Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Preventive and interceptive dental treatment during childhood and adolescence aim at preventing from dental conditions and promoting oral health, including a functionally and esthetically acceptable occlusion. Yet, orthodontic treatment may be indicated for a variety of reasons even at later ages. Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics are two distinct disciplines that are taught at both graduate and post-graduate levels.

Contact information

University of Turku, Institute of Dentistry, Lemminkäisenkatu 2, FI-20520 Turku, Finland

Office Assistant Sari Heikkilä

Personnel

Professor and Chair, DDS, PhD Janna Waltimo-Sirén
Docent (Adjunct Professor), University Lecturer, DDS, PhD  Anna-Liisa Svedström-Oristo
Docent (Adjunct Professor), University Lecturer, DDS, PhD Battsetseg Tseveenjav
University Teacher, PhD Erika Mäkinen
Univeristy Teacher, DDS, PhD Kari Rantavuori
Teacher, DDS Päivi Jääsaari
University Teacher, DDS Jessica Juslin (on leave)
 

Professor (emeritus), DDS, PhD Juha Varrela

Research

Research is carried out on occlusal characteristics and development of malocclusions in individuals born preterm or born with syndromes. It also focuses on patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Efficiency and costs of orthodontic treatment are investigated in different treatment modalities, including early orthodontic treatment and orthodontic-surgical treatment.

The effects of malocclusions and orthodontic treatment on the oral health-related quality of life in Finnish children and adolescents are studied in collaboration with the Department of Community Dentistry.

Properties and behavior of materials used in orthodontics, particularly adhesives used in bonding of orthodontics brackets, are explored in collaboration with the Department of Biomaterials Science.