| Audience: Students, researchers, public health experts, health policy makers, and industry professionals | ||
| 15.30–16.30 | Presentation Exploring Population Research in Oral Health | |
| 16.30–17.00 | Discussion | |
Description of the topics to be covered
What is Population Research in Oral Health?
Population research helps us understand patterns of oral health issues in different groups of people, uncovering the "why" and "how" behind diseases.
Focus of the Talk
I will guide through the steps of a case-control study, a type of research used to identify factors linked to diseases by comparing people with and without a condition.
Real-Life Example
To make it relatable, I'll share insights from my case-control study on periodontitis (a serious gum disease) in a rural Indian population.
What You'll Learn
- How to Choose Participants: Identifying cases (people with periodontitis) and controls (those without)
- Collecting Data: Understanding lifestyle, oral hygiene habits, and access to dental care
- Analyzing Data: Finding patterns that link behaviors, environments, or genetics to periodontitis
- Drawing Conclusions: How these findings can guide better prevention or treatment policies
Why This Matters
I'll highlight the importance of population research in shaping public health strategies, policies, and innovations.
Future Directions
My upcoming research will shift focus to explore the oral microbiome (the community of bacteria in the mouth) in the Latvian population. I'll briefly explain how this could open new doors for understanding oral health at a microbial level.
Takeaway Message
Population research connects the dots between individuals and communities, helping us build healthier futures through science and collaboration.
Biography of Shaju Jacob Pulikkotil
Shaju’s journey in academia and research has been fascinating. Armed with a PhD in Oral Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Madras, he has spent over two decades as a lecturer in dentistry, finding joy in learning alongside his students. Now a tenured professor at Rīga Stradiņš University, he continues to inspire learners with his passion for teaching and research. His childlike curiosity makes every discussion an adventure, where no question is too small and no idea too big to explore.
Shaju’s research portfolio is as diverse as his interests. He has secured grants for population studies, clinical trials, and even stem cell research—proof of his ability to navigate both the big picture and the tiniest details with equal enthusiasm. His systematic reviews on varied topics and mastery of statistical analysis, including network meta-analysis, reflect his dedication to making sense of data, no matter how complex.
For those eager to learn, Shaju has shared his expertise. His courses on research methods and meta-analysis on the Udemy platform are a testament to his commitment to accessible, engaging education. As an academic coach, he thrives on intense, thought-provoking discussions, approaching them with a blend of rigor and the playful curiosity of a lifelong learner. Check his Linkedin blogs and discussion.
But Shaju’s passions don’t stop at academia and research. A Chennai native, he takes immense pride in his roots, coming from a city that speaks Tamil, one of the world’s oldest languages. His love for cooking Indian cuisine—particularly his fondness for biriyani—is only matched by his eagerness to explore new foods and cultures.
Currently, Shaju is embarking on an exciting linguistic adventure, learning Latvian to connect more deeply with the people and culture of Latvia. True to his philosophy, he believes every opportunity is a chance to learn and grow. Whether he’s deciphering data, cooking up a storm, or diving into a spirited conversation, Shaju approaches life with humor, warmth, and an insatiable appetite for knowledge.
In short, Shaju is not just a professor or a researcher; he’s a curious soul who finds joy in every opportunity to learn, share, and connect.
Norises vieta
