What’s the value of improving a smile – study of people experiencing homelessness

One fully funded Frederick E Hopper full-time PhD scholarship is available in the School of Dentistry for a start in October 2025. The scholarship will cover UK tuition fees and attract a stipend matching the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25), subject to satisfactory progress. <br /> The award is open to full-time or part-time candidates (UK only) who meet the eligibility for a place on a PhD degree at the School of Dentistry. This project would suit a student with a background in health sciences or public health or social policy with an interest in economics or data analysis.

<p class="paragraph">People experiencing homelessness (PEH) have higher levels of dental disease which causes pain and has wide reaching impacts e.g., increased risk of cardiovascular, coronary heart and respiratory diseases. Poor oral health negatively impacts on quality of life; low self-image, poor self-esteem, embarrassment and discourages social interaction. Understanding the full impacts of removing physical and structural barriers to accessing dental care for PEH is under-researched (1). A new NHS dental service targeted at PEH in Leeds (and currently being rolled out across West Yorkshire) could offer an ideal opportunity to explore dedicated dental services could have oral health benefits, but more importantly if there are any effects on the wider health and wellbeing aspects for PEH (employability, confidence, social inclusion)(2).   Models for improving access to dentistry for getting vulnerable groups is a NICE priority area and one of the James Lind Alliance top 10 priorities for research. The research area is aligned to the University of Leeds strategy which strives to <em>reduce inequalities and engage with the community</em>.</p> <p class="paragraph">The impact of this proposal could be far-reaching for the student. We feel that our multidisciplinary collaboration means that this research will directly influence and inform the design of targeted dental services for PEH. We have already secured collaboration and funding from the Integrated Care Board, Academic Health Sciences Research Network and have presented our work to Local Dental Care Boards. This opportunity would develop a qualitative researcher with expertise in inequalities in oral health, particularly from vulnerable populations. They will be joining a research theme that has an application under review with NIHR Research for Patient Benefit led by JC/KVC/GD and we have a Professional Doctorate student who assessing the feasibility of an oral health promotion intervention for PEH to be delivered in the undergraduate curriculum.</p> <p class="paragraph">Julia Csikar (JC), Karen Vinal-Collier (KVC) and Gail Douglas (GD) are ideally placed to support this proposal as they previously designed and delivered research (3) which has gone on to inform NICE guidance on ways to improve access to and engagement with health and social care for PEH (NG214). Their work also supported the design of a pilot service specification which has been commissioned and rolled out to practices throughout Yorkshire and the Humber (YH).</p> <h5 class="paragraph">Aims & Objectives</h5> <p>What are the wider health and wellbeing impacts of improved oral health for PEH.  </p> <ol> <li>What is the impact of improved oral health upon social capital including linking at social connections and network mapping  </li> <li>What are the knock-on effects to other services/support (if any) that have been accessed since improving oral health for PEH </li> <li>The feasibility of measuring a return on investment for dental services aimed at this population group   </li> </ol> <h5>References</h5> <ol> <li>Freeman, R., et al., Inclusion oral health: Advancing a theoretical framework for policy, research and practice. Community dentistry and oral epidemiology, 2020. 48(1): p. 1-6.</li> <li>Kleinberger, J.A. and S.M. Strickhouser, Missing Teeth: Reviewing the Sociology of Oral Health and Healthcare. Sociology Compass, 2014. 8(11): p. 1296-1314 </li> <li>Csikar, J., et al., Identifying the barriers and facilitators for homeless people to achieve good oral health. Community Dental Health, 2019. 36(2): p. 137-142.</li> <li>Serban, S., et al., Best practice models for dental care delivery for people experiencing homelessness. British Dental Journal, 2023. 235(12): p. 933-937.</li> <li>Beaton, L., et al., Community-based oral health interventions for people experiencing homelessness: a scoping review. Community Dental Health, 2020. 37(2): p. 150-160. </li> </ol> <h5 style="margin-bottom: 11px;">Other Conditions</h5> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.</li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2025.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees/doc/how-to-apply">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application. </p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Medicine as your programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> <li>For source of funding please state you are applying for a a Frederick E Hopper Scholarship</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to this scholarship in the School of Dentistry should normally have an Undergraduate degree of 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject area. A Master’s degree is desirable, but not essential.

The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Dentistry is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">We are offering 1 full-time PhD scholarship in the School of Dentistry for one UK candidate, covering a maintenance grant matching the UKRI stipend rate (£19,237 for 2024/25) and UK tuition fees for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to two years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. This is one of seven available projects being advertised for the one successful candidate for this scholarship. </p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"> </p>

<p>For further information please contact the Faculty PGR Admissions Team<br /> e: <a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>