Our team

The Heavy Metal Tooth Fairy project brings together a passionate team of researchers with multidisciplinary strengths to transfer findings into improved health outcomes for rural and remote communities.

About Our Research

Led by Chief Investigator Dr Christine Jeffries-Stokes, the research team is analysing 125 deciduous teeth obtained from children in remote communities within Western Australia, alongside an additional 125 teeth from participants enrolled in the ORIGINS programme. The objective is to compare the prevalence of heavy metals in the dental tissue of children from regional and metropolitan areas.

Environmental exposure to heavy metals can occur through drinking water, soil and dust. In resource-rich regions such as Western Australia, metals including arsenic, lead, copper, mercury and zinc occur naturally in the environment. While small amounts of some metals may be harmless or even essential, prolonged exposure — even at low levels — can lead to toxic accumulation and adverse health effects.

Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing organs and tissues. In paediatric populations, heavy metal toxicity has been linked to cognitive impairment, neurodevelopmental and behavioural disorders, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

Beyond measuring exposure, the project also supports remote communities by strengthening water quality monitoring, STEM education initiatives, and dental health promotion.