Assistant Professor, at RAK College of Dental Sciences/ RAK Medical & Health Sciences University, United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Nada Tawfig Hashim Ahmed is an esteemed Assistant Professor of Periodontology at Rak College of Dental Sciences, UAE, and Associate Professor of Periodontics at the University of Khartoum, Sudan. With a BDS from the University of Khartoum and a Ph.D. in Periodontology from the University of Khartoum in collaboration with Queenās University Belfast, Dr. Ahmed has dedicated her career to advancing periodontics through teaching, clinical work, and research. She has held significant leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Periodontology Division at the University of Khartoum. With extensive experience in dental education, she has contributed to the development of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, research supervision, and academic administration. Dr. Ahmed is passionate about periodontal disease research, with a particular focus on genetics and microbiology. š±
Professional Profile
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Education š
Dr. Ahmed’s academic journey is marked by significant milestones. She earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Khartoum in 1999, followed by a Master of Science in Periodontology in 2006. She furthered her expertise with a Postgraduate Diploma in Laser Application in Dentistry in 2007. Her pursuit of advanced knowledge culminated in a Ph.D. in Dentistry (Periodontology), awarded in 2014 through a joint program between the University of Khartoum and Queen’s University Belfast. Dr. Ahmed’s academic qualifications have laid a strong foundation for her teaching and research endeavors, particularly in the fields of periodontal health and treatment. š¦·
Experience š¼
Dr. Ahmed has over two decades of experience in dental academia and clinical practice. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Rak College of Dental Sciences, UAE, and as an Associate Professor of Periodontics at the University of Khartoum. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Head of the Periodontology Division. Dr. Ahmed has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, leading research in periodontology and teaching clinical and pre-clinical periodontics. Her experience extends beyond teaching, having consulted for the Federal Ministry of Health in Sudan and contributed significantly to dental education and professional development programs. š
Research Interests š¬
Dr. Ahmed’s research interests center on the molecular and microbiological aspects of periodontal diseases. She explores the role of inflammatory mediators in disease progression and the genetic factors contributing to periodontal health. Dr. Ahmed is particularly interested in how periodontal diseases affect systemic health, with a focus on the dysregulation of molecular pathways. Her translational research aims to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical applications, enhancing the understanding of periodontal diseases’ genetic and microbiological components. She has also contributed to the development of research topics within the Department of Periodontology at the University of Khartoum. š§¬
Awards š
Dr. Ahmed has been recognized for her leadership and academic contributions, notably being the first Sudanese female to head the Department of Oral Rehabilitation at the University of Khartoum in 2020. Her dedication to research and education has earned her several accolades. One of her notable achievements includes receiving a research grant from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Sudan for a project investigating the link between dental and chronic systemic diseases. Her work continues to inspire and shape the field of periodontology, both in Sudan and the UAE. š
Top Notes Publications š
Dr. Ahmed has published extensively in the field of periodontology, with a focus on the microbiological and genetic underpinnings of periodontal diseases. Her research has been featured in reputable journals, and she has made significant contributions to the advancement of periodontal science. Some of her notable works can be found through the following links:
- Impact of Regenerative Therapies on Oral Microbiome:
- Procedures such as guided tissue regeneration (GTR), bone grafting, and soft tissue grafting are designed to restore tooth-supporting structures lost due to periodontal diseases. However, these interventions can inadvertently alter the oral microbial ecosystem, potentially leading to dysbiosis or the recolonization of pathogenic bacteria.
- Influence of Grafting Materials:
- The review discusses various grafting materials, including autografts, allografts, xenografts, and alloplasts, highlighting how each type can influence microbial shifts. These materials exhibit variations in healing timelines and microbial stabilization, which can affect the overall success of the regenerative procedures.
- Role of Biologics and Antimicrobials:
- Biologics, such as enamel matrix derivatives (EMD), and antimicrobials like sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD), are identified as key players in promoting microbial homeostasis. They support tissue repair and help reduce the presence of pathogenic bacteria, thereby enhancing the outcomes of periodontal treatments.
- Emerging Strategies:
- The authors explore innovative approaches, including enzyme-based therapies and the development of antifouling materials, aimed at disrupting biofilm formation. These strategies are designed to enhance the effectiveness of periodontal treatments by preventing the adherence and accumulation of harmful bacteria on oral surfaces.
- Future Directions:
- The review underscores the necessity for advanced materials and strategies that not only restore lost tissues but also stabilize the oral microbiome. Achieving this dual goal is deemed essential for attaining long-term periodontal health and improving patient outcomes.
Conclusion
Dr. Nada Tawfig Hashim Ahmed is an exemplary candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her outstanding academic qualifications, leadership, mentorship, impactful research in periodontology, and dedication to education position her as a significant role model and leader in her field. With a few minor improvements in global collaboration and public engagement, she would further strengthen her already impressive profile.