Professor Dr Hasnain Sakrani, Principal of the Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM), Karachi, has been inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Dentists (FACD), receiving an international professional distinction at the organisation’s convocation ceremony in Santa Barbara, California.
Commenting on the distinction, Dr Hasnain Sakrani said he was honoured to be inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. His recognition places a spotlight on his work in orthodontics and dental education, as well as the role Pakistani dental academics play in the wider international dental community.
The American College of Dentists (ACD), established in 1920, is a professional honorary organisation whose Fellowship recognises dentists for leadership, professional achievement and contributions to dentistry and society.
Professor Dr Hasnain Sakrani's professional qualifications include a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (FCPS) in Orthodontics. His clinical and academic work is centred on orthodontics, a specialty concerned with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of irregularities in tooth alignment and jaw relationships.
His leadership role places him at the intersection of clinical dentistry, undergraduate and postgraduate education, faculty development and the preparation of future dental professionals.
Beyond his institutional responsibilities, Dr Sakrani also serves as the Board Memmber of the Asia Pacific Implant Society.
What does Fellowship of the American College of Dentists mean?
The FACD designation is a professional distinction, not simply a certificate of attendance at an international conference.
The American College of Dentists describes Fellowship as recognition of leadership and meritorious achievement in dentistry. Its selection process evaluates professional and community leadership, contributions, professional conduct and credentials through a confidential peer-review system.
The College’s stated areas of recognition include organised dentistry, oral healthcare, dental research, dental education, the dental profession and society. Its mission is to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism and leadership in oral healthcare.
The College also emphasises that induction represents an ongoing professional responsibility. Fellows are expected to uphold its principles, continue contributing to organised dentistry and their communities, pursue professional improvement and support the development of future Fellows.
Founded in 1920, the American College of Dentists has a long-standing focus on professional standards and ethical conduct. Its historical objectives include elevating the standards of dentistry, encouraging postgraduate study and recognising meritorious professional work.
For dental professionals, therefore, Fellowship represents recognition within an organisation that places particular emphasis on leadership, integrity and service to the profession.
Santa Barbara convocation brings together dental professionals
The 2026 American College of Dentists Annual Meeting and Convocation was scheduled for October 23–24 at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort in Santa Barbara, California. The College identified the convocation as the occasion to welcome its newest Fellows.
The Fellowship candidates undergo a formal nomination and review process. Successful candidates demonstrate leadership in dentistry or public service, with their professional contributions and credentials assessed through peer review.
The distinction should be understood within that institutional framework rather than as a general award presented to all attendees or participants in the convocation.
Significance for Pakistani dental education
Dr Sakrani’s induction offers an opportunity to recognise the work of Pakistani dental academics who contribute to clinical practice, professional development and the education of future dentists.
Dental institutions play an important role in maintaining professional standards by combining sound clinical training with evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making and continuing education. Academic leaders also help shape learning environments, support faculty development and encourage students to develop the skills required for responsible patient care.
At AIDM, Dr Sakrani’s responsibilities as Principal and Professor of Orthodontics place him within this educational framework. His induction as an FACD Fellow adds an international professional distinction to that institutional role.
The recognition also provides a timely reminder that dentistry extends beyond technical clinical competence. Professional leadership, ethical conduct, education, research and service to society are all recognised as important dimensions of the profession.
His induction is also an occasion for Pakistan’s dental community to celebrate the achievements of its educators and practitioners while continuing to strengthen professional collaboration, research and high standards of oral healthcare.
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