CCDRG

Summary & Principle aims
The Clinical Craniofacial Research Group (CCRG) comprise of experts in clinical dentistry that provide clinical evidence for current best practice in dentistry and improve clinical management in dentistry. Our research covers all areas of dentistry including Conservative Dentistry, General Dental Practice, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Orthodontics, Periodontology, Prosthetic Dentistry and Radiological Imaging.

1. Fundamental Clinical Research

The research focus encompasses fundamental clinical research and application of clinical materials.
Understanding craniofacial development and pathophysiology of oral diseases may provide the pathway for development of products and methodologies for improved clinical practice. The CCRG conducts fundamental researches on craniofacial development of normal population, developmental craniofacial anomalies and oral diseases.

2. Application of Clinical Materials

Advances in dental research have facilitated the development of new dental materials in the market. Most of these materials have been tested in the laboratory and may come with claims for improved clinical applications in dentistry. The CCRG aims to develop unbiased evidences and policies for current best practice in dentistry by providing a platform to conduct clinical trials and laboratory studies for application of new dental products and methodologies.

Meet our Group Members

Name: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheah Chia Wei Head of Research Group  Email: chiawei@um.edu.my Research Area:  a) Periodontology b) Oral microbiota in health and disease c) Alveolar ridge preservation
Name: Dr. Rabi’ah Al-Adawiyah Rahmat Email: rabiahadaw@um.edu.my Research Area:  a) Forensic Odontology b) Forensic Imaging c) Forensic Dental DNA d) Forensic Anthropology e) Forensic Taphonomy

Name: Associate Prof. Dr. Saritha Sivarajan Email: saritha@um.edu.my Research Area: a) Systematic review b) 3D Printing in Orthodontics c) Accelerated Orthodontics d) Dental Education
Name: Prof. Dr. Siti Adibah Othman Email: sitiadibah@um.edu.my Research Area: a) Orthodontics b) Cleft lip and palate abnormalities c) 3D imaging
Name: Prof. Dr. Zamri Radzi Email: zamrir@um.edu.my Research Area:  a) Orthodontics b) Dental material
Name: Assoc Prof. Dr. Shani Ann Mani Email: shani@um.edu.my Research Area: a) Paediatric dentistry b) Oral care in children
Name: Prof. Dr. Rathna Devi Vaithilingam Email: rathna@um.edu.my Research Area:  a) Perio systemic relationship b) Periodontal regenerative therapy c) Genetic studies
Name: Prof. Dr. Norliza Ibrahim Email: norlizaibrahim@um.edu.my Research Area:  a) Radiation in public health and safety b) Oral imaging c) Health equity
Name: Assoc Prof. Dr. Kathreena Kadir Email: kathreena@um.edu.my Research Area: a) Oral cancer surgery b) Oral biomarkers and metabolomics study c) Temporomandibular Disorders d) Oral & Maxillofacial Trauma
Name: Assoc Prof. Dr. Wey Mang Chek Email: weymc@um.edu.my Research Area:  a) Orthodontics b) Quality and accessible health system
Name: Dr. Amir Hazwan Abdul Rahim Email: amirhazwan@um.edu.my Research Area: a) Forensic dentistry b) Research capacity c) Publication quality and quantity

Areas of Research
Our interest encompasses all areas of clinical craniofacial research. Current studies include:·

Application of drugs, oral hygiene products and dental materials

•  Implantology
  • Effects of various implant systems on the soft and hard tissues, masticatory function and quality of life
  • Investigating the safety zone for implant placement
  • Innovative implant animal research with clinical implications and applications
• Investigating the use of artificial saliva for xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Application of desensitising agents for dentine hypersensitivity (sensitive teeth)
• Comparing the efficacy self-ligating brackets with conventional brackets for orthodontic treatment

Research on craniofacial development

• Craniofacial development of normal population and craniofacial anomalies using state-of-the-art three dimensional (3D) facial scanner

• Improve understanding on peripheral nerve injuries, and finding therapeutic agents that enhances recovery

Studies on oral diseases
Genomic Wide Association Study in periodontal disease

• In search for candidate genes involved in the profiling of chronic periodontitis
• Human papilloma virus (HPV) related lesions in HIV positive patients, the role of various salivary immune factors in modulating oral lesions in HIV positive individuals and the role of HPV in the initiation and progression of oral squamous cell carcinomas
• Innovation in care and access for Persons with Special Needs

Research into areas for innovation to improve oral healthcare access for persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, mental, medical, developmental, emotional or social impairment or disability