ISLAMABAD: Four third-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students from Hamdard University Dental Hospital have secured second position in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition at the 9th Annual Conference of the Pakistan Association for Dental Research (IADR Pakistan Section) and 1st SOD-SZABMU International Dental Conference 2026.
The conference was held at the Pak-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad, providing a platform for dental students, researchers and academics to present research and exchange scientific knowledge.
The achievement adds to Hamdard University’s broader research presence at the conference, where nine research abstracts from the university were accepted for presentation.
Four BDS students secure second position
Nimra Shah, Umer Farooq, Mirwise Kakar and Emad Mustafa won second position in the undergraduate poster competition with their research titled:
“Awareness of Dental Erosion Caused by Common Beverages Among Medical and Non-Medical Professionals Across Different Educational Levels.”
The study focused on awareness of dental erosion among medical and non-medical professionals across different educational backgrounds, with particular attention to the potential effects associated with commonly consumed beverages.
The recognition gave the third-year BDS students an opportunity to showcase their research at a major dental research conference while highlighting the role of undergraduate research in dental education.
Nine Hamdard abstracts accepted
The poster award was part of a wider showing by Hamdard University at the conference.
A total of nine research abstracts from Hamdard University were accepted for presentation, reflecting the institution’s growing participation in dental research and providing multiple students and researchers with an opportunity to present their work before an academic audience.
For undergraduate dental students, participation in scientific conferences can provide valuable exposure to research methodology, academic presentation and discussion of evidence-based findings with peers and researchers.
Postgraduate research adds to conference participation
Hamdard University’s presence also extended to the postgraduate level, with Dr. Fariha Irfan representing the university as a presenter.
Her participation alongside the undergraduate researchers reflected the university’s involvement in dental research across different stages of academic training.
The combination of undergraduate research presentations and postgraduate representation gave Hamdard University a broader presence at the Islamabad conference.
Faculty mentorship supports research achievement
The students conducted their research under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Saima Asim, Dr. Shikoh Naz and Dr. Anita Zahid.
Their mentorship and continued encouragement were credited with supporting the students in developing their research skills and participating in academic and scientific platforms.
The achievement also highlights the importance of faculty guidance in helping undergraduate dental students translate research projects into scientific presentations and compete at national and international academic forums.
University leadership backs research culture
Hamdard University Dental Hospital also acknowledged the continued support of Principal Prof. Syed Imran Hasan, Dean Dr. Raza Ur Rehman and Vice Chancellor Imran Amin for encouraging research and academic excellence.
The institution said their support has helped create opportunities for students and faculty to participate in research and gain recognition at national and international platforms.
The results at the SOD-PADR Conference 2026 therefore extend beyond the second-place finish. With nine accepted abstracts, four third-year BDS students securing second position in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition, and postgraduate representation, Hamdard University demonstrated a significant research presence at the conference.
The achievement also reinforces the growing emphasis on research within dental education, giving students opportunities to develop scientific skills alongside their clinical training and contribute to research addressing issues relevant to oral health.
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