Qualification:

BDS (Malaya), MClinDent in Prosthodontics (London), MProsRCS (Edinburgh), AM (Malaysia), Fellowship in Advanced Periodontology & Implantology (Genova)

Area of Expertise / Specialization:

Prosthodontics & Aesthetic Dentistry

Research Interest:

1. Resin-Bonded Fixed Dental Prostheses and Occlusion

My team is looking into the potential of cementation of resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses at an increased occlusal vertical dimension because of space creation for a metal retainer of this prosthesis using this approach remain controversial due to the lack of clinical studies. As the main research supervisor for 1 doctorate postgraduate student, who just completed his study in October 2020. We investigated the occlusal force and occlusal contact re-establishment of this prostheses cemented at an increased occlusal vertical and to evaluate the factors affecting them. Same time, we have collaborated with Fujifilm Corp. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and optimised a design of the pressure-sensitive film for occlusal force analysis in dentistry. All these data will help to improve the survival rate of the prostheses and maximise the potential usage in private dental practices. Presently, I have published 7 journal papers and 4 conference proceedings in this research niche. In addition, we have collaborated with the Faculty of Engineering, UiTM and developed a “Smartbite – Wireless Bite Force Recorder” to ease the occlusal force recording on a tooth. I am the main supervisor for another doctorate postgraduate student who is studying the occlusal forces using this newly developed device. Furthermore, we have won the Diamond and Gold award in the International Invention & Innovation in Dentistry Exhibition. 2019. Subsequently, we have obtained the copyright of this device in January 2020.

2. Dental or Patient Education

My team is looking into the teaching and learning activities in the faculty. We would like to find the most effective pedagogy to deliver teaching for a better engagement and performance of the students. The millennial generation and the generation Z students who are tech-savvy, enthusiastic, confident, well networked, and learning-oriented individuals grew up in culturally diverse learning environments. Therefore, we have developed a few blended learning materials to support their learning in a more flexible environment. My team investigated the students’ perception toward this pedagogy and currently, we are looking into the performance of students with this blended learning method. At the same time, we have investigated the students’ soft skill especially communication skills. The results will give valuable input to the faculty to improve the teaching and learning activities producing a holistic graduate that is world marketable. In addition, we have started some studies regarding patient education using the mobile application. I am a co-supervisor for a doctorate postgraduate student from the National University of Malaysia. She has submitted her thesis in August 2020. Our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a progressive web application, which is a new approach in the development of mobile applications, in educating removable partial denture wearers. Presently, we have completed one university research grant in this research niche. I have published 3 journal papers and 7 conference proceedings supporting this theme. My team has developed a “Progressive Web Application for Partial Denture Wearers” for partial denture patients education and currently undergone patent/ copyright registration. Furthermore, we have won 5 awards regarding dental/ patient education at various International Invention, Innovation & Design Exposition.

3. Dental Implants

As a member of Maxillofacial Implants Research Group, Research Nexus UiTM, my team is looking into the dental implant and bone remodelling research. Presently, we are conducting a prospective, randomized, double-arm, multicenter study to investigate the performance of a newly developed porous Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) dental implants in the posterior mandible. Previously, this type of dental implant never actually took off into the implant market due to extremely challenging and costly manufacturing process. However, these manufacturing drawbacks have been successfully overcome and the porous NiTi Dental Implant has been produced through highly economical Metal Injection Moulding technique by Nitium Technology Sdn Bhd, Malaysia. I am invited as a Chief Principal Investigator for this clinical trial in MESTECC R&D Fund 2020-2022, sponsored by Nitium Technology Sdn Bhd. We have 1 PhD student who is going to conduct the clinical trial. Furthermore, I have published 1 journal paper, 2 conference proceedings, 1 book chapter supporting this theme. In addition, we have completed another 2 national and university research grants in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

Experience:

• Head, Centre for Restorative Dentistry Studies (2018-2020)
• Program Director, DClinDent in Prosthodontics (2016-2018)
• Resource Person, Prosthodontics (2015-2016)
• Lead Auditor (2014-2017)
• Module Coordinator (2013-2015)