Investigating the oral manifestations of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

VEDS Dental Study

Lead Researcher

Meet Jim Scott, Academic Clinical Fellow in Restorative Dentistry

Jim graduated from the University of Sheffield in the summer of 2007, commissioning through Royal Military Academy Sandhurst later that year. He was immediately posted abroad, completing his VT and early clinical training in British Forces Germany and further afield. He has served in broad training, management, liaison, and clinical roles worldwide. These have included as a General Dental Practitioner, SHO in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, an MSc in Restorative Dentistry, Nurse and FD trainer, liaison to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and a Regional Senior Dental Officer.

Returning to Sheffield University to take up a post as an Academic Clinical Fellow in the Restorative Department, he enjoys postgraduate and undergraduate teaching. He has interests in Periodontology, Implantology and Prosthodontics, academic interests in Ehlers Danlos and translational research interests in the application of AI in Dental Diagnostics. This is all whilst maintaining a commission in the Army Reserve.

Jim is looking to recruit around 15-20 adult patients who have a genetically confirmed diagnosis of vEDS or cEDS in this second round of recruitment.

Study Details

Our research, funded by the Ehlers Danlos Society, aims to further understand what effect Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) has on the mouth and teeth. This will allow us to develop better treatment and treatment care pathways to assist the EDS community. There are numerous reports of reduced oral quality of life for people with EDS; however currently, there are no studies that tell us why this is happening. For the first time, we hope to match genetically diagnosed EDS persons against specific oral diagnoses in order that we can improve our understanding of these issues.

What is involved in taking part?

You will be asked to attend the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital for a comprehensive dental check up. Your time in the hospital will total between 2.5 and 3 hours. During this time we will ask you to:

complete a written consent
complete a questionnaire giving details of your oral condition
take part in a comprehensive oral health examination including a review of facial tissues, jaw joint, tongue, cheeks, gums and teeth.
have photographs taken of your face and mouth
complete a digital scan of your mouth.
have an orthopentogram radiograph (a full scan x-ray of your lower face giving us details of your jaw joint, teeth and jaw bones)

Travel expenses to attend Sheffield will be reimbursed thanks to funding by The Ehlers-Danlos Society.