Contact Details
- Phone
- 64 3 479 5471
- geoffrey.tompkins@otago.ac.nz
- Position
- Honorary Associate Professor
- Department
- Department of Oral Sciences
- Qualifications
- BSc PhD PGDipSci (Otago)
- Research summary
- Dental molecular microbiology
Research
As a microbiologist employed in the Faculty of Dentistry, Associate Professor Tompkins' research focused on dental microbiology. Much of his research involved providing microbiological support in collaborative studies with clinicians undertaking applied research, because most of our postgraduate students are involved in clinical (or translational) research (and do not have the background and training for more fundamental microbiology research). As such, Associate Professor Tompkins' research platform was highly varied, having been involved in dental forensics, endodontic, implant, restorative and proprietary (AgResearch) research.
His work on bite mark analysis (forensics) is recognised internationally to the point that he has twice been invited to contribute to what is currently regarded as the definitive publication in the field; the significance of his bite mark research was acknowledged in The Lancet (2006). A more recent publication describing a convenient and rapid method to quantify bacterial survival in dentinal tubules following endodontic treatment promises a significant technical advance in the field.
Publications
Choudhury, M., Brunton, P., Schwass, D., Pletzer, D., Ratnayake, J., Dias, G., & Tompkins, G. (2024). Effectiveness of gold nanoparticles in prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in animal models: A systematic review. Systematic Reviews, 13(1), 39. doi: 10.1186/s13643-023-02425-9
Krishnan, C. S., Tompkins, G. R., Lyons, K. M., & Cannon, R. D. (2023). Electrolysed oxidising water as a multi-purpose biocide in dental healthcare: A scoping review. Gerodontology, 40, 422-462. doi: 10.1111/ger.12712
Krishnan, C. S., Lyons, K. M., Tompkins, G. R., & Cannon, R. D. (2023). Storage-related stability and antimicrobial efficacy of bottled, neutral-pH Electrolysed Oxidising Water. Journal of Dentistry, 137, 104656. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104656
Zhao, R., Wang, T., Yang, R., Adam, L. A., Zaharic, T., Loch, C., Tompkins, G. R., & Cooper, P. R. (2023). Enhancing the student learning experience: Co-teaching biochemistry and clinical sciences within the dental curriculum. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Education, 51, 146-154. doi: 10.1002/bmb.21701
Salem, A. S., Tompkins, G. R., & Cathro, P. R. (2022). Alkaline tolerance and biofilm formation of root canal isolates of Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study. Journal of Endodontics, 48(4), 542-547.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2022.01.006
Tompkins, G. R. (2011). Genotypic comparison of bacterial DNA recovered from bitemarks and teeth. In R. B. J. Dorion (Ed.), Bitemark evidence: A color atlas and text. (2nd ed.) Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
Aziz, A., Parmar, D., McNaughton, A., & Tompkins, G. R. (2010). Bacterial viability determination in a dentinal tubule infection model by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In G. J. Seymour, M. P. Cullinan & N. C. K. Heng (Eds.), Oral Biology. (pp. 141-150). New York: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-1-60761-820-1_10
Chapter in Book - Research
Tompkins, G. R. (2005). Genotypic comparison of oral bacteria isolated from bitemarks and teeth. In R. B. J. Dorion (Ed.), Bitemark evidence. (pp. 593-599). New York, NY, USA: Marcel Dekker.
Chapter in Book - Research
Krishnan, C. S., Lyons, K. M., Tompkins, G. R., & Cannon, R. D. (2023). Storage-related stability and antimicrobial efficacy of bottled, neutral-pH Electrolysed Oxidising Water. Journal of Dentistry, 137, 104656. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104656
Journal - Research Article
Zhao, R., Wang, T., Yang, R., Adam, L. A., Zaharic, T., Loch, C., Tompkins, G. R., & Cooper, P. R. (2023). Enhancing the student learning experience: Co-teaching biochemistry and clinical sciences within the dental curriculum. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Education, 51, 146-154. doi: 10.1002/bmb.21701
Journal - Research Article
Salem, A. S., Tompkins, G. R., & Cathro, P. R. (2022). Alkaline tolerance and biofilm formation of root canal isolates of Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study. Journal of Endodontics, 48(4), 542-547.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2022.01.006
Journal - Research Article
Porter, G. C., Safii, S. H., Medlicott, N. J., Duncan, W. J., Tompkins, G. R., & Coates, D. E. (2021). Formulation of a semisolid emulsion containing Leptospermum scoparium essential oil and evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy. Planta Medica, 87, 253-266. doi: 10.1055/a-1330-8765
Journal - Research Article
Perry, S. E., Huckabee, M.-L., Tompkins, G., & Milne, T. (2020). The association between oral bacteria, the cough reflex and pneumonia in patients with acute stroke and suspected dysphagia. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 47, 386-394. doi: 10.1111/joor.12903
Journal - Research Article
