Every research journey begins with a question. For Muhammad Bilal, a final-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student at the Institute of Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS), that question centered on one of the world's most important yet under-discussed public health issues—human papillomavirus (HPV) and the level of awareness surrounding it among Pakistan's future dentists.
That question ultimately took him from his hometown of Digri to Jamshoro, and eventually to Dentalnnovate 3.0 at Expo Centre Karachi, where he represented LUMHS in the Free Paper Presentation competition, becoming the only undergraduate participant in the category and the university's sole representative in the event.
Rather than focusing solely on academic recognition, Bilal's presentation placed attention on a growing public health concern that intersects with dentistry, preventive medicine and oral cancer