Profile

Contact Details

Phone: +64 3 479 7571
Email: benedict.seo@otago.ac.nz

University Links

Position

Associate Professor, Head of the Oral Pathology Centre, Deputy Head of Department - Oral Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences

Department

Department of Oral Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences

Research summary

Immunopathogenesis of oral diseases, oral and maxillofacial pathology

Teaching

Convenor of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme.
BDS3 Chair
Coordinator of PGDipClinDent (Oral Pathology).
Coordinator of DENT362 (Pathogenesis of Oral Diseases).
Teaching: DENT262, DENT362, DENT462, DENT531, DENT552, DENT552, DENT70, DENT572, DEOH101, DEOH201, DTEC111 and DTEC403.
Clinical and research supervision for DClinDent and PhD

Memberships

International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists.
International Association for Dental Research.
New Zealand Dental Association.
Fellow - International College of Dentists.

Clinical

Head of the Oral Pathology Centre, a national specialised oral and maxillofacial pathology diagnostic service for New Zealand.
Registered specialist in oral pathology.

Research

Associate Professor Seo investigates the pathogenesis of oral cancer, odontogenic lesions and immune-mediated oral diseases, with a particular focus on unfolded protein response (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Techniques such as qRT2-PCR, IHC, histochemistry, western blot, cell culture and in vitro assays (viability, caspase-based, TUNEL) are employed in his research. He has an active research partnership with the University of Malaysia, Oral Cancer Research and Coordination Centre and the National University of Malaysia, as well as with Dunedin Public Hospital.

Associate Professor Seo is also a reviewer for the Journal of Periodontal Research, Pathology and BMC Oral Health.

He received the Oral Presentation Award from the International Association of Oral Pathologists (IAOP), Elman Poole Fellowship, International Association for Dental Research-Colgate Postgraduate Award and Sir Thomas Hunter Scholarship, amongst others.

Additional details

Editorial Board - BMC Oral Health.
Editorial Board - BDJ Open.

Publications

bin Mohd Nizar, M. A., Seo, B., Hussaini, H. M., Young, B., & Rich, A. M. (2025). Alveolar lymphangioma in neonate: A case report with immune profile. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1111/ipd.13309 Journal - Research Other

McCullagh, A., Weber, R., Horne, L., & Seo, B. (2024). Effects of surface decalcification on immunohistochemistry staining for Ki-67, CD34 and S100 on oral biopsies. New Zealand Journal of Medical Laboratory Science, 78(2), (pp. 101). [Abstract] Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Kim, P., Seo, B., Hussaini, H., Rich, A. M., & de Silva, H. (2024). Epidemiology of odontogenic tumours and selected cysts diagnosed at a single New Zealand oral pathology centre: A 15-year retrospective study. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Advance online publication. Journal - Research Article

Kim, P., Seo, B., & De Silva, H. (2024). Concordance of clinician, Chat-GPT4, and ORAD diagnoses against histopathology in Odontogenic Keratocysts and tumours: A 15-year New Zealand retrospective study. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1007/s10006-024-01284-5 Journal - Research Article

Abdelmoneim, D., Clark, D. E., Schmidlin, P., Botter, S., Li, K. C., Porter, G. C., Seo, B., & Duncan, W. J. (2024). In vivo healing of low temperature deproteinized bovine bone xenograft in a rabbit cranial model. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.37693 Journal - Research Article

2025

Journal - Research Other

2024

Journal - Research Article

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

2023

Chapter in Book - Research

De Silva, H. L., & Seo, B. (2023). Blue-purple lump on the lip: Haemangioma/vascular anomaly. In W. M. Tilakaratne & T. G. Kallarakkal (Eds.), Clinicopathological correlation of oral diseases. (pp. 129-140). Cham, Switzerland: Springer Nature. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-24408-7_12

Hussaini, H. M., Seo, B., & Rich, A. M. (2023). Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. In G. J. Seymour, M. P. Cullinan, N. C. K. Heng & P. R. Cooper (Eds.), Oral biology: Molecular techniques and applications: Methods in molecular biology (Vol. 2588). (3rd ed.) (pp. 439-450). New York, NY: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2780-8_26

