Dental Impact, Care and Effectiveness Research Group (DICE)

About the Research Group

The DICE – Dental Impact, Care and Effectiveness Research Group focuses on producing high-quality scientific evidence to support evidence-based decision-making, the development of clinical practices, and the evaluation of healthcare service systems. The group examines oral health as an integral component of overall health and well-being, addressing both individual- and population-level perspectives.

Our research integrates clinical dentistry, epidemiology, and health services research, with a particular emphasis on the effectiveness of treatment interventions and preventive strategies. We utilize diverse data sources, including register-based data, clinical studies, and population-based datasets, to ensure robust and comprehensive analyses.

Key Research Themes

• Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases (especially caries, diseases of the pulp, periodontitis and temporomandibular disorder)
• Utilization and accessibility of health services, and related inequalities
• Interconnections between oral health and general health

Objectives

The aim of the research group is to generate scientific evidence that enhances effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and equity in oral healthcare. A central goal is to develop evidence-based treatment practices and care pathways that promote patient-centered care. Patient-centered care in this context refers to treatment outcomes that are meaningful to the patient, such as the reduction of symptoms or the preservation of masticatory function.

Our research addresses current public health challenges, including access to oral healthcare and the prevalence and incidence of oral diseases. The findings are applied in both clinical practice and the development of health policy and healthcare systems.

Collaboration and Research Environment

The DICE research group collaborates closely with national and international research partners, wellbeing services counties, and clinical practitioners.

Our multidisciplinary approach enables the integration of biological, clinical, and societal perspectives, strengthening the relevance and impact of oral health research.