Centre for Orofacial Research and Learning

The Centre for Orofacial Research and Learning (CORAL) is a multidisciplinary centre bringing together the University of Adelaide’s nationally recognized research leaders, basic scientists, clinicians and translational researchers in oral health and disease.

Research Areas

CORAL has four priority areas of research activity which represent clear national leadership, and are internationally recognised. These include:

• periodontal pathology;
• craniofacial biology;
• mucosal research; and
• dental education.

CORAL is in the process of developing a fifth area around an existing nucleus of research strength in dental materials where there is the opportunity for development of new dental technologies and substantial commercial earnings from licensing.

Research Objectives

CORAL’s research programs will lead to:

• significant developments in techniques for treating oral disease, including the ability to regrow periodontal tissue in situ;
• new insights into links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as pre-term low birth weight, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, Type I diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis, enabling early diagnosis and treatment;
• significant advances in understanding alimentary mucositis;
• improved understanding of the molecular and signalling pathways associated with mucosal injury processes;
• development of effective new anti-mucotoxic agents for chemotherapy and radio-therapy oncology treatment regimes;
• significant advances in the understanding of the genetics and epigenetics of dental development and oral disease;
• development of effective new treatments for tooth attrition, abrasion, corrosion and erosion;
• ongoing improvements in the education and training of dental and oral health practitioners; and
• development of new materials for restorative dentistry.