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3. interview King Saud University 15th International Dental Conference The 25th for the Saudi Dental Society 12-14 January 2014 Riyadh International Exhibition Center Interview: “The Saudi Dental Society’s main goal is to respond to the needs of the community” By DentalTribuneMiddleEast W e catch up with the President of the Saudi Dental Society Dr. Mohammad I. Al-Obaida, DDS, MSEd, FRCD. Dr. Mo- hammad is Associate Professor and Consultant Endonotist at the Department of Restorative Dental Sciences at the College of Dentistry, King Saud Univer- sity, Saudi Arabia. Dental Tribune Middle East: Please share a short biography including your education, clin- ical experience and role at the SDS over the years? Dr. Mohammad Al-Obaida: I am Dr. Mohammad, graduated in dentistry at King Saud Uni- versity in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 1992. I received my Masters in Science and Education at the University of Southern Cal- ifornia - Los Angeles California School of Education, USA in 1997 and Fellow-Royal College of Dentists of Canada in Endo- dontics in Toronto, Canada in 2005 and Consultant Endodon- tist from January 2000-2004. I have had my Endodontic Fel- lowship Program at King Saud University, College of Dentist- ry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 2004-2006 and Fellow of Inter- national College of Dentists (FICD) in 2010. Currently I work as an Associate Profes- sor, Consultant Endodontist at the Department of Restorative Dental Sciences at the College of Dentistry, King Saud Uni- versity and I am also currently the President of the Saudi Den- tal Society. I am presently the Program Director of the Saudi Endodontic Board at King Saud University and a member of the Scientific Board of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialty and a Recipient of Excellence in Education. I have two patented materials. 1. Dimashkieh MR, Al-Obaida MI. Dual Action Syringe, USA Patent Office, Application: PCT/US10/52195 (pending) 2. Dimashkieh MR, Al-Obaida MI, Quraishi K. Safety Sy- ringe. European Patent Office, EP Patent Application No.: EP 12174259.7. Filed: June 29, 2012 (pending). This is my first year for my three years term as President of the Saudi Dental Society. My role is to perform tasks aimed at developing the organiza- tion’s vision and implementing the policies and procedures that allow that vision to be ac- complished. Please if you can share your thoughts on the dentistry scene in Saudi Arabia, the clinical side and the industry? From the clinical side, the younger population in our country suffers from high inci- dence of den- tal caries. This requires a col- laborative work between authori- ties from differ- ent sectors in the government with national programs to control this high incidence per- centage of dental caries and asso- ciate oral diseas- es. The industry is fast growing in connection to the construction system of dental schools (governmental and private) together with de- velopments of big dental cent- ers again both in government and private sectors. How important is the SDS in the development of dentists in The Kingdom? We support their development through monthly scientific ac- tivities which have addressed topics directly targeted at the current trends in the dental field. The clinical applications and technologies make our dentists develop and focus on their career objectives more effectively. How has the Saudi Dental So- ciety developed since you were elected President? Current the SDS board mem- bers adopt the community service activities and social initiatives. The SDS supports various outreach programs that promote quality health care and education in Saudi Arabia. SDS hosts numerous orphanage health and educa- tion programs for the Chil- dren’s Charity Community and organized educational days for students in various regions of the Kingdom. SDS also launched a campaign called “Smile Hajji” which aims to promote awareness to the pil- grims of the importance of oral hygiene and also launched the National Campaign to Prevent Dental Caries in coordination with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and var- ious governmental organiza- tions. The campaign’s goal is to prevent dental caries among children through health cam- paigns and education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SDS also manages the “Yslam Fa- mik” campaign to raise oral cancer awareness in coopera- tion with Prince Salman Social Youth. The SDS board sup- ports partnerships with dental schools and other medical sec- tors. What are the plans of the Saudi Dental Society in the coming year, the main goals and ob- jectives? What will you do to achieve them? TheSDSmaingoalistorespond to the needs of the community. We are also campaigning to raise oral cancer awareness in the Kingdom especially in the southern parts where there is high incidence of oral cancer. We are co-organizing the Hajj and will provide thousands of oral hygiene aid free to all pil- grims. To manage the cam- paign for a “Smoke-Free Envi- ronment” in the Makkah area and the National Campaign to Prevent Dental Caries where the SDS aims to decrease the number of caries of children in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. How important is the involvement of Digital Dentist- ry in Saudi? Each area of digital dentistry has advantages in comparison to the conventional devices and tech- niques used. The involvement of digital dentistry in Saudi makes the office life easier, faster and better for dentistry. How important is the role of the Dental Lab Tech- nician in the Den- tal Team? Dentists rely on a team of pro- fessionals who play supporting roles in patient care and it is the dental laboratory technicians who are a very impor- tant part of that team. Using a va- riety of materials including plastics “This is my first year from my three years term as President of the Saudi Dental Society.” “The SDS supports various outreach programs that promote quality health care and education in Saudi Arabia. ” “The dental education in Saudi Arabia level up with the international standards of education from other countries.” Opening Ceremony during the 2013 event in KSA Exhibition at the Saudi Dental Society Conference Opening Ceremony in 2013 Dr. Mohammad Al-Obaida welcomes CAPP and DTMEA at the event The Ritz Carlton Riyadh, Gala Dinner Venue and ceramics, dental techni- cians manufacture crowns, bridges and prosthetics to the dentist’s specifications and it definitely requires an artistic eye and strong technical skills to achieve this. What do you think of the den- tal scene in the Middle East? The Dental market is directly associated to the increase of awareness of our people to the importance of oral hygiene. Can you share some insight regarding the Dental Educa- tion in Saudi Arabia? With the accreditation of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and by sending our Postgraduate Dental Students abroad, the dental education in Saudi Arabia level up with the international standards of education from other coun- tries. What advise can you provide to the younger generation of Dental Students? They should be more focused on the goal of their profes- sion. Dental students must have a serious commitment in their studies so that they can be successful in their chosen profession and be the best that they can be. Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers? Contribute more to commu- nity service. Dr. Mohammad I. Al-Obaida DDS, MSEd, FRCD. President The Saudi Dental Society Associate Professor - Consultant Endodontist Office Tel: 4677 743 Email: malobaida@ksu.edu.sa Contact Information