Dr. Mohammed Jaradat, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at the Arab American University, announced the resounding success of the annual conference organized by the Faculty, entitled “Aesthetic Dentistry in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” The two-day conference saw the participation of a distinguished group of academics, physicians, researchers, students, and graduates of the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program, along with a wide attendance from institutions and companies operating in the dental and modern medical technology sectors.

Dr. Jaradat emphasized that the conference served as a leading scientific platform, highlighting the latest global developments in Aesthetic dentistry and the applications of artificial intelligence in diagnosis, treatment, and digital planning. It also showcased the latest equipment and technologies that contribute to enhancing the quality of medical services and improving patient outcomes.

He stated that the conference included a series of specialized scientific lectures, as well as an exhibition of medical companies and institutions. The exhibition provided an opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and equipment used in modern dentistry, particularly those related to digital solutions and artificial intelligence, which have become an essential part of the future of the profession.

Dr. Jaradat expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the conference, praising the support of the Arab American University administration and its unwavering commitment to the Faculty of Dentistry in ensuring the success of this annual scientific event. He emphasized the Faculty's dedication to continuing to organize the conference in the coming years with new scientific themes that keep pace with the rapid global advancements in dentistry and medical technology.

He noted that the conference embodies the Faculty of Dentistry's vision of being an advanced scientific platform that combines academic knowledge with modern technology. He explained that the Faculty has adopted a comprehensive digital transformation plan in recent years, which included implementing integrated electronic systems for archiving, managing patient cases, and administering academic examinations. This plan also included the establishment of a digital lab, the first of its kind among Palestinian universities, which has enhanced the educational and training environment for students and contributed to developing their practical and research skills.

Dr. Jaradat said that the second day of the conference witnessed outstanding scientific participation from students and graduates of the Doctor of Dental Surgery program. They presented a range of research papers and scientific abstracts in collaboration with faculty members, reflecting the advanced academic and research level of the students and graduates. This also underscored the faculty's commitment to supporting scientific research and encouraging student participation in conferences and various academic activities.

He added that the scientific sessions provided an important interactive platform for presenting and discussing research findings with leading specialists and academics. This contributed to fostering the exchange of expertise and knowledge across various dental specialties, particularly in areas related to modern technologies and digital innovations.

The graduates of the program were represented by Dr. Amin Ghanem, Dr. Zayed Zayed, and Dr. Abeer Abu Al-Wafa, while the fifth-year students in the Doctor of Dental Surgery program were represented by student Fatima Qtait, student Naeem Shehadeh, and student Michel Abu Daoud, who presented lectures that dealt with joint research work with a number of faculty members, namely Professor Nizar Watad, Dr. Naji Al-Arandi, Dr. Mahmoud Mdallal, and Dr. Mohammad Jaradat.

Dr. Abeer Abu Al-Wafa, a graduate of the Faculty of Dentistry at the Arab American University, presented a study titled “The Passion of Dental Scientific Research: Harmonizing the Aesthetic Axis and Surgical Excellence in Complex Dysgnathia,” under the supervision of Professor Nizar Watad. The study addressed the importance of scientific research in developing treatments for complex jaw deformities, focusing on achieving a balance between aesthetic and functional outcomes through the integration of various medical specialties and modern techniques used in treatment and surgery.

Dr. Sofia Sansour, who holds a Master's degree in Non-Surgical Aesthetics, presented a study titled “Ultrasound-Guided Lip Filler Techniques.” In her presentation, she reviewed lip filler injection techniques using ultrasound guidance, emphasizing the importance of this technique in improving injection accuracy, increasing safety, and reducing potential complications by directly identifying anatomical structures and blood vessels during the procedure.

Dr. Zayed Zayed, a graduate of the Faculty of Dentistry at the Arab American University, presented a study titled “Stem cell-based therapies vs. conventional bone grafting for alveolar cleft repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” The study, supervised by Dr. Mahmoud Mdallal, Assistant Professor of Implant Dentistry and Periodontology, compared stem cell-based therapies with conventional bone grafting for alveolar cleft repair. The systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of both methods in promoting bone formation and improving functional and aesthetic outcomes for patients.

In another aspect, Fatima Qutait, a fifth-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) student, presented a study titled “Self-perception of dental aesthetics and social media influence among students at a Palestinian dental school.” Supervised by Dr. Naji Arandi, the study explored the impact of social media on dental students' perception of their teeth and smiles. It examined how images and aesthetic standards disseminated through digital platforms contribute to shaping satisfaction with dental appearance and increasing the desire for Aesthetic treatments.

Dr. Amin Ghanem, a graduate of the Arab American University, presented a study titled “Aesthetic and Functional Evolution in the Management of Skeletal Class II Deformities: A Multidisciplinary Approach,” supervised by Professor Nizar Watad. The study reviewed the latest advancements in treating skeletal Class II deformities, focusing on integrating orthodontics, surgery, and cosmetic treatments to achieve better functional and aesthetic outcomes and improve the patient's facial appearance and smile.

Naeem Shehadeh and Michel Abu Daoud, fifth-year students in the Doctor of Dental Surgery program, presented a study titled “A Comparative Evaluation of AI-Based versus Manual Cephalometric Analysis Techniques in Orthodontic Practice,” supervised by Dr. Mohammad Jaradat. This study aimed to compare the results of analyzing lateral cephalometric radiographs using traditional manual methods and AI-based analysis software.

The study results indicated discrepancies between different methods in most linear readings and measured angles. Researchers concluded that AI-based radiography image analysis systems still require further development to achieve the level of accuracy offered by traditional manual analysis methods across most measured parameters. 

Dr. Jaradat concluded by emphasizing that the Faculty of Dentistry at the Arab American University continues to develop its academic and research programs and enhances its scientific presence at both the local and international levels. This aligns with the rapid global advancements in digital dentistry and artificial intelligence, contributing to the preparation of medical professionals capable of meeting future demands and providing advanced healthcare services according to the highest scientific and professional standards.