A Gulf dentist, driven by passion for education and research, undertakes training at the prestigious Eastman Institute and achieves a PhD in his field.
Dr. Naemah Alkhars, a mother of four children under the age of 10, has successfully navigated the challenging world of balancing motherhood, education, and a career. Her journey has taken her to the prestigious Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH), where she completed the four-year faculty development program.
The EIOH faculty development program is a comprehensive training initiative designed to develop faculty members' skills in clinical practice, research, teaching, and professional development in oral health. This demanding four-year program combines dental education, research, and clinical training under the guidance of senior faculty like Dr. Jack G. Caton and Dr. Alan M. Polson.
Participants in the program are required to commit over four years to faculty development activities, including clinical practice, scholarly research, and educational responsibilities. Active participation in seminars and courses specific to the program is also mandatory, with the curriculum providing significant training in clinical and didactic teaching. Mentorship under established faculty is a crucial aspect of the program, aimed at fostering teaching and research skills.
Dr. Alkhars, the first foreign-trained EIOH resident to earn her PhD at the University of Rochester, has made an outstanding impact in her scholarly pursuits. She has published eight research papers, a testament to her dedication and excellence. Her thesis explored a three-dimensional approach to the maternal influence on children's oral health, focusing on the mother's oral health, children's feeding behaviors, and bacteria transmission.
In 2019, Dr. Alkhars won the prestigious Buonocore Research award at the American Association of Dental Research's Rochester session. Her future contributions to the field are anticipated to be diverse and impactful.
After completing the program, Dr. Alkhars returned to her role as assistant professor at Kuwait University, where she mentors dental students, engages in clinical practice, and conducts research initiatives. EIOH trainees gain substantial involvement in research, including clinical trials, a testament to the program's commitment to fostering academic excellence.
Dr. Jin Xiao, DDS, PhD, EIOH associate professor, has played a significant role in shaping Dr. Alkhars' professional journey. Dr. Xiao couldn't be prouder of her achievements and is confident in her ability to diversify her contributions to the field while addressing evolving challenges.
For those interested in the EIOH faculty development program, it is recommended to contact the institute directly or review their official program materials for the most current details regarding application and participation requirements. The program requires participants to complete its two-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry program, earn a Master of Science or Master of Public Health degree, pass the American Board of General Dentistry exam, engage in at least two years of part-time teaching, and take graduate courses in education at the Warner School of Education.
Dr. Naemah Alkhars' journey is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a strong support system. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring dental professionals and researchers alike.
- Dr. Alkhars' scholarly pursuits, which include eight published research papers, demonstrate her dedication and excellence in both dental education and science, particularly in the area of maternal influence on children's oral health.
- The Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) faculty development program, where Dr. Alkhars completed her training, emphasizes professional development by providing comprehensive training, as well as engagement in clinical trials, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence in health-and-wellness, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth.
- Career-development opportunities for dental professionals are offered through programs like the EIOH faculty development program, where mentorship, research, teaching, and clinical training are provided to foster skill development and address evolving industry challenges.
