Overview
Background
My research expertise mainly focuses on applying advanced data science skills and modelling techniques to prioritize health interventions with best value for money. My research sits at the intersection of oral health and health economics, with a strong focus on developing tools that make dental care more equitable, measurable, and policy relevant. My work centers on creating preference-based instruments, such as the Dental Caries Utility Index (DCUI) and ECOHIS-4D, that capture the real-world impact of oral health conditions on quality of life, especially in children and adolescents. The oral health preference-based measure and the utility algorithm I developed using choice models is one of the first in oral health research in Australia. By translating clinical outcomes into economic terms, these instruments enable more accurate cost-effectiveness evaluations of dental interventions. I have been collaborating widely across multiple disciplines in Australia and internationally in health services research across a range of clinical areas including oral health, heart health hub virtual models, mental health, cardiovascular diseases, occupational violence prevention, cancer follow-up care and emergency services. I’m passionate about in cooperate consumer preferences for the healthcare decision-making process using choice modelling, where I can quantify consumers' preferences for different attributes of healthcare services.
Availability
- Dr Ruvini Manjula Hettiarachchi is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Dentistry, University of Peradeniya
- Masters (Research) of Public Health Dentistry, University of Colombo
- Professional Doctorate of Public Health Dentistry, University of Colombo
- Doctor of Philosophy of Health Economics, Griffith University
Research interests
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Health economics
Identifying health care interventions with the best value for money and measuring the effectiveness of existing and new health interventions.
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Consumer preferences and choice modelling
Consumer preferences and choice modelling Applying choice modelling to understand consumer preferences over different health care characteristics and incorporating choice modelling analysis to design health care based on consumer preferences.
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Patient reported outcome measures and health state valuations
Development of preference-based measures and utility algorithms to facilitate the outcomes measured in health economic evaluations.
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Dental public health and health service research
Economic evaluations of oral health interventions and supports evidence-based policy and resource allocation
Research impacts
I developed the first oral health preference-based measure and the utility algorithm. This instrument and the utility algorithm facilitate economic evaluations of oral health interventions targeted at children and adolescents. Currently, I am working with a Swedish research team undertaking a project to translate and validate the oral health preference-based instrument and inform the development of tariffs. I have prepared evaluation reports for the Medical Services Advisory Committee for a range of medical services including interventional and diagnostic procedures, which has directly influenced policy and practice.
I collaborate with The University of Queensland School of Dentistry and Metro South Hospital and Health Service oral health services on research projects to improve oral health of the vulnerable populations including children and elderly adults living in residential aged care facilities.
Works
Search Professor Ruvini Manjula Hettiarachchi’s works on UQ eSpace
2026
Journal Article
The use of silver fluoride for oral health and wellbeing in aged care residents: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Ha, Diep, See, Lydia, Lopez Silva, Claudia, Schuch, Helena, Fung, Cheuk Kee, Pritchard, Lyndal, Zamora, Angelique, Hettiarachchi, Ruvini Manjula, Sexton, Christopher, Walker, Nicole, Henry, Julie D, Ludlow, Kristiana, Nangle, Matthew, Stormon, Nicole, Ivanovski, Saso, Georgiou, Andrew, Tuffaha, Haitham, Khan, Sadaf, Le, Thi Kieu Thu, Walsh, Laurence J and Do, Loc G (2026). The use of silver fluoride for oral health and wellbeing in aged care residents: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial . JMIR Research Protocols, 15 e87903, 1-12. doi: 10.2196/87903
2026
Conference Publication
Paediatric dental emergencies: insights from public hospital presentations in Queensland, Australia
Hobbs, Leah, Francis, Sanketha, Kyle, Greg, Wong, Julian, Ariyawardana, Anura, Hettiarachchi, Ruvini Manjula, Nisar, Mehwish and Zafar, Sobia (2026). Paediatric dental emergencies: insights from public hospital presentations in Queensland, Australia. International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research IADR/AADOCR/CADR 104th General Session & Exhibition, San Diego, CA, United States, 25 - 28 March 2026.
2026
Conference Publication
Validating the dental caries utility index among Australian adolescents
Hettiarachchi, R. M., Francis, U. M. G. S., Nurmansyah, M., Hobbs, L., Ariyawardana, A., Do, L. and Tuffaha, H. (2026). Validating the dental caries utility index among Australian adolescents. International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research IADR/AADOCR/CADR 104th General Session & Exhibition, San Diego, CA, United States, 25 - 28 March 2026.
