Passion for academic pursuits in dentistry and research propels Kuwaiti dentist towards getting a PhD at the Eastman Institute
Dr. Naemah Alkhars, a junior faculty member at Kuwait University, has made a significant impact in the field of dentistry with her recent achievement of a PhD from the University of Rochester. Her research focuses on understanding the maternal influence on children's tooth decay development.
Dr. Alkhars' educational journey began with the Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH), where she completed a four-year faculty development program in 2015. Driven by a passion for education and a desire to contribute to the advancement of dental knowledge, Dr. Alkhars pursued her PhD after finishing the EIOH program.
The EIOH program, known as Excellence in Clinical Education and Leadership for Specialty Dental Care (EXCEL), is a unique initiative funded by a $2.1 million federal grant. The program aims to train dental professionals who can deliver high-quality specialty care in diverse and underserved populations. It combines clinical education with leadership development and public health perspectives, providing comprehensive preparation for a career in academia.
Dr. Alkhars' PhD thesis explored a three-dimensional approach to the maternal influence on children's oral health, including the mother's oral health, children's feeding behaviors, and bacteria transmission. This groundbreaking research has the potential to significantly improve children's oral health outcomes.
Dr. Alkhars' mentor, Dr. Jin Xiao, DDS, PhD, EIOH associate professor, played a significant role in her professional journey. Dr. Xiao is proud of Dr. Alkhars' achievements and the impact her research will have on the field of dentistry.
In addition to her research, Dr. Alkhars has published eight research papers, demonstrating her scholarly excellence. She is also a mother of four children under the age of 10, and credits her strong support system, including family, friends, and colleagues, for helping her balance motherhood, education, and a career.
Dr. Alkhars' future career involves contributions to the field of dentistry, addressing evolving challenges. She is excited about diversifying her contributions while continuing to make a positive impact on children's oral health.
[1] Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH). (n.d.). Excellence in Clinical Education and Leadership for Specialty Dental Care (EXCEL). Retrieved from https://www.eastman.rochester.edu/programs/excel/
[2] University of Rochester. (n.d.). Clinical and Translational Science Institute. Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/ctsi/
- Dr. Alkhars' educational journey with the Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) culminated in a four-year faculty development program in 2015, which emphasized not only clinical education but also science in the realm of health-and-wellness, including education-and-self-development and career-development.
- Building upon her EIOH foundation, Dr. Alkhars pursued a PhD that focused on understanding the maternal influence on children's tooth decay development, thereby contributing to the advancement of dental knowledge and impacting women's health.
- As her career continues to blossom, Dr. Alkhars aspires to contribute to personal-growth through her work in the field of dentistry while addressing evolving challenges, making a significant impact on dental science and ultimately improving children's oral health outcomes.
