Oral Medicine and Periodontology

The Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology is part of the School of Oral Health Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It is an academic department focused on oral medicine and periodontology.

Its research strengths lie in periodontal disease, oral microbiology and the links between oral and systemic health, including diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Work also addresses oral mucosal pathology, candidiasis and implant surface contamination, alongside diagnostic questions in oral medicine.

Further themes include HPV epidemiology, HIV-associated oral conditions and risk behaviours in vulnerable populations, with a public health emphasis. The research is focused on South Africa and the region, connecting clinical observation with laboratory study of infection and inflammation.