Overview
Background
Professor Loc Do is a dentist and an oral epidemiologist with special interest in social and clinical oral epidemiology. He completed his PhD in Oral Epidemiology at the University of Adelaide. He was a lead investigator in the National Child Oral Health Study 2012-14 and the National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017-19.
Loc is currently Director of Research at the School of Dentistry, University of Queensland.
Research funding: Currently, he is the Chief Investigator A of four major NHMRC- and MRFF-funded research projects: a population-based birth cohort study investigating impact of socioeconomic inequality on child oral health, a longitudinal study investigating effect of early life exposure to fluoride, a study to investigate effectiveness of water fluoridation in Queensland, and a study to develop and implement a package to improve oral health in residents of Aged Care Facilities in Queensland and NSW.
Qualifications: BDS, MScDent, PhD
Research Interests: Oral epidemiological measurement of dental diseases Quantitative analysis of oral epidemiological data including multilevel analysis Risk and benefit trade-off in the use of fluorides in children Natural history of dental fluorosis Socio-economic inequality in oral health Oral health-related quality of life Smoking as a risk factor for periodontal diseases Effectiveness and safety of water fluoridation in children Complex systems science in dental research.
Awards and Honours: In 2025, Loc is the recipient of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Distinguished Scientist John Greenspan Global Oral Health Research Award. In 2022, Loc is the recipient of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Distinguished Scientist H Trendley Dean Award 2022. In 2023, his paper in Journal of Dental Research was awarded the IADR Abrey Sheiham Award for Distringuished Research in Dental Public Health.
Availability
- Professor Loc Do is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Masters (Coursework), University of Adelaide
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Adelaide
Research interests
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Oral epidemiology
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Dental public health
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Risk and benefit of fluoride
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Determinants of oral health
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Socioeconomic inequalities in oral health
Works
Search Professor Loc Do’s works on UQ eSpace
2025
Journal Article
The Australian oral health practitioner workforce: A scoping review
Carlson-Jones, William, Pritchard, Lyndal, Do, Loc, Gray, Jennifer and Stormon, Nicole (2025). The Australian oral health practitioner workforce: A scoping review. Community Dental Health 0265539X251381204. doi: 10.1177/0265539x251381204
2025
Journal Article
Analysis of Water Fluoridation Debates on Meta Platforms Using Advanced Machine Learning Approaches
Torwane, N., Lalloo, R., Ha, D. and Do, L. (2025). Analysis of Water Fluoridation Debates on Meta Platforms Using Advanced Machine Learning Approaches. Jdr Clinical & Translational Research 23800844251369336, 23800844251369336. doi: 10.1177/23800844251369336
2025
Journal Article
Key Mediators Reducing Socioeconomic Inequality in Early Childhood Caries
Dao, A.T.M., Do, L.G., Stormon, N., Nguyen, H.V. and Ha, D.H. (2025). Key Mediators Reducing Socioeconomic Inequality in Early Childhood Caries. JDR Clinical & Translational Research 23800844251365536. doi: 10.1177/23800844251365536
2025
Journal Article
Water fluoridation as a population strategy for reducing oral health inequalities: high-dimensional effect heterogeneity analysis using machine learning
Matsuyama, Yusuke, Ha, Diep H., Kiuchi, Sakura, Spencer, Andrew J., Aida, Jun and Do, Loc G. (2025). Water fluoridation as a population strategy for reducing oral health inequalities: high-dimensional effect heterogeneity analysis using machine learning. International Journal of Epidemiology, 54 (4) dyaf080, 4. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyaf080
2025
Journal Article
Enhancing socioeconomic status prediction for cavities: a hybrid method
Dao, A. T. M., Do, L. G., Stormon, N., Nguyen, H. V. and Ha, D. H. (2025). Enhancing socioeconomic status prediction for cavities: a hybrid method. Journal of Dental Research, 104 (9), 947-954. doi: 10.1177/00220345251324494
2025
Conference Publication
Multi-disciplinary clinical collaboration in modifying the Oral Health Assessment Tool
See, Lydia, Ludlow, Kristiana, Ha, Diep, Fung, Cheuk-Kee, Walsh, Laurence J., Pritchard, Lyndal, Zamora, Angelique, McNamara, Steven, Silveira Schuch, Helena, Lopez Silva, Claudia, Stormon, Nicole, Ferris, Laura, Walker, Nicole, Sexton, Christopher, Henry, Julie, Georgiou, Andrew, Nangle, Matthew, Ivanovski, Saso, Tuffaha, Haitham, Ramsey, Sarah, Head, Tamatha and Do, Loc (2025). Multi-disciplinary clinical collaboration in modifying the Oral Health Assessment Tool. International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, Barcelona, Spain, 25-28 June 2025.