Arora, S., Seo, B., Friedlander, L., & Hussaini, H. M. (2023). A cell culture method for the isolation and study of primary human dental pulp cells. In G. J. Seymour, M. P. Cullinan, N. C. K. Heng & P. R. Cooper (Eds.), Oral biology: Molecular techniques and applications: Methods in molecular biology (Vol. 2588). (3rd ed.) (pp. 393-405). New York, NY: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2780-8_22

Journal - Research Article

Oude-Alink, C., Hussaini, H. M., Seo, B., & Firth, F. (2023). Regulatory compliance of online vendor selling dental whitening products in New Zealand. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 53(2), 234-243. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2022.2108070

Journal - Research Other

Rich, A. M., Hussaini, H. M., Mohd Nizar, M. A., Gavidi, R. O., Tauati-Williams, E., Yakin, M., & Seo, B. (2023). Diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorders: Overview and experience in Oceania. Frontiers in Oral Health, 4, 1122497. doi: 10.3389/froh.2023.1122497

2022

Journal - Research Article

Aziz, M. A., Seo, B., Hussaini, H. M., Hibma, M., & Rich, A. M. (2022). Comparing two methods for the isolation of exosomes. Journal of Nucleic Acids, 8648373. doi: 10.1155/2022/8648373

Arora, S., Cooper, P. R., Friedlander, L. T., Seo, B., Rizwan, S. B., Rich, A. M., & Hussaini, H. M. (2022). Potentiality and inflammatory marker expression are maintained in dental pulp cell cultures from carious teeth. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(16), 9425. doi: 10.3390/ijms23169425

Seo, B., Coates, D. E., Lewis, J., Seymour, G. J., & Rich, A. (2022). Unfolded protein response is involved in the metabolic and apoptotic regulation of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Pathology, 54(7), 874-881. doi: 10.1016/j.pathol.2022.04.003

Journal - Research Other

Goh, R., Tawse-Smith, A., Reid, I. P., Hussaini, H. M., & Seo, B. (2022). Fibrous epulis with ossification: A case report and review of the literature. Brazilian Journal of Periodontology, 31(3), 73-81. doi: 10.14436/0103-9393.31.3.073-081.oar

Arora, S., Cooper, P. R., Ratnayake, J. T., Friedlander, L. T., Rizwan, S. B., Seo, B., & Hussaini, H. M. (2022). A critical review of in vitro research methodologies used to study mineralization in human dental pulp cell cultures. International Endodontic Journal, 55(Suppl. 1), 3-13. doi: 10.1111/iej.13684

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Arora, S., Cooper, P., Friedlander, L., Rizwan, S., Seo, B., Rich, A., & Hussaini, H. (2022). Evaluation of IL-23 inhibitor as a pulp immunomodulating agent: An in vitro and in vivo study. New Zealand Dental Journal, 118(4), (pp. 167). [Abstract]

Sun, Q., Seo, B., Hussaini, H., Guan, S., & Rich, A. (2022). Expression of proinflammatory cytokines in cultured keratinocytes from specimens on oral lichen planus. New Zealand Dental Journal, 118(4), (pp. 166). [Abstract]

2021

Journal - Research Article

Seo, B., Hussaini, H., & Rich, A. M. (2021). The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the oral and maxillofacial pathology diagnostic services in New Zealand. New Zealand Dental Journal, 117(2), 67-72.

