Biography

I graduated and practised as a dentist in Yemen before obtaining a PhD in 2017 from King's College London in Biomaterialas and Salivary research investigating the role of salivary pellicle, proteins/minerals on erosive tooth wear under the supervision of Prof. Rebecca Moazzez, Prof. David Bartlett and Prof. Guy Carpenter. I also have an MSc from University of Bristol Dental School and PGCE from Cardiff University. I lectured on a variety of dental and biomedical programmes across universities and further education colleges. I was appointed in 2022 as a lecturer at the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy, shortly after was awarded the Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and in 2023 became the Department Director of Postgraduate Research. I also participate on a number of international scientific boards and act as an external examiner for dental schools in the UK.

Further information is also available on linkedin    ORCID

Research interests

My research interests span oral biology, oral–systemic health, dental biomaterials and dental education. I am particularly interested in oral biofilms, the oral microbiome, saliva and erosive tooth wear, including the roles of salivary proteins, minerals and the acquired enamel pellicle in dental erosion, protection and remineralisation.

I am also interested in clinical trials of mouthwashes and oral care products, investigating their effects on salivary proteomics, the oral microbiome and the mechanisms underlying oral health outcomes in healthy participants and patients with conditions such as dental erosion and periodontitis. My work in dental biomaterials and biomimetic dentistry focuses on material characterisation and developing aesthetic, durable restorative materials, using techniques such as 3D printing, micro/nano hardness testing, non-contact scanning profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

In dental education and professional practice, my interests include preparedness for clinical practice among dental hygienists and dental therapists, clinical haptic simulation, and translating professional standards into clinical decision-making, risk management and patient safety. I am also interested in educational initiatives that support further education (FE) and undergraduate students in making informed dental career choices and navigating progression pathways. I welcome opportunities for collaborative research and PhD and Master's supervision across these areas.