2025
Conference Publication
Co-designing M-OHAT: Modified Oral Health Assessment Tool for Age Care
Ludlow, Kristiana, Ferris, Laura, Walker, Nicole, See, Lydia, Zamora, Angelique, Pritchard, Lyndal, Silveira Schuch, Helena, Ha, Diep Hong, Stormon, Nicole, Walsh, Laurence J., Lopez Silva, Claudia, Sexton, Christopher, McNamara, Steven, Fung, Cheuk Kee C., Brodie, Alison, Henry, Julie, Nangle, Matthew, Georgiou, Andrew, Ivanovski, Saso, Tuffaha, Haitham, Ramsey, Sarah, Head, Tamatha and Do, Loc Giang (2025). Co-designing M-OHAT: Modified Oral Health Assessment Tool for Age Care. International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, Barcelona, Spain, 25-28 June 2025.
2025
Journal Article
The influence of maternal information sources on infant oral hygiene practices for six-month-olds in South Australia: A cross-sectional study
Taing, Meng-Wong, Li, Wanrong, Do, Loc G. and Ha, Diep H. (2025). The influence of maternal information sources on infant oral hygiene practices for six-month-olds in South Australia: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22 (6) 826, 1-12. doi: 10.3390/ijerph22060826
2025
Journal Article
Mapping the “X” Debate: Water Fluoridation Sentiment Analysis With Advanced Machine Learning
Torwane, Nilesh, Lalloo, Ratilal, Ha, Diep and Do, Loc (2025). Mapping the “X” Debate: Water Fluoridation Sentiment Analysis With Advanced Machine Learning. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 85 (3), 231-243. doi: 10.1111/jphd.12669
2025
Journal Article
Effect of early life income and sugars intake on child oral health – marginal structural modelling using a birth cohort study
Ha, Diep H., Bell, Lucinda, Devenish-Coleman, Gemma, Leary, Sam, Scott, Jane E., Thomson, William Murray, Spencer, Andrew John, Manton, David J. and Do, Loc G. (2025). Effect of early life income and sugars intake on child oral health – marginal structural modelling using a birth cohort study. Caries Research, 1-20. doi: 10.1159/000546215
2025
Journal Article
Impact of Family Sociodemographics and Mother’s Toothbrushing on Australian Preschool Children
Rajesh, P., Ha, D.H., Do, L.G. and Tadakamadla, S.K. (2025). Impact of Family Sociodemographics and Mother’s Toothbrushing on Australian Preschool Children. JDR Clinical & Translational Research. doi: 10.1177/23800844251326091
2025
Journal Article
Bottle feeding to sleep beyond 12 months is associated with higher risk of tooth decay and overweight in Australian children: Findings from the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids cohort study
Cheng, Heilok, John, James, Scott, Jane, Denney-Wilson, Elizabeth, Do, Loc, Bhole, Sameer, Baur, Louise and Arora, Amit (2025). Bottle feeding to sleep beyond 12 months is associated with higher risk of tooth decay and overweight in Australian children: Findings from the Healthy Smiles Healthy Kids cohort study. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 49 (2) 100224, 100224. doi: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2025.100224
2025
Journal Article
Mapping tobacco use cessation counselling awareness in dental offices: a cross-country survey
Dhanapriyanka, Manori, Silva, Rodrigo Rohenkohl, Warnakulasuriya, Saman, Jayasekara, Prasanna, De Silva, Dileep, Moraes, Rafael R., Do, Loc and Ha, Diep Hong (2025). Mapping tobacco use cessation counselling awareness in dental offices: a cross-country survey. BMC Oral Health, 25 (1) 265, 265. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-05544-y
2025
Journal Article
Implementation and acceptance of oral health assessment tools in residential aged care facilities: a scoping review
Pritchard, Lyndal, Burden, Kelly‐Jean, Carlson‐Jones, William, Stormon, Nicole and Do, Loc (2025). Implementation and acceptance of oral health assessment tools in residential aged care facilities: a scoping review. Gerodontology. doi: 10.1111/ger.12811
2025
Journal Article
The role of nationality in childhood caries in Qatar
Spencer, Andrew John, AlKhtib, Asmaa Othman, Al Darwish, Mohamed Sultan, Mohame, Hasaan Gassim Saad, Mathew, Tintu, Al Mannai, Ghanim Ali, Al Thani, Mohammed, Abdulmalik, Mariam, de Vries, Johann, Do, Loc Giang and Chrisopoulos, Sergio (2025). The role of nationality in childhood caries in Qatar. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 53 (1), 106-116. doi: 10.1111/cdoe.13010
2025
Other Outputs
Australian Oral Health Workforce: The Australian Oral Health Workforce Cohort Study. Second Edition
Stormon, Nicole, Do, Loc and Sexton, Christopher (2025). Australian Oral Health Workforce: The Australian Oral Health Workforce Cohort Study. Second Edition. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2025
Other Outputs
Interdisciplinary Co-designed Modified Oral Health Assessment Tool (M-OHAT)
Do, Loc, Ludlow, Kristiana, Walker, Nicole, Ferris, Laura, Ha, Diep, Schuch, Helena Silveira, Lopez Silva, Claudia Patricia, Stormon, Nicole, Walsh, Laurence J, Fung, Cheuk Candy, Khan, Sadaf Aiman, Le, Thu, McNamara, Steven, Pritchard, Lyndal, See, Lydia, Zamora, Angelique, Georgiou, Andrew, Henry, Julie, Ivanovski, Saso, Nangle, Matthew, Christopher Sexton, Prof Haitham Tuffaha, Tamantha Head, Sarah Ramsey, Couper, Erin and Wood, Leanne (2025). Interdisciplinary Co-designed Modified Oral Health Assessment Tool (M-OHAT). The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/64d7b35
