According to Pussinen, studying the genetic background of oral diseases may in the future enable more individual treatment options, as well as investments in disease prevention – especially in those at an increased risk. She is currently applying for funding for a project related to personalised dentistry, which seeks to identify microbial and genetic markers that anticipate the development of caries and periodontitis from saliva samples. The Kuopio-based Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study is also involved in the project.