Dr Tanya Cerajewska

Biography

Dr Tanya Cerajewska is a Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry who works in the Institute of Dentistry at the University of Aberdeen.  She is currently the Undergraduate Theme Lead for Restorative Dentistry, focusing on delivering and enhancing teaching of Restorative Dentistry across the Batchelor of Dental Surgery Degree Programme. She represents the University of Aberdeen on a number of national committees including the British Endodontic Society teachers group and Scottish Specialist Training Committee in Restorative Dentistry.

Tanya obtained FDS (Restorative Dentistry) from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 2022, and completed specialist training in Restorative Dentistry in 2023. Whilst working at Bristol University she also completed a PhD which investigated the bacterial associations between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease. In 2011, Tanya was awarded a MSc with distinction from the University of Edinburgh in Primary Care Dentistry.  She completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education from the University of Bristol in 2014 and became a fellow of the Higher Education Authority in the same year.

Tanya originally studied Dentistry at the University of Dundee, graduating with commendation in 2002 after completing an intercalated BMSc in Physiology, for which she was awarded first class honours in 1999. Tanya served in the Royal Army Dental Corps from 2002-2012 in a variety of locations.

Research Overview

Interested in the associations between oral and systemic diseases, with a particular focus on the links between periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease. 

Past Research

Tanya’s research interests focus on the links between oral and systemic diseases.

Refereed Papers:

Cerajewska TL, Davies M, Allen-Birt SJ, Swirski M, Coulthard EJ, West NX. A feasibility study to recruit, retain and treat periodontitis in volunteers with mild dementia, whilst monitoring their cognition. J Dent. 2024;150:105355.

Emery DC, Davies M, Cerajewska TL, Taylor J, Hazell, M, Paterson AR, Allen-Birt, SJA. And West NX. High resolution 16S rRNA gene Next Generation Sequencing study of brain areas associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 2022; 81p.

Shokouhi B and Cerajewska TL. Radiotherapy and the survival of dental implants: a systematic review. Br J Oral Max Surg. 2022; 60: 422-429.

Emery DC, Cerajewska TL, Seong J, Davies M, Paterson A, Allen-Birt SJ, West NX. Comparison of Blood Bacterial Communities in Periodontal Health and Periodontal Disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2021; 10: A577485.

Cerajewska TL and West NX. Dementia friendly dentistry for the periodontal patient Part 1: Recognising and assessing patients with dementia. Br Dent J. 2019; 227: 563-569.

Cerajewska TL and West NX. Dementia friendly dentistry for the periodontal patient Part 2: Ethical treatment planning and management. Br Dent J. 2019; 227: 570-576 7.

King, EM, Cerajewska, TL, Locke, M, Claydon, NC, Davies, M & West, NX. The Efficacy of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors for the Treatment of Alveolar Osteitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2018; 76: 1150-1159.

Emery D, Shoemark D, Batstone T, Waterfall C, Coghill J, Cerajewska TL, Davies M, West NX & Allen-Birt, S. 16S rRNA next generation sequencing analysis shows bacteria in Alzheimer’s post-mortem brain. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 2017; 9: 195.

Cerajewska TL, Davies M, West NX. Periodontitis: a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Br Dent J. 2015; 218(1):29-34.

Cerajewska TL, Singh GD. Morphometric changes in soft tissue facial profile of craniofacial microsomia patients: geometric morphometrics. Int J Adult Orthodon Orthognath Surg. 2001; 16(1):61-71.

Cerajewska TL, Singh GD. Morphometric analyses of the mandible in prepubertal craniofacial microsomia patients treated with inverted-L-osteotomy. Clin Anat. 2002; 15(2): 100-7.

Book Chapter:

Cerajewska TL, Allen-Birt SJ, West NX. Periodontitis and neurodegenerative diseases. Chapter in: Periodontitis ad systemic diseases: clinical evidence and biologic plausibility. Hirschfeld J and Chapple I. 1st Ed 2021. Quintessence; Germany. ISBN: 978-1-78698-100-4.

Published Abstracts:

Cerajewska TL, Singh GD. Skeletal changes in mandibular morphology following surgical correction of craniofacial microsomia. J Anat. 2000; 196: 123.

Invited Paper:

Cerajewska, T. L. & West, N. X. Could periodontal disease play a role in Alzheimer’s disease? Perio Insight. 2019 9: 1-4

Theses:

Undergraduate:

Cerajewska TL. Analysis of prepubertal craniofacial microsomia patients treated with an inverted-L osteotomy. Submitted in partial fulfilment of requirements for the BMSc degree in Physiology at the University of Dundee in April 1999. Research supervised by Dr Gurdev Singh.

Postgraduate:

Cerajewska TL. Prognostic indicators for the survival of root filled teeth treated within the United Kingdom Armed Forces: A retrospective clinical study. Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the MSc degree in Primary Dental Care at the University of Edinburgh in July 2011. Research supervised by Professor Richard Ibbetson.

Cerajewska TL. Investigation of the bacterial associations between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease. Submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the PhD in Dental Science at the University of Bristol in August 2024. Research supervised by Professor Nicola West and Dr Shelley Allen-Birt.

Teaching Responsibilities

Tanya specialises in developing high‑quality, clinically relevant educational resources that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Her work includes scenario‑based learning, structured clinical assessments, and comprehensive teaching materials aligned with national guidelines. She is widely regarded for her ability to translate complex clinical concepts into clear, practical guidance for students and early‑career clinicians.

Clinically, Tanya provides restorative dental care with an emphasis on minimally invasive dentistry and long‑term oral health. She has experience managing periodontal disease, tooth wear, and complex restorative cases, always aiming for thoughtful, patient‑centred care.

Tanya enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues, students, and the wider dental team, and she continues to contribute to improving dental education through curriculum development, resource creation, and ongoing clinical teaching.