The College of Dental Medicine at the University of Sharjah (UoS) held the first meeting of its Advisory Board for the academic year 2025/2026 to discuss development plans aimed at advancing the college’s academic programs and strengthening its education and research framework in line with academic and community development needs.

In his opening address, His Excellency Professor Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, welcomed the Advisory Board members and emphasized that the establishment of advisory boards for the university’s colleges reflects the university’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships between academia and various sectors across the UAE, particularly the healthcare sector.

He added, “Having a distinguished group of leading specialists and officials in this advisory board reflects our conviction that academic excellence is the result of cooperation between educational institutions and their partners in the healthcare sector. This ensures that our educational outcomes remain aligned with the needs of the labor market and the requirements of the healthcare system.”

His Excellency also pointed out that the university’s strategy aims to graduate qualified dentists in accordance with the highest standards, capable of contributing to the healthcare system. He explained that the university is working to expand the College of Dental Medicine’s education programs, including digital dentistry and dental implant programs, as well as to offer continuous education programs for qualified dentists.

Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, presented the key roles of the Advisory Board. These include supporting the college’s efforts to graduate qualified dentists equipped with the skills and knowledge required for the job market, organizing workshops and training programs, contributing to the college’s scientific activities as speakers at conferences, scientific meetings, and symposia, and supporting the college’s research activities.

Professor Sausan Al Kawas, Acting Dean of the College of Dental Medicine, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the college’s mission, vision, and values, as well as its recent research accomplishments. She also reviewed the college’s statistics, including the number of students, graduates, and interns, along with the academic programs and the college’s infrastructure. Additionally, she emphasized the college’s initiatives in promoting industrial collaboration and community service contributions.

Professor Sausan also addressed several future directions, including the development of multidisciplinary programs, improving employability outcomes, and increasing the recruitment of Emirati faculty members.

The meeting also included a video highlighting the journey of the University of Sharjah since its establishment, as well as its key achievements and recent developments.

The Advisory Board meeting was attended by Dr. Mohamed Sulaiman, President of the Emirates Dental Society (EDS) and President of the Advisory Board for the current year; Dr. Haifa Hannawi, Director of the Dental Department at Emirates Health Services (EHS) and Vice President of the Advisory Board for the current year; Dr. Noura Juma, Consultant Pediatric Dentist and Coordinator of the School Oral Health Program and the Oral Health Promotion Program at EHS; Dr. Noora Aburahima, Chief of the Pediatric Dentistry Department; Dr. Alaa Al Atta, Specialist Endodontist at GMC Clinic, Dubai; Professor Elham Emami, Dean of McGill University Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences; and Mr. Petar Mollov, Director and Shareholder at CAPP Events and Training, UAE.

It was also attended by Professor Zahi Badran, Assistant Dean Graduate Studies; Professor Manal Awad, Chair of the Department of Orthodontics, Pediatric and Community Dentistry; Dr. Nadia Khalifa, Chair of the Department of Restorative Dentistry; Professor Wael Talaat, Chair of the Department of Oral and Craniofacial Health Sciences; Professor Vellore Gopinath; Professor Ahmed Jamleh; Dr. Kamis Yoonis Younus; and Dr. Mohammad Alrashdan.