Journal - Research Other

Arora, S., Cooper, P. R., Friedlander, L. T., Rizwan, S., Seo, B., Rich, A. M., & Hussaini, H. M. (2021). Potential application of immunotherapy for modulation of pulp inflammation: Opportunities for vital pulp treatment. International Endodontic Journal, 54, 1263-1274. doi: 10.1111/iej.13524

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Zainuddin, N. I., Hussaini, H. M., Seo, B., & Rich, A. M. (2021). Nerve sheath myxoma of the oral cavity. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology & Oral Radiology, 132(1), (pp. e53). doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.03.189

Hussaini, H. M., Phua, R., Seo, B., & Rich, A. M. (2021). Do myofibroblasts determine the biological behavior of odontogenetic cysts and tumors? Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology & Oral Radiology, 132(1), (pp. e20-e21). doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.03.085

Aziz, M. A., Seo, B., Hussaini, H. M., & Hibma, M. (2021). An in vitro examination of OSCC-derived exosomes. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology & Oral Radiology, 132(1), (pp. e8). doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.03.044

Arora, S., Wan, Z. T., Dong, F., Kalmadin, N. I., de Silva, H., Seo, B., Hussaini, H. M., & Rich, A. M. (2021). PD-L1 and FoxP3 expression in oral dysplastic tissues and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology & Oral Radiology, 132(1), (pp. e7-e8). doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.03.043

2020

Journal - Research Article

Guan, G., Mei, L., Polonowita, A., Hussaini, H., Seo, B., & Rich, A. M. (2020). Malignant transformation in oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions: A 14-year longitudinal cohort study of 829 patients in New Zealand. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology & Oral Radiology, 130(4), 411-418. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2020.07.002

McElroy, K. E., Seo, B. L., Hussaini, H. M., & Rich, A. M. (2020). Graft versus host disease: Cases from New Zealand with oral manifestations. New Zealand Dental Journal, 116(2), 47-54.

Firth, F. A., Milne, T. J., Seo, B., & Farella, M. (2020). An in-vitro mechanical strain three-dimensional culture model: Periodontal ligament cell viability, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress response. European Journal of Oral Sciences, 128, 120-127. doi: 10.1111/eos.12681

Yu, Z., Seo, B., Hussaini, H. M., Meldrum, A. M., & Rich, A. M. (2020). The relative frequency of paediatric oral and maxillofacial pathology in New Zealand: A 10-year review of a national specialist centre. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 30, 209-215. doi: 10.1111/ipd.12590

Journal - Research Other

Rich, A. M., Hussaini, H. M., Seo, B., & Zain, R. B. (2020). Understanding the complex microenvironment in oral cancer: The contribution of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago over the last 100 years. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 50(1), 15-34. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2020.1736586

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Waqa, O., Rich, A., Seo, B., Tong, D., & DeSilva, R. (2020). BRAF mutations in ameloblastoma: Correlation with clinical and histopathological features. British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, 58(10), (pp. e206). doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2020.10.213

2019

Journal - Research Article

Yakin, M., Seo, B., & Rich, A. (2019). Tunicamycin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress up-regulates tumour-promoting cytokines in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cytokine, 120, 130-143. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.04.013

Al-Hassiny, A., Hussani, H., Milne, T., Seo, B., Rich, A. M., & Friedlander, L. T. (2019). Vascularity and angiogenic signaling in the dentine-pulp complex of immature and mature permanent teeth. European Endodontic Journal, 4(2), 80-85. doi: 10.14744/eej.2019.26349

Journal - Research Other

Yakin, M., Seo, B., Hussaini, H., Rich, A., & Hunter, K. (2019). Human papillomavirus and oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma: The essentials. Australian Dental Journal, 64, 11-18. doi: 10.1111/adj.12652

Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles

Ibrahim, N., Seo, B., & Hussaini, H. (2019). Buccal birfurcation cyst: Is it a new entity? NZAO Newsletter, (2). Retrieved from https://mailchi.mp/4765bd1fc6b8/nzao-newsletter-winter-issue-2019?e=c1f4102289

Rich, A., Hussaini, H., & Seo, B. (2019). Taking a biopsy: Advice for practitioners. NZDA News, 193, 37-40.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Zainuddin, N. I., Hussaini, H. M., Seo, B., & Rich, A. (2019). Neuropilin-1 expression in the tumour microenvironment of oral squamous cell carcinoma. New Zealand Dental Journal, 115, (pp. 166). [Abstract]

