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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/M58993/01
Title: APPLICATION OF NOVEL OPTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR EARLY DETECTION OF DENTAL DECAY
Principal Investigator: Whitters, Dr C
Other Investigators:
Girkin, Professor J Creanor, Dr S Strang, Dr R
Hall, Dr A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Clinical Physics
Organisation: University of Glasgow
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 1999 Ends: 30 April 2003 Value (£): 81,119
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Lasers & Optics
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Healthcare No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
In dentistry there is a need to develop a quantitative tool for the early detection of dental decay (caries) at a stage before the mineral loss has resulted in a cavity. Present techniques measure essentially only the presence of cavities and even then many are missed. The ability to determine, on an individual basis, whether a small pre-cavity lesion is progressing or regressing (remineralisation) will enable a dentist to optimise preventative or minimise surgical treatment of that lesion. Preliminary work on two optical methods has been promising. Con-focal microscopy, either measuring scattered or fluorescent light, offers the possibility of a simple hand held instrument for routine use which will give a quantitative measurement of lesion depth. The development of previously funded work on two-photon fluorescence imaging will result in a 3-D imaging instrument that would be of great benefit to clinicians and researchers in this field. The Institute of Photonics and Glasgow Dental Hospital have a history of successful collaboration and are ideally placed to undertake this project and achieve the aims of the funding in developing the understanding of physics and medicine in young researchers.
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Organisation Website: http://www.gla.ac.uk