Dr. Noel Childers

Research Summary for Dr. Noel Childers 

Current studies involve investigations aimed at identifying safe and effective mucosal immunization delivery systems.  Specifically, studies examine the characteristics of liposomes that are important in potentiating immune responses to orally or nasally administered S. mutans antigens. Following animals studies of the efficacy of liposomal S. mutans antigen vaccines, studies have been initiated for human FDA Phase I clinical trials studying the safety and immunogenicity of liposomal oral and nasal immunization.  The overall goal of these studies is to identify a safe and effective immunization strategy, which is protective against dental caries.

Clinical research interests also include studies to determine risk factors for oral complications in children with cancer and HIV infection.  These studies have assessed various clinical and immunological factors involved in the development of oral lesions in medically compromised children.  The goal of this research is to develop and test protocols that will prevent the occurrence or severity of oral complications in children identified to be at risk.

Recently, research efforts have involved assessment of the prevalence of dental disease in children as related pathogenicity of dental caries and access to care. Studies are aimed at defining important characteristics of MS infections regarding their clonal development and temporal stability within dental plaque biofilms in humans. The purpose of the studies proposed is to investigate the host/parasite relationship important in the pathogenesis and epidemiology of dental caries in high caries risk population of families and children corresponding with important tooth eruption events (i.e., primary and permanent molar teeth) associated with caries. This study is proposed to be carried out in the “Black belt” of Alabama where dental caries is rampant and access to dental care for children is extremely limited.  Related studies have assessed the effectiveness of dental sealants in prevention of dental caries using Alabama Medicaid claims data as well as Jefferson County ( Birmingham area) Department of Public Health records.

Recent Publications:

• Dorantes, C., Childers, N.K., Makhija, S., Elliott, R., Chafin, T., Dasanayake, A., 2005.  Assessment of Retention Rates and the Clinical Benefits of a Community Sealant Program.  Pediatric Dentistry, Vol. 21(3):212-216.
• Childers, N.K., Li, F., Dasanayake, A.P., Li, Y., Kirk, K., Michalek, S.M. 2006.  Immune Response in Humans to a Nasal Boost with Streptococcus mutans Antigens.  Oral Microbiol.  Immunol.  Vol. 21:309-313.
• Makhija SK, Childers NK, Chafin T, Dorantes CE, Johnson LS, Dasanayake, AP. 2006. Evaluation of Initial Caries Score and Caries Incidence in a Public Health Sealant Program:  A Retrospective Study.  Pediatr Dent. Vol. 25 (5):420-421.
• Dasanayake, AP, Li Y, Chhun N, Bronstein J, Childers NK.  2007.  Challenges faced by minority children in obtaining dental care.  J Health Care Poor Underserved Vol. 18:779-788.