Samantha Byrne

Samantha Byrne is an Associate Professor in Oral Biology, and the Divisional Lead Oral Education and Innovation at the Melbourne Dental School. Samantha has been awarded multiple times for her teaching of Oral Microbiology to Doctor of Dental Surgery and Bachelor of Oral Health students.

Samantha completed her PhD in 2006 where she explored the microbial composition of dental plaque associated with periodontal disease progression. This work was recognised by the Australian and New Zealand division of the International Association of Dental Research with the Oral Biology Award in 2010. She maintains a research interest in the microbial aetiology of chronic periodontitis and dental caries and supervises Doctor of Clinical Dentistry and Bachelor of Science Honours students. Her current research interests also include the use of social media as a platform for the dissemination of oral health information. Samantha is also currently studying for a Doctor of Education with the Melbourne Graduate School of Education examining pre-class learning on the flipped classroom.

Samantha is also the Director of Teaching and Learning at the Melbourne Dental School and in this role is coordinating a whole of program curriculum redesign.