vCardProf. J Mark Thomason

Prof. J Mark Thomason
Professor of Prosthodontics & Oral Rehabilitation

Research Interests

Efficacy of Treatment in Prosthodontics

Clinical Research in Prosthodontics has focused on the assessment of factors that influence patient acceptance of prostheses. A unique prospective RCT compared the use of bilateral cantilever adhesive bridges with conventional partial dentures. Nutrition and dietary invalidity were investigated as part of these projects (Regional NHS funding). This theme was developed and supported a PhD studenship to test the value of customised dietary intervention and investigate barriers to dietary change.

Professor Thomason has expanded this research grouping to investigate the effect of dental implant provision on health related quality of life. The research profile comprise a series of randomised controlled trials examinging implant supported prostheses in edentulous patients and is supported by a programme of Qualitative Research Projects based in the UK and shared with our Research Collaborators in the Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. An integral strand of this work includes the impact of this form of treatment on food choice and nutritional status. Research funding is maintained by a series of industrial partners, research charities, and Research Councils, including the Medical Research Council and the Canadian Institute of Health Research.

Professor Thomason spent part of 2002 as Visiting Professor at McGill University, building on links developed with Prof Feine their Director of Clinical Studies. The McGill Faculty has an international reputation in patient based outcomes for implant treatment. He was appointed Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill at the end of 2002 a post which he maintains through his work at McGill each year. A signatory of the McGill Consensus Statement, Professor Thomason has developed a strong collaboration with Professor Feine and other members of the McGill Faculty and is currently overseeing a series of projects in Canada.

Oral Health in the Medically Compromised

Funding from the Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) has supported a 3 year investigation of the oral health of children and young adults with juvenile chronic arthritis (JIA) undertaken as a multidisciplinary project with the School of Medical Sciences (Rheumatology) supporting an MPhil student. The recently awarded Shirley Glasstone Hughes Research Award has underpinned investigations of the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular diseases.

Drug-Induced Gingival Overgrowth in Organ Transplant Patients

Professor Thomason completed his PhD in the field of drug-induced gingival overgrowth in organ transplant patients and now lead a team comprising colleagues both in the School and Faculty which has built on the close liaisons established with the Regional Cardiac and Renal Transplant Centres. The principle theme of the work is the investigation of the aetiology and management of the dental problems that arise in organ transplant patients. The major clinical risk factors for drug-induced gingival overgrowth have been identified and described. At the cellular level, differences detected in the distribution of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in patients with overgrowth have highlighted mechanisms for the shift in tissue homeostasis seen in this condition. The investigations have focused on the role matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their natural inhibitors (TIMPs) and builds on previous work on TGF-ß and MMPs in gingival overgrowth, and the effects of cytokines on collagen turnover in cartilage and synovial tissue. These studies have supported a series of PhD and MPhil studentships).
The clinical programme investigating both surgical and non-surgical therapies (comparison of different conventional surgery techniques and the use of laser surgery as well as the use of a sonic toothbrush in the control of post surgical regrowth) benefited from industrial funding and currently provides the clinical base for the clinical postgraduate research projects. Finding that steroid cover is not required for these patients during surgery has fundamentally changed the clinical management of this group of patient. The work with organ transplant patients has been recognised by the Oral and Dental Research Trust and the British Society of Periodontology.

Selected Publications

More Publications

Roles and Responsibilities

Professor of Prosthodontics and Oral Rehabilitation, Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry
Director of Clinical Studies, School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne

Chairman of Stage 3, 4 & 5 Curriculum Coordinating Committee
Chairman Clinical Teaching and Learning Committee
Board of Studies
Editor - European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry
Chairman Local Organising Committee for British Society for Dental Research, Newcastle 2007
Treasurer - British Society for the Study of Prosthetic Dentistry
Management Committee of British Society for Dental Research

Qualifications

BDS Newcastle 1983
FDS RCS(Ed)1987
PhD Newcastle 1995

Previous Positions

Visiting Professor – Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Qc Canada
Senior Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry, Dental School, Newcastle upon Tyne
Director - Prosthodontics Group of the International Association of Dental Research
Consultant in Administereative Charge - Prosthodontics

Honours and Awards

Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
Secretary - Prosthodontics Research Group of the International Association of Dental Research

Languages