2025
Journal Article
Why policy relevant research still matters for community water fluoridation
Nguyen, T. M., Sexton, C. and Do, L. (2025). Why policy relevant research still matters for community water fluoridation. Australian Dental Journal, 70 (2), 99-102. doi: 10.1111/adj.13063
2024
Journal Article
Early childhood exposures to fluorides and cognitive neurodevelopment: A population-based longitudinal study
Do, L.G., Sawyer, A., John Spencer, A., Leary, S., Kuring, J.K., Jones, A.L., Le, T., Reece, C.E. and Ha, D.H. (2024). Early childhood exposures to fluorides and cognitive neurodevelopment: A population-based longitudinal study. Journal of Dental Research, 104 (3), 220345241299352-250. doi: 10.1177/00220345241299352
2024
Conference Publication
A scoping review of oral health care training for staff members working in residential aged care facilities
Zamora, Angelique, Ludlow, Kristiana, Delaney, Lori and Do, Loc (2024). A scoping review of oral health care training for staff members working in residential aged care facilities. 22nd National Conference of Emerging Researchers in Ageing, Virtual, 4 December 2024.
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Loc Do is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Queensland Child Oral Health Study 2020–2024
A population-based study of child oral health in Queensland. Funded by a NHMRC Ideas Grant. Investigates effectiveness and safety of water fluoridation using a before-and-after study design.
An UQ Earmarked scholarship for PhD candidates is available. See https://graduate-school.uq.edu.au/phd-scholarships-health
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SMILE birth cohort study 2013-22
A long-term population-based birth cohort study of children born in 2013-14. Funded by two consecutive NHMRC Project Grants. Investigates determinants of child oral health and overweight/obesity.
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Tooth for Health study 2019–2021
A follow-up study of 24,000 children who participated in the National Child Oral Health Study 2012-14. Funded by a NHMRC Project Grant. Investigates effects of early life fluoride exposures and dental caries experience on child general health and wellbeing.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Socioeconomic inequalities in child oral health and related factors over a decade in Queensland
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Diep Ha
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Doctor Philosophy
Impact of Water Fluoridation as A Marker for Social Inequalities, possible Perceived Safety, Benefit and risks With Relation to Parental Support in Queensland, Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ratilal Lalloo, Dr Diep Ha
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Doctor Philosophy
Healthy Smiles for Healthy Ageing: Integrated Care for Older Adults to Enhance the Quality of Life
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Diep Ha, Dr Helena Schuch
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Doctor Philosophy
Oral Health in Aged Care: Addressing Oral Health Inequity and Unmet Dental Care Needs in Vulnerable Populations
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Kristiana Ludlow, Dr Lori Delaney
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Doctor Philosophy
Population oral health interventions and water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ratilal Lalloo, Associate Professor Federica Barzi
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Master Philosophy
Integrated care model for healthy smiles among older adults in residential aged care facilities
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Diep Ha, Dr Helena Schuch
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Doctor Philosophy
Predictors of Early Childhood Caries in South Australian Children
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicole Stormon, Dr Diep Ha
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Doctor Philosophy
The evolution of the oral health workforce
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicole Stormon
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Doctor Philosophy
Improving the Oral Health for Older Australians
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicole Stormon
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Contextual and compositional factors associated with clinical and subjective oral health in Australian children
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ratilal Lalloo
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Loc Do directly for media enquiries about:
- Dental service
- Oral health
- Social determinants of oral health
- Use of fluoride
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