2026
Journal Article
Cancer survivor preferences for breast cancer follow-up care: a discrete choice experiment
Senanayake, Sameera, Kularatna, Sanjeewa, Crawford-Williams, Fiona, Brain, David, Allen, Michelle, Hettiarachchi, Ruvini M., Hart, Nicolas H., Koczwara, Bogda, Ee, Carolyn and Chan, Raymond J. (2026). Cancer survivor preferences for breast cancer follow-up care: a discrete choice experiment. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 20 (1), 315-322. doi: 10.1007/s11764-024-01629-9
2025
Conference Publication
Helping older adults keep healthy smiles: oral health promotion in older adults, a systematic review
Weerasuriya, Sucharitha R., Kularatna, Sanjeewa, Hettiarachchi, Ruvini, Rohde, Alexia, Brain, David, Patabendige, Chaminda Liyana and Senanayake, Sameera (2025). Helping older adults keep healthy smiles: oral health promotion in older adults, a systematic review. 64th Australian Society of Medical research (ASMR) National Scientific Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 6 - 7 November 2025.
2025
Other Outputs
MSAC Application No. 1767 – Immunohistochemistry testing for Claudin 18 expression in patients with gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancers, to determine eligibility for PBS subsidised zolbetuximab treatment: Public Summary Document
Arora, Shiksha, Yeoh, Su Yu, Hettiarachchi, Ruvini, Wang, Yufan and Tuffaha, Haitham (2025). MSAC Application No. 1767 – Immunohistochemistry testing for Claudin 18 expression in patients with gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancers, to determine eligibility for PBS subsidised zolbetuximab treatment: Public Summary Document. Canberra, ACT, Australia: Commonwealth of Australia.
2025
Journal Article
Preferences of healthcare workers for security personnel to prevent occupational violence: a discrete choice experiment
Senanayake, Sameera, Duff, Jed, Jeffries, Lita, Griffiths, Joanna, Hettiarachchi, Ruvini, Sharma, Pakhi and Kularatna, Sanjeewa (2025). Preferences of healthcare workers for security personnel to prevent occupational violence: a discrete choice experiment. Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation, 81 (4), 10519815251330539-3293. doi: 10.1177/10519815251330539
2025
Journal Article
Heart Health Hub virtual care program for newly diagnosed heart failure patients
Hettiarachchi, Ruvini M., McClurg, Alicia, Wallis, Shannon, Neill, Johanne, Tomlinson, Rebecca and Carter, Hannah E. (2025). Heart Health Hub virtual care program for newly diagnosed heart failure patients. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 32 (1), 1357633X251318905-78. doi: 10.1177/1357633x251318905
2024
Conference Publication
Comparison of ‘Dental Caries Utility Index’ and ‘EQ-5D-5L’ with the ‘Oral Health Impact Profile-14’: a cross-sectional study.
Hettiarachchi, Ruvini, Abdalla, Victor, Christell, Helena, Davidson, Thomas, Byrnes, Joshua M., Scuffham, Paul A. and Kularatna, Sanjeewa (2024). Comparison of ‘Dental Caries Utility Index’ and ‘EQ-5D-5L’ with the ‘Oral Health Impact Profile-14’: a cross-sectional study.. 13th Health Services Research Association Australia New Zealand Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 4-6 December 2024.
2024
Journal Article
Health system interventions for the cost containment of drugs used for cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and exploration of how the results could be adapted to the Sri Lankan context
Chaminda, Jayasekara Liyana Patabendige, Kularatna, Sanjeewa, Dharmagunawardene, Dilantha, Hinchcliff, Reece, Rohde, Alexia, Brain, David, Hettiarachchi, Ruvini Manjula, Weerasuriya, Sucharitha Rangi, Yapa, Sunil Senarath and Senanayake, Sameera (2024). Health system interventions for the cost containment of drugs used for cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and exploration of how the results could be adapted to the Sri Lankan context. Global Health Journal, 8 (4), 181-189. doi: 10.1016/j.glohj.2024.11.005
2024
Other Outputs
MSAC Application No. 1749.1 - Insertion of durable ventricular assist device (VAD) for use as destination therapy: Applicant Developed Assessment Report (ADAR)
Yeoh, S., Hettiarachchi, R. and Tuffaha, H. (2024). MSAC Application No. 1749.1 - Insertion of durable ventricular assist device (VAD) for use as destination therapy: Applicant Developed Assessment Report (ADAR). Canberra, ACT Australia: Commonwealth of Australia.
2024
Other Outputs
MSAC Application No. 1593.1 - Bioinductive implant for the repair of rotator cuff tear: Applicant Developed Assessment Report (ADAR): Commonwealth of Australia
Hettiarachchi, Ruvini and Tuffaha, Haitham (2024). MSAC Application No. 1593.1 - Bioinductive implant for the repair of rotator cuff tear: Applicant Developed Assessment Report (ADAR): Commonwealth of Australia. Canberra, ACT Australia: Commonwealth of Australia.
