IADR Abstract Archives

Dental phenomics – a new research direction

Objectives: Advancements since the Human Genome Project have highlighted the need to collect more extensive and intensive phenotypic data to clarify the complex interactions between genes and the environment in determining health and disease within human populations. This has opened up a new field of research in dentistry, termed ‘dental phenomics’, involving large-scale phenotyping of dental features to complement findings of genetic studies. The aim of this presentation is to review current approaches to obtaining dental phenotypic data relating to dental morphology.

Methods: Phenomic research involving dental morphology can be explored by characterising the physical and chemical properties of teeth, including their structure and mechanical characterisation at macro-, micro- and nano-scales. Emerging techniques include 3D laser scanning, as well as micro-computed tomography (microCT) and nano-computed tomography (nanoCT).  We describe the application of some of these techniques, including their advantages and limitations.

Results: Traditional and emerging imaging techniques offer exciting opportunities for phenotyping the human dentition. A detailed characterisation of the quality of the tooth structure and the nature of bonding between organic and inorganic interfaces using nanotechniques can also provide information about the building blocks of teeth that determine their overall properties. 

Conclusions: With improvements in the efficiency of data acquisition and analysis, dental phenomic research has the potential to translate into significant benefits in clinical management of patients with underlying genetic conditions.

Acknowledgements: This study was supported by grants from Australian Dental Research Foundation Inc. (ADRF) and Dentsply Australia Pty Ltd.

Australian/New Zealand Division Meeting
2012 Australian/New Zealand Division Meeting (Denarau Island, Fiji)
Denarau Island, Fiji
2012

Scientific Groups
  • Ranjitkar, Sarbin  ( University of Adelaide, Adelaide, , Australia )
  • Mihailidis, Suzanna  ( The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, , Australia )
  • Hall, Colin  ( University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, N/A, Australia )
  • Townsend, Grant  ( University of Adelaide, Adelaide, N/A, Australia )
    • Craniofacial Biology