A periodontal education research project from the Institute of Dentistry at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, has gained international recognition at the 19th International Medical Education Conference (IMEC 2026) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, highlighting the university's academic engagement with simulation-based learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation in dental education.
Representing LUMHS at the international conference, Dr Mansoor Ahmed Channa, Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontology, presented the research titled “Bridging Surgical Skills and Digital Readiness: A Simulation-Based and AI-Integrated Educational Intervention in Periodontology.” His presentation received an Oral Presentation Recognition.
The research explored a resource-conscious educational model that brings together simulation-based surgical training and critical AI literacy, addressing two increasingly important dimensions of contemporary periodontal education: developing practical surgical skills and preparing dental trainees to navigate an evolving digital landscape.
By integrating these complementary approaches, the educational intervention sought to strengthen trainees' self-perceived clinical competence and digital readiness in periodontology. Its approach reflects the growing importance of preparing future dental professionals not only to develop clinical skills but also to understand and critically engage with emerging technologies that are reshaping healthcare education and practice.
The research was co-authored by Dr Ashique Hussain Sahito, Dr Azizullah Qureshi, Dr Vikram Pal and Dr Rabia Anis, reflecting collaborative academic work and the growing research focus of LUMHS Dentistry on simulation, digital dentistry, educational innovation and contemporary periodontal training.
The presentation also resonated with the broader academic focus of IMEC 2026, whose theme, “Educators Redefined: Design Learning, Drive Changes, and Deliver Impact,” addressed evolving approaches to health professions education. The conference included a focus on innovations in teaching and learning, technology-enhanced education and artificial intelligence, providing an international platform for academic exchange on the future of healthcare education.
The international representation was made possible through the continued vision, encouragement and institutional support of LUMHS Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ikram Din Ujjan and Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Dr. Ferze Ali Kalhoro. Their leadership continues to promote academic excellence, research, innovation and international engagement within the university's dental education programmes.
The recognition at Malaysia's IMEC 2026 further enhances the international academic visibility of the Department of Periodontology and the Institute of Dentistry at LUMHS. It also highlights the institution's commitment to exploring innovative, context-relevant approaches that connect clinical skills development with the changing demands of modern dental education.
As simulation-based learning and artificial intelligence become increasingly relevant to the future of dentistry, the LUMHS presentation brings attention to an important priority for dental institutions: preparing graduates who are clinically confident, digitally aware and equipped to engage with emerging technologies responsibly.
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