PhD Studentship in Oral Health Epidemiology – 4 Year SPC & Full-Time

The Dublin Dental School & Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, is the leading dental centre for examining population health studies in Ireland. A PhD position is currently available for a student to join an established research group to study the oral health trajectories and inequalities across childhood and adolescence in Ireland. This is a 4 year specified purpose contract & full-time position in the division of Restorative Dentistry & Periodontology.

The appointee will ultimately report to the Clinical Director.

Outline of Duties and Responsibilities

The overall aim of this project is to investigate oral health behaviours and outcomes across childhood and adolescence in Ireland using longitudinal data from the Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) study, but also not limited to:

Adopting a life-course epidemiological perspective, the research will investigate patterns, determinants, and temporal trends in oral health, with a particular focus on identifying critical periods for prevention and intervention.
It will also lay the foundations for planned future studies within this cohort to further define the oral health of the Irish population.

Qualifications, Experience & Person Specification

The successful applicant must have:

A 2.1 or higher undergraduate degree in Dental Science, Nutrition, Data Science or a related subject.
Exhibit excellent communication skills and provide evidence for running and managing a research project.

General

Dublin Dental University Hospital will not be liable for travelling or other expenses incurred by candidates who may be invited to attend for interview.

The studentship will provide an annual stipend of €25,000 and fees.

Closing date for applications is Friday, 29th May 2026 at noon.

In-person interviews to be scheduled promptly after the closing date.

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Prof Michael O’Sullivan, Clinical Director via email in the first instance michael.osullivan@dental.tcd.ie.

Interested candidates should submit a Cover Letter together with a copy of their Curriculum Vitae via Hirehive.

Offers are subject to Garda Vetting, References, Pre-employment Medical and CPD in various HSEland Training Programmes.

The Dublin Dental Hospital is an equal opportunities employer.

PhD Studentship in Oral Health Epidemiology – 4 Year SPC & Full-Time

Benefits

Job Description