Oral health and multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs)

Project details

First supervisor: Dr Jing Kang

Mode of study: Full-time or part-time

Project duration: 3 years

Eligibility: Home and Overseas

Start date: Open until suitable candidate is found

Application deadline:  Open until suitable candidate is found

Funding details: Applications are welcomed from self-funded students or sponsored students, both Home and Overseas. Tuition fees are payable plus bench fees of £8,000 per year.

Reference number:  2025/05/JK/DOCS

Project description

Oral health is increasingly recognized as a critical yet often overlooked component of general health, particularly in the context of multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs). A growing body of epidemiological and clinical evidence has established associations between oral diseases—especially periodontal disease—and systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disorders, cognitive decline, and mental health issues. These relationships are often bidirectional and mediated by shared risk factors including chronic inflammation, lifestyle behaviours, socioeconomic determinants, and health service access barriers.

While cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have consistently reported correlations between poor oral health and the presence or progression of MLTCs, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Furthermore, current health systems and disease management strategies largely treat oral health in isolation from other chronic conditions, despite clear indications that integrated care could improve outcomes and reduce healthcare burden.

A number of critical research gaps persist. First, there is limited use of longitudinal, multimodal data to unravel the temporal sequencing and potential causal pathways linking oral health with MLTC trajectories. Second, most existing studies are condition-specific rather than addressing the multimorbidity cluster patterns that are increasingly common, particularly in aging and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Third, there is a scarcity of implementation-focused research exploring how oral health can be embedded into chronic disease prevention and care models, especially within primary care and public health settings.

This PhD project proposes to address these gaps by investigating the role of oral health in the development, clustering, and progression of MLTCs using large-scale population-based datasets and electronic health record (EHR) from King’s local database, UK national data, and international data. The project will employ advanced statistical and epidemiological techniques—such as survival analysis, latent class trajectory modelling, and Mendelian randomization—to examine potential causal pathways and inform the design of integrated, patient-centred approaches to chronic disease prevention. Ultimately, the findings will have significant implications for policy, clinical practice, and interdisciplinary public health strategy.

Research training 

This PhD project will provide comprehensive interdisciplinary training at the interface of oral health research, chronic disease epidemiology, data science, and health services research. The student will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical data skills through structured academic development, experiential learning, and mentorship.

Training includes:

Epidemiology and Population Health—chronic disease epidemiology, oral disease pathophysiology, and MLTC frameworks.

Quantitative and Statistical Methods—Advanced training in statistical techniques using SPSS, R, and/or STATA; Multivariable regression; Survival analysis; Latent class trajectory modelling; Multilevel modelling; Causal inference methods, including Mendelian randomization.

Data Management and Ethics—Best practices in managing and curating large datasets; Ethical governance and information governance training for working with anonymized health data; GDPR, data linkage, and NHS research ethics application procedures.

Scientific Communication and Impact—Writing on scientific papers, reviews, book chapters, and grant proposals; Conference presentation skills, visualisation of complex data, and knowledge translation to clinical and public health audiences; Support for publishing in peer-reviewed journals and attending relevant national and international conferences (e.g., IADR).

Professional Development—transferable skills training; Opportunities to teaching as GTA (graduate teaching assistant), co-supervise undergraduate or MSc student projects; Training in interdisciplinary collaboration, teamwork, public engagement, and leadership.

Person specification

Candidate can be of any background with an interest in health data science and willingness to learn statistics and data skills. 

To view general entry requirements and further general information, see Dental and Health Sciences Research MPhil/PhD prospectus page.

Next steps

Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss the project with the first supervisor prior to submitting an application. 

Please apply online at apply.kcl.ac.uk following these steps:

1. Register a new account/login
2. Once logged in, select 'Create a new application'.
3. Enter ‘Dental and Health Sciences Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time or part-time)' under 'Choose a programme'. Please ensure you select the correct mode of study.
4. Select start date.
5. Please note: Applicants must include the project reference number (2025/05/JK/DOCS) in the 'Research proposal' and 'Funding (point 5)' sections of the application.

Contact for further information

Dr Jing Kang j.kang@kcl.ac.uk

Related Centre: Centre for Oral, Clinical & Translational Sciences

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