Skip to main content
KBS_Icon_questionmark link-ico

 

Structural Ablelism in Dentistry

Project details

First supervisor: Professor Sasha Scambler

Mode of study: Full-time or part-time

Project duration: 3 years if full-time

Eligibility: Home and Overseas 

Funding: Self-funded

Start date: Open until suitable candidate is found

Application deadline: Open until suitable candidate is found

Reference number:  2025/06/SS2/DOCS

Project description

Ableism can be defined as a form of discrimination against disabled people which can manifest in a range of ways such as prejudice, exclusion and stereotyping (Villines 2021). It may be unintentional or intentional and is rooted in a normative understanding of how bodies do and should look and function (2023).  Recent figures from the UK suggest that approximately 16 million people in UK are living with 1 or more disability, with almost 1 in 4 disabled people categorised as adults of working age and almost half are 65 and over (Family Resources Survey, 2023). 

Research suggests that disabled people face a range of barriers within healthcare settings including environmental, attitudinal and organisational barriers which make them less likely to seek care when needed, less likely to be able to access care when sought, and also impacts the quality of care they receive when they do access it (da Rosa et al., 2020; Peres et al., 2019).  This can result in poorer access to care and poorer oral health outcomes when care is accessed (Ward et al., 2016). Ableism is likely to be a significant issue in healthcare, creating and exacerbating the barriers disabled people face. 

The aim of this research project is to explore structural ableism in dentistry, not just as a form of discrimination that disabled people face within the healthcare sector but as a form of discrimination that is embedded in the structures, organisations and institutions that make up the healthcare system itself. 

Person specification

  • An interest in social and behavioural sciences would be an advantage
  • An interest in disability
  • Research skills

Research training

  • Qualitative research training
  • Systematic review training

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 (2025/06/SS2/DOCS) in the 'Research proposal' and 'Funding (point 5)' sections of the application.

Contact for further information

Professor Sasha Scambler

Email: sasha.scambler@kcl.ac.uk

Back to Research Projects main page.

Study at King’s

Sign up for further information

Receive email updates about our courses, events, fees and funding, studying in London, how to apply and more.

Sign up