The research focuses on the application of modern epidemiological and statistical methods for the analysis of observational data in dentistry and behavioral medicine to derive valid causal inferences and to provide optimal recommendations for treatment and public policies. We analyze population studies, claims data, electronic health records, and clinical cohorts/registries.

The current research topics include:

  • Causal risk factors of periodontitis
  • Periodontitis as a cause of systemic disease
  • Data-based, risk-adjusted therapy of periodontitis
  • Biomakers for prediction and prognosis
  • Pharmacoepidemiology
  • Physical activity, obesity, cannabis use and chronic diseases

Research methods:

  • Target trial emulation
  • Modeling of time-dependent data (g-methods)
  • Instrumental variable estimation, mendelian randomization
  • Meta-analysis
  • Bias analysis, negative controls