Dr Karen Vinall-Collier
- Position: Associate Professor in Psychology Applied to Dental Public Health
- Areas of expertise: Qualitative methodology; Systematic review and evidence synthesis; Behaviour change; Dental Public Health; Dental Anxiety; Communication in the medical/dental consultation
- Email: K.A.Vinall@leeds.ac.uk
- Phone: +44(0)113 343 9686
- Location: 6.001a Worsley Building
- Website: ORCID
Profile
Dr Karen Vinall-Collier is a Chartered Psychologist and dental public health researcher whose work focuses on applying behavioural and social science to improve oral health and reduce health inequalities. Her research examines the psychological, social and structural factors that influence oral health behaviours, access to dental care, and the delivery of preventive services, particularly among underserved and vulnerable populations.
Karen has established an internationally recognised programme of research focused on oral health inequalities, including people experiencing homelessness, autistic children and their families, older adults living in care homes, and communities affected by social disadvantage. Her work combines qualitative methods, evidence synthesis, behaviour change theory and co-production approaches to develop practical solutions that improve oral health outcomes and access to care.
Her research has informed policy and service development nationally and internationally, including contributions to NICE guidance on health and social care for people experiencing homelessness. She co-led research that informed the development and implementation of dedicated dental services for people experiencing homelessness across West Yorkshire and has received the University of Leeds Emerging Impact Award for this work. She is also part of the team behind toothPASTE, a nationally recognised online resource designed with autistic children and families to support oral health and toothbrushing routines.
Karen has published extensively in dental public health, behavioural science and health services research, with over 75 peer-reviewed publications and more than 1,400 citations. Her work has been cited in policy documents produced by organisations including the World Health Organization and NICE.
Alongside her research, Karen provides leadership in dental education. Karen is a core member of the School of Dentistry's Curriculum Redefined programme. The School’s UG Curriculum Redefined Team has been recognised by winning the Student Education and Experience award from the Faculty Partnership Awards. Karen co-leads ENQUIRE, one of four cross-cutting themes that runs throughout the undergraduate dental curriculum.Together with her team she has directed the development of this innovative strand over several years, integrating behavioural and social sciences, community engagement, prevention and oral health inequalities into dental education. The theme has been recognised for its ambitious and comprehensive approach and received full approval as part of the School's General Dental Council-accredited curriculum.
Responsibilities
- Co-Associate Lead for Unit of Assessment 3: REF2029
- Core Module Group for ENQUIRE (UG Years 1-4)
- Module Lead for Taught PGT Module Evidence Synthesis and Review Methodologies
Research interests
- Oral health inequalities and social disadvantage
- Psychology and behaviour change in oral health
- Access to dental care for vulnerable populations
- Autism and oral health
- Oral health in care homes and older populations
- Prevention and health promotion
- Qualitative research methods
- Evidence synthesis and systematic reviews
- Co-production, patient and public involvement, and community engagement
- Dental education and behavioural sciences curricula
Current collaborations include national and international partnerships across Europe, Canada and Brazil, focusing on oral health inequalities, access to care, and community-engaged research.
Qualifications
- PhD School of Medicine (University of Leeds, 2013)
- MSc Health Psychology (University of Teesside, 2007)
- MSc Psychological Research Methods (Lancaster University, 2006)
- BSc (Hons) Psychology (Lancaster University, 2005)
Professional memberships
- BMC Oral Health Editorial Board Member
- Journal of Dental Research Clinical & Translational Research Scientific Advisory Board
- Member, Psychological Professions Network
- Member, Faculty for Homeless and Inclusion Health
Student education
Karen teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate dental education, with interests in psychology, behavioural science, dental public health and qualitative research methods as well as evidence synthesis and review methodolgies. She leads the ENQUIRE theme within the School's Curriculum Redefined programme and has a particular interest in behavioural and social sciences education, community engagement, research training and the supervision of postgraduate researchers.
Research groups and institutes
- Health services research