation profile

Our research group is committed to advancing population-based oral health research by identifying key factors contributing to oral diseases and developing evidence-based solutions to reduce disease burden. Through rigorous scientific inquiry, we provide insights that guide health policy, promote systemic changes, and improve community well-being.

Focus Areas

1. Epidemiology of Oral Diseases

  • Identifying population-level risk factors for periodontitis, dental caries and oral cancer.
  • Studying the interplay between microbiological, genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors in oral disease progression.

2. Health Policy and Community Impact

  • Translating research findings into actionable policy recommendations.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions.
  • Partnering with government agencies and private sectors to improve oral health outcomes.

3. Big Data and Advanced Analytics in Oral Health

  • Using metagenomic, metabolomic, and whole-genome data for predictive modeling of oral diseases.
  • Integrating social, behavioral, and dietary factors for a comprehensive disease assessment.

4. Special Population Studies

  • Investigating oral health disparities in women, children, physically and mentally challenged populations.
  • Designing targeted interventions for high-risk groups.

5. Oral Health Product Evaluation

  • Collaborating with private companies to assess the effectiveness of oral health products.
  • Conducting field trials and community behavioral studies to measure real-world impact.

Key Discoveries

  • Identification of population-level risk factors for oral diseases
  • Evaluation of the effectiveness of various public health policies on oral health outcomes.

Methodology

  • Observational Studies: Cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies.
  • Interventional Research: Field trials, community-based interventions, and behavioral studies.
  • Data Collection: Surveys, clinical examinations, microbiome sampling, dietary assessments.

Analytical Techniques

  • Statistical Analysis: Regression models, survival analysis, Bayesian modeling.
  • Big Data Analytics: Machine learning, AI-driven pattern recognition, multivariate modeling.
  • Genomic and Microbiome Analysis: Metagenomic sequencing, functional genomics, biomarker identification.
  • Social and Behavioral Analytics: Qualitative research, social network analysis, sentiment analysis.

Expanded Scope

  • Interdisciplinary Research: Expanding collaborations with AI and data science experts for predictive modeling.
  • Global Health Initiatives: Comparative studies between Latvian and other international populations to understand common and region-specific risk factors.
  • Technology Integration: Exploring wearable sensors, mobile health apps, and telemedicine for oral health monitoring.
  • Sustainability in Oral Health: Investigating the environmental impact of oral health products and sustainable alternatives.