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Dr Lilian E. Mkonyi is the Head of the Department of Restorative Dentistry and a Lecturer at the School of Dentistry, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). She obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Dar es Salaam. She later joined the University of Bergen, Norway, where she enrolled in a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme before transferring to the PhD programme and completing her doctoral studies. Her doctoral research investigated the role of lymphatic vessels in the development of periodontal disease using a transgenic mouse model, resulting in publications in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international scientific conferences. She is actively involved in teaching, clinical practice, research, and postgraduate supervision
Dr Mkonyi's research interests include oral infections and inflammation, periodontal diseases, oral health and systemic diseases, oral epidemiology, and oral disease prevention. Her work aims to improve oral health outcomes through evidence-based research and practice. She is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate supervision, scientific publication, and national and international research collaborations
Completed Research Projects
1. Role of lymphatic vessels in the development of periodontal disease using a transgenic mouse model (PhD research, University of Bergen, Norway).
2. Oral health among people living with HIV in Tanzania, with a focus on xerostomia, dental caries, and associated risk factors.
3. Oral health and systemic diseases in Tanzania, focusing on oral health status, oral health knowledge, and oral health behaviours among patients with cardiovascular disease
4. Tobacco cessation interventions in dental practice in Tanzania: focusing on dentists' attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers to providing smoking-cessation advice.
Ongoing Research Projects
1. Periodontal disease and oral health outcomes among patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy.
2. Oral health among patients with diabetes in Tanzania
1.Mkonyi LE, Mmary LA. Xerostomia and associated factors among adults with HIV on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) attending voluntary counselling and testing clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. BMC Oral Health. 2025.
2. Mkonyi L, Bhatt D. Attitudes, Practices, and Perceived Barriers to Providing Smoking Cessation Advice to Patients Among Dentists in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study. Nigerian Dental Journal. 2026.
3.Mkonyi LE, Bakken V, Søvik JB, et al. Lymphangiogenesis is induced during the development of periodontal disease. Journal of Dental Research. 2012.
4.Mkonyi LE, Bletsa A, Bolstad AI, et al. Gingival lymphatic drainage protects against Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced bone loss in mice. The American Journal of Pathology. 2012.
5.Berggreen E, Haug SR, Mkonyi LE, et al. Characterisation of the dental lymphatic system and identification of cells immunopositive to specific lymphatic markers. European Journal of Oral Sciences. 2009.