Porter, G. C., Schwass, D. R., Tompkins, G. R., Bobbala, S. K. R., Medlicott, N. J., & Meledandri, C. J. (2020). AgNP/Alginate Nanocomposite hydrogel for antimicrobial and antibiofilm applications. Carbohydrate Polymers, 251, 117017. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117017
Journal - Research Article
Porter, G. C., Tompkins, G. R., Schwass, D. R., Li, K. C., Waddell, J. N., & Meledandri, C. J. (2020). Anti-biofilm activity of silver nanoparticle-containing glass ionomer cements. Dental Materials, 36, 1096-1107. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2020.05.001
Journal - Research Article
Chew, M., Tompkins, G., Tawse-Smith, A., Waddell, N., & Ma, S. (2018). Reusing titanium healing abutments: Comparison of two decontamination methods. International Journal of Prosthodontics, 31(6), 613-618. doi: 10.11607/ijp.5881
Journal - Research Article
Schwass, D. R., Lyons, K. M., Love, R., Tompkins, G. R., & Meledandri, C. J. (2018). Antimicrobial activity of a colloidal AgNP suspension demonstrated in vitro against monoculture biofilms: Toward a novel tooth disinfectant for treating dental caries. Advances in Dental Research, 29(1), 117-123. doi: 10.1177/0022034517736495
Journal - Research Article
Hsu, B., Lee, S., Schwass, D., & Tompkins, G. (2017). Antimicrobial activity of chemomechanical gingival retraction products. Journal of the American Dental Association, 148(7), 493-499. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2017.03.006
Journal - Research Article
Kim, K. H., Loch, C., Waddell, J. N., Tompkins, G., & Schwass, D. (2017). Surface characteristics and biofilm development on selected dental ceramic materials. International Journal of Dentistry, 2017, 7627945. doi: 10.1155/2017/7627945
Journal - Research Article
Safii, S. H., Tompkins, G. R., & Duncan, W. J. (2017). Periodontal application of Manuka honey: Antimicrobial and demineralising effects In Vitro. International Journal of Dentistry, 2017, 9874535. doi: 10.1155/2017/9874535
Journal - Research Article
Tawse-Smith, A., Atieh, M. A., Tompkins, G., Duncan, W. J., Reid, M. R., & Stirling, C. H. (2016). The effect of piezoelectric ultrasonic instrumentation on titanium discs: A microscopy and trace elemental analysis in vitro study. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 14(3), 191-201. doi: 10.1111/idh.12142
Journal - Research Article
Tawse-Smith, A., Khosa, A., Kamel, M. S., Duncan, W. J., Swain, M., & Tompkins, G. (2014). Bacterial colonization of titanium discs: A pilot study for evaluating implant surface deterioration. Brazilian Journal of Periodontology, 24(1), 14-23.
Journal - Research Article
Wong, S., Mundy, L., Chandler, N., Upritchard, J., Purton, D., & Tompkins, G. (2014). Antibacterial properties of root canal lubricants: A comparison with commonly used irrigants. Australian Endodontic Journal, 40, 111-115. doi: 10.1111/aej.12075
Journal - Research Article
Russell, A. A., Chandler, N. P., Hauman, C., Siddiqui, A. Y., & Tompkins, G. R. (2013). The butterfly effect: An investigation of sectioned roots. Journal of Endodontics, 39(2), 208-210. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2012.09.016
Journal - Research Article
Aziz, A., Chandler, N. P., Hauman, C. H. J., Leichter, J. W., McNaughton, A., & Tompkins, G. R. (2012). Infection of apical dentin and root-end cavity disinfection. Journal of Endodontics, 38(10), 1387-1390. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2012.06.034
Journal - Research Article
Hsu, L., Power, D., Upritchard, J., Burton, J., Friedlander, R., Horswell, J., … Kieser, J., & Tompkins, G. (2012). Amplification of oral streptococcal DNA from human incisors and bite marks. Current Microbiology, 65(2), 207-211. doi: 10.1007/s00284-012-0148-x
Journal - Research Article
Kennedy, D. M., Stanton, J.-A. L., García, J. A., Mason, C., Rand, C. J., Kieser, J. A., & Tompkins, G. R. (2012). Microbial analysis of bite marks by sequence comparison of streptococcal DNA. PLoS ONE, 7(12), e51757. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051757
Journal - Research Article
Matejka, K. M., Bremer, P. J., Tompkins, G. R., & Brooks, H. J. L. (2012). Antibiotic susceptibility of Moraxella catarrhalis biofilms in a continuous flow model. Diagnostic Microbiology & Infectious Disease, 74, 394-398. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2012.08.021
Journal - Research Article
Peters, N., Tawse Smith, A., Leichter, J., & Tompkins, G. (2012). Laser therapy: The future of peri-implantitis management. Brazilian Journal of Periodontology, 222(1), 26-33.
Journal - Research Article
Parmar, D., Hauman, C. H. J., Leichter, J. W., McNaughton, A., & Tompkins, G. R. (2011). Bacterial localization and viability assessment in human ex vivo dentinal tubules by fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy. International Endodontic Journal, 44(7), 644-651. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2591.2011.01867.x
Journal - Research Article
Power, D. A., Cordiner, S. J., Kieser, J. A., Tompkins, G. R., & Horswell, J. (2010). PCR-based detection of salivary bacteria as a marker of expirated blood. Science & Justice, 50(2), 59-63. doi: 10.1016/j.scijus.2009.04.006
Journal - Research Article
Heng, N. C. K., Tagg, J. R., & Tompkins, G. R. (2007). Competence-dependent bacteriocin production by Streptococcus gordonii DL1 (Challis). Journal of Bacteriology, 189(4), 1468-1472.
