Oral Microbiology
Oral Microbiology is a specialized division that deals with Microbiology related to Dentistry. The divisional activities are diagnostic services, teaching and multidisciplinary research.
Diagnostic services
This laboratory performs tests such as caries activity tests for patients attending Wits Oral Health Centre.
Teaching
The division coordinates and teaches two undergraduate courses BOHSc I and OPAT 20001A, to BOHSc I and BDS II students respectively. In addition, Oral Microbiology course is offered to the MDent students that are specializing in Prosthodontics and, Oral Medicine and Periodontology (OPAT7025).
Research
Niche areas
- Oral Cancer
- Oral bacteria and fungi
- Molecular Biology
- Plant research
- Education research
Current Research projects
- Genomic characterization of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital
- Comparison of MicroRNA Expression Profiles in HPV-Negative and HPV-Positive Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- The antimicrobial effect of Uvaria chamae on Staphylococcus aureus growth, biofilm formation and cytotoxicity
- The bioassay activity of Uvaria chamae against Multidrug resistant/sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
- Effect of silver nanoparticles stabilized with antifungals on Candida albicans biofilm
- Efficacy of laboratory used disinfectant Hypochlorous acid (HOLC)
- Toothbrushing practices of patients visiting the Oral hygiene Clinic at the Tertiary Oral Health Centre.
- Factors affecting master’s students throughput in the School of Oral Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
Perceptions of Undergraduate Oral Health Science students on clinical teaching and teacher behaviour at the School of Oral Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand