Oral Microbiology

Dr. Williams currently leads the Oral Microbiology Group based at the School of Dentistry, at Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. Since Dr. Williams' first degree (Cardiff University), he has worked in the pharmaceutical industry, food microbiology and as an academic researcher. Having completed a PhD at the School of Dentistry in Cardiff on the immunopathogenesis of oral candidosis, Dr. Williams' research has continued within Cardiff University and primarily focuses within the field of Clinical Microbiology with an emphasis on studies involving microbial biofilms. Dr. Williams' research encompasses investigating biofilm susceptibility to antimicrobial agents, expression of virulence factors such as hydrolytic enzyme production, adhesion, and microbial modulation of innate immune responses. Of particular interest has been research into the development of biomaterials (e.g. silicone rubber, acrylic, titanium) to inhibit biofilm formation on medical devices. Dr. Williams is a previous recipient of the Senior Colgate Award (British Society for Oral and Dental Research) and the International Hatton Award (The International Association for Dental Research).

• 1. Introduction2 The mouth as a microbial habitat3. The resident oral microbiota4. Distribution, development and benefits of the oral microbiota5. Dental plaque6. Plaque-mediated diseases: Dental caries and periodontal diseases7. Orofacial bacterial infections8. Oral fungal infections9. Orofacial viral infections10. Antimicrobial agents11. Oral microbiota and systemic disease12. Infection controlMultiple choice answers