Journal - Research Article
Heng, N. C. K., Tagg, J. R., & Tompkins, G. R. (2006). Identification and characterization of the loci encoding the competence-associated alternative σ factor of Streptococcus gordonii. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 259(1), 27-34.
Journal - Research Article
Kieser, J., Tompkins, G., Buckingham, D., Firth, N. A., & Swain, M. (2005). Bitemarks: Presentation, analysis, and evidential reliability. Forensic Pathology Reviews, 3, 157-179.
Journal - Research Article
Rahimi, M., Heng, N. C. K., Kieser, J. A., & Tompkins, G. R. (2005). Genotypic comparison of bacteria recovered from human bite marks and teeth using arbitrarily primed PCR. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 99, 1265-1270.
Journal - Research Article
Khalessi, A. M., Pack, A. R. C., Thomson, W. M., & Tompkins, G. R. (2004). An in vivo study of the plaque control efficacy of Persica™: A commercially available herbal mouthwash containing extracts of Salvadora persica. International Dental Journal, 54(5), 279-283.
Journal - Research Article
Borgula, L. M., Robinson, F. G., Rahimi, M. A., Chew, K. E. K., Birchmeier, K. R., Owens, S. G., Kieser, J. A., & Tompkins, G. R. (2003). Isolation and genotypic comparison of oral streptococci from experimental bitemarks. Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology, 21(2), 23-30.
Journal - Research Article
Thomson, W. M., Edwards, S. J., Dobson-Le, D. P., Tompkins, G. R., Poulton, R., Knight, D. A., … Braithwaite, A. W. (2001). IL-1 genotype and adult periodontitis among young New Zealanders. Journal of Dental Research, 80, 1700-1703.
Journal - Research Article
Tompkins, G. R., O'Dell, N. L., Bryson, I. T., & Pennington, C. B. (2001). The effects of dietary ferric iron and iron deprivation on the bacterial composition of the mouse intestine. Current Microbiology, 43, 38-42.
Journal - Research Article
Calderone, R., Suzuki, S., Cannon, R., Cho, T., Boyd, D., Calera, J., … Holmes, A., Jeng, H.-W., … O'Sullivan, J. M., … Tompkins, G. R., & Watanabe, T. (2000). Candida albicans: Adherence, signalling and virulence. Medical Mycology, 38(Suppl. 1), 125-137.
Journal - Research Article
Simmonds, R. S., Tompkins, G. R., & George, R. J. (2000). Dental caries and the microbial ecology of dental plaque: A review of recent advances. New Zealand Dental Journal, 96, 44-49.
Journal - Research Article
Knoernschild, K. L. L., Tompkins, G. R., Schuster, G. S., Lefebvre, C. A., & Russell, C. M. (1997). Effect of treatment concentration on lipopolysaccharide affinity for two alloys. Dental Materials, 13(2), 111-117.
Journal - Research Article
Tompkins, G. R., Peavey, M. A. A., Birchmeier, K. R., & Tagg, J. R. (1997). Bacteriocin production and sensitivity among coaggregating and non-coaggregating oral streptococci. Oral Microbiology & Immunology, 12(2), 98-105.
Journal - Research Article
Tompkins, G. R., Wood, D. P., & Birchmeier, K. R. (1997). Detection and comparison of specific hemin binding by Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. Journal of Bacteriology, 179(3), 620-626.
Journal - Research Article
Choudhury, M., Brunton, P., Schwass, D., Pletzer, D., Ratnayake, J., Dias, G., & Tompkins, G. (2024). Effectiveness of gold nanoparticles in prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in animal models: A systematic review. Systematic Reviews, 13(1), 39. doi: 10.1186/s13643-023-02425-9
Journal - Research Other
Krishnan, C. S., Tompkins, G. R., Lyons, K. M., & Cannon, R. D. (2023). Electrolysed oxidising water as a multi-purpose biocide in dental healthcare: A scoping review. Gerodontology, 40, 422-462. doi: 10.1111/ger.12712
Journal - Research Other
Allen, L. L., Heng, N. C. K., & Tompkins, G. R. (2021). Streptococcus salivarius isolates of varying acid tolerance exhibit F1F0-ATPase conservation [Brief report]. Caries Research, 55, 288-291. doi: 10.1159/000516175
Journal - Research Other
Pardesi, B., & Tompkins, G. R. (2015). Colony polymerase chain reaction of heme-accumulating bacteria [Note]. Anaerobe, 32, 49-50. doi: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2014.11.013
Journal - Research Other
Cannon, R. D., & Tompkins, G. R. (2006). Improving the effectiveness of chlorhexidine. New Zealand Dental Journal, 102(1), 17.
Journal - Research Other