2024
Other Outputs
MSAC Application No. 1783 - Genetic testing to detect PIK3CA mutations in patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER-2 negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, to determine eligibility for treatment with PBS subsidised inavolisib: PICO Confirmation
Yeoh, S., Hettiarachchi, R. and Tuffaha, H. (2024). MSAC Application No. 1783 - Genetic testing to detect PIK3CA mutations in patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER-2 negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, to determine eligibility for treatment with PBS subsidised inavolisib: PICO Confirmation. Canberra, ACT Australia: Commonwealth of Australia.
2024
Conference Publication
Comparison of ‘Dental Caries Utility Index’ and ‘EQ-5D-5L’ and the ‘Oral Health Impact Profile-14’: a cross-sectional explorative study
Abdalla, Victor, Hettiarachchi, Ruvini, Christell, Helena, Davidson, Thomas, Byrnes, Joshua M., Scuffham, Paul A. and Kularatna, Sanjeewa (2024). Comparison of ‘Dental Caries Utility Index’ and ‘EQ-5D-5L’ and the ‘Oral Health Impact Profile-14’: a cross-sectional explorative study. European Health Economics Association Conference, Vienna, Austria, 30 June-3 July 2024.
2024
Journal Article
Impact of removable partial dentures on masticatory performance in partial edentulism: a systematic review
Yaparathna, Navodika, Hettiarachchi, Ruvini Manjula, Love, Robert, Robb, Nigel D. and Abuzar, Menaka (2024). Impact of removable partial dentures on masticatory performance in partial edentulism: a systematic review. International Journal of Prosthodontics, 37 (3), 327-338. doi: 10.11607/ijp.8278
2024
Other Outputs
MSAC Application No. 1766 – Genetic testing to detect AKT-pathway alterations in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, to determine eligibility for PBS subsidised capivasertib treatment: PICO Confirmation
Yeoh, S., Hettiarachchi, R. and Tuffaha, H. (2024). MSAC Application No. 1766 – Genetic testing to detect AKT-pathway alterations in patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, to determine eligibility for PBS subsidised capivasertib treatment: PICO Confirmation. Canberra, ACT, Australia: Commonwealth of Australia.
2023
Conference Publication
Health system interventions for the cost containment of drugs used for cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and exploration of how the results could be adapted to the Sri Lankan context.
Chaminda, J. L. P., Kularatna, S., Dharmagunawardene, D., Hinchcliff, R., Rohde, A., Brain, D., Hettiarachchi, R. M., Weerasuriya, S. R., Yapa, S. S. and Senanayake, S. (2023). Health system interventions for the cost containment of drugs used for cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and exploration of how the results could be adapted to the Sri Lankan context.. 30th Annual Scientific Sessions of The College of Medical Administrators of Sri Lanka (CMASL), Colombo, Sri Lanka, 26 - 27 November 2023.
2023
Other Outputs
(November 2023), MSAC Application No. 1713 – Cardiac MRI in the diagnosis of myocarditis, Department Contracted Assessment Report (DCAR). Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, ACT.
Edmunds, K., Hettiarachchi, R., Teppala, S., Shiksha, A., Madeline, O. and Tuffaha, H. (2023). (November 2023), MSAC Application No. 1713 – Cardiac MRI in the diagnosis of myocarditis, Department Contracted Assessment Report (DCAR). Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, ACT.. Canberra, ACT, Australia: Commonwealth of Australia.
2023
Journal Article
Comparison of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS‐4D) and Child Health Utility Index (CHU‐9D) in children with oral diseases
Weerasuriya, Sucharitha R., Hettiarachchi, Ruvini M., Kularatna, Sanjeewa, Rohde, Alexia, Arrow, Peter, Jamieson, Lisa, Tonmukayakul, Utsana and Senanayake, Sameera (2023). Comparison of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS‐4D) and Child Health Utility Index (CHU‐9D) in children with oral diseases. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 52 (2), 224-231. doi: 10.1111/cdoe.12917
2023
Conference Publication
Heart Health Hub virtual care pilot program for heart failure patients, Queensland, Australia; A cost consequence study
Hettiarachchi, Ruvini, McClurg, Alicia, Wallis, Shannon, Neill, Johanne, Tomlinson, Rebecca and Carter, Hannah E. (2023). Heart Health Hub virtual care pilot program for heart failure patients, Queensland, Australia; A cost consequence study. 44th Annual AHES Conference, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 21-22 September 2023.
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Ruvini Manjula Hettiarachchi is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Master Philosophy
A Business Case for Vital Pulp Therapy in Australian Dental Practices
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Unni Kunjukrishna Pillai, Professor Ove Peters
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Master Philosophy
Understanding and Reducing Paediatric Dental Presentations to Emergency Departments: A Clinical andHealth Economic Study in Metro South Health
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Mehwish Nisar, Associate Professor Sobia Zafar
Media
Enquiries
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