Waqa, O., Seo, B., Hussaini, H. M., De Silva, R., Tong, D., & Rich, A. M. (2019). BRAF mutations in ameloblastoma: Correlation with clinical and histopathological features. New Zealand Dental Journal, 115, (pp. 164-165). [Abstract]

Hussaini, H., Ibrahim, N. R., Seo, B., Zain, R., & Rich, A. (2019). Lymphangiogenesis markers in metastatic lymph nodes of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology & Oral Radiology, 128(1), (pp. e70). doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2019.02.170

Yakin, M., Seo, B., & Rich, A. (2019). Tunicamycin-induced endoplamic reticulum stress up-regulates tumour-promoting cytokines in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology & Oral Radiology, 128(1), (pp. e77). doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2019.02.191

Awarded Doctoral Degree

Seo, B. (2019). Endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response in oral squamous cell carcinoma (PhD). University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10523/9063

2018

Journal - Research Article

Al-Hassiny, A., Friedlander, L. T., Parachuru, V. P. B., Seo, B., Hussaini, H. M., & Rich, A. M. (2018). Upregulation of angiogenesis in oral lichen planus. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 47(2), 173-178. doi: 10.1111/jop.12665

Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles

Rich, A., Hussaini, H., & Seo, B. (2018). Letter to the Editor: Re: Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumours: Three case reports outlining treatment of large lesions using decompression followed by surgical enucleation NZDJ 114: 29-34 2018. New Zealand Dental Journal, 114(2), 59. [Letter].

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Williams, E., Seo, B., Hussaini, H., Coates, D., & Rich, A. M. (2018). Investigation of the presence of human papillomavirus in verrucal-papillary lesions of the oral cavity. In A. Finigan, R. Richards & P. Vakaoti (Eds.), Proceedings of the Pacific Postgraduate Symposium: Pacific Voices XV. (pp. 35). Dunedin, New Zealand: Pacific Islands Centre, University of Otago. Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/pacific

Firth, F., Milne, T., Seo, B., & Farella, M. (2018). A mechanical strain model for the assessment of periodontal ligament cell endoplasmic reticulum stress in three-dimensional culture. European Journal of Orthodontics, 40(5), (pp. e74-e75). doi: 10.1093/ejo/cjy060

Williams, E., Seo, B., Hussaini, H., Coates, D., & Rich, A. M. (2018). Investigation of the presence of human papillomavirus in verrucal-papillary lesions of the oral cavity. New Zealand Dental Journal, 114(4), (pp. 188). [Abstract]

2017

Journal - Research Article

Kazantseva, M., Hung, N. A., Mehta, S., Roth, I., Eiholzer, R., Rich, A. M., Seo, B., Baird, M. A., Braithwaite, A. W., & Slatter, T. L. (2017). Tumor protein 53 mutations are enriched in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with irregular CD19 marker expression. Scientific Reports, 7, 1566. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-01800-6

Seo, B., Hussaini, H. M., & Rich, A. M. (2017). Second opinion oral pathology referrals in New Zealand. Pathology, 49(3), 277-284. doi: 10.1016/j.pathol.2016.11.007

Journal - Research Other

Rich, A. M., Seo, B., Parachuru, V., & Hussaini, H. M. (2017). The nexus between periodontics and oral pathology. Periodontology 2000, 74(1), 176-181. doi: 10.1111/prd.12197

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Firth, F., Milne, T., Seo, B., & Farella, M. (2017). A mechanical strain model for the assessment of periodontal ligament cell endoplasmic reticulum stress in three-dimensional culture. Journal of Dental Research, 96(Spec. Iss. B). Retrieved from http://www.iadr.org

Seo, B., & Rich, A. (2017). Oral and maxillofacial pathology services in New Zealand. International Dental Journal, 67(Suppl. 1), (pp. 40). doi: 10.1111/idj.12338

Firth, F., Milne, T., Seo, B., & Farella, M. (2017). A human periodontal ligament cell mechanical strain culture model for the study of endoplasmic reticulum stress. New Zealand Dental Journal, 113(4), (pp. 57). [Abstract]

Abdul Rahman, N., Seo, B., Hussaini, H., & Rich, A. M. (2017). Expression of the lysyl oxidase family in odontogenic lesions. New Zealand Dental Journal, 113(4), (pp. 53). [Abstract]

Ibrahim, N. R., Hussaini, H. M., Seo, B., & Rich, A. M. (2017). Lymphangiogenesis in metastatic lymph nodes of oral squamous cell carcinoma. New Zealand Dental Journal, 113(4), (pp. 52). [Abstract]

2016

Journal - Research Article

Seo, B., Coates, D. E., Seymour, G. J., & Rich, A. M. (2016). Unfolded protein response-related gene regulation in inflamed periodontal tissues with and without Russell bodies. Archives of Oral Biology, 69, 1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2016.04.009

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Seo, B., Ramsay, M., Park, S., Yakin, M., & Rich, A. (2016). Caldesmon expression in odontogenic cysts. Journal of Dental Research, 95(Spec Iss B), 1770. Retrieved from http://www.iadr.org/

Yakin, M., Seo, B., & Rich, A. (2016). Endoplasmic reticulum stress modulates the pathogenesis of oral cancer through STAT3-pathway-dependent immune responses. Proceedings of the Sir John Walsh Research Institute Research Symposium. (pp. 21). Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/sjwri/news/otago621026

Seo, B., Coates, D., Seymour, G., & Rich, A. (2016). Profiling the effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress in oral cancer. Proceedings of the Sir John Walsh Research Institute Research Symposium. (pp. 21). Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/sjwri/news/otago621026

2015

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Seo, B., Coates, D. E., Seymour, G., & Rich, A. (2015). Unfolded protein response gene expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Journal of Dental Research, 94(Spec Iss B), 2334821. Retrieved from http://www.iadr.org/

Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Seo, B., Coates, D., Seymour, G., & Rich, A. (2015, October). Endoplasmic reticulum stress is associated with the modulation of apoptosis-associated unfolded protein response genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro. Poster session presented at the Otago Spotlight Series: Cancer Research, Wellington, New Zealand.

2014

Journal - Research Other

Goldsmith, S. M., Seo, B. L., de Silva, R. K., Parachuru, P., Rich, A. M., & Seymour, G. J. (2014). Oral mycosis fungoides: Report with immune profile. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology & Oral Radiology, 118(2), e48-e52. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2013.10.005

Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles

Seo, B. L., & Rich, A. M. (2014). Salivary gland tumours: Our experience at Medlab Dental Oral Pathology Diagnostics Services. NZDA News, (October), 35-42.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Seo, B. L., Coates, D. E., Seymour, G. J., & Rich, A. M. (2014). Differential response to ER stress in normal and malignant keratinocytes. Journal of Dental Research, 93(Spec Iss C), 55. Retrieved from http://www.iadr.org

2012

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Seo, B. L., Coates, D., Seymour, G. J., Milne, T., Leichter, J., & Rich, A. M. (2012). Endoplasmic reticulum stress and Russell bodies in periodontal inflammation. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology & Oral Radiology, 114(4), (pp. e33). doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2012.07.446

Seo, B. L., Coates, D. E., Rich, A., Milne, T., Leichter, J., & Seymour, G. J. (2012). Endoplasmic reticulum stress in periodontal inflammation and Russell body presentation. Journal of Dental Research, 91(Spec Iss C), 169256. Retrieved from http://www.dentalresearch.org

Gavidi, R. O., Seo, B., & Firth, N. (2012). Dual pathology: A case involving the jaws. Pathology, 44(Suppl. 1), (pp. S13). [Abstract]

2011

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Seo, B. L., Rich, A. M., Coates, D., Leichter, J., Milne, T., & Seymour, G. J. (2011). Inflammation, Russell bodies, GRP78 and endoplasmis reticulum stress: Are they linked? Pathology, 43(Suppl. 1), (pp. S13). doi: 10.1097/01.PAT.0000394557.13378.f4