Research undertaken by his group has had significant impact on policy and clinical practice, for example a large research programme undertaken in Manchester on school dental screening changed policy in the UK leading to cessation of the national school dental screening programme. He has received research funding in excess of £10 million over the last 10 years. Professor Tickle has an international reputation in dental public health and health services research. His research interests include reducing inequalities in dental disease and consumption of dental healthcare resources, the costs and effects of population programmes and practice-based interventions to reduce the impact of dental disease and improving the evidence base for delivery and organisation of dental care services. He has expertise in designing and managing large randomised controlled trials in public health and general practice settings and conducting health services research projects using mixed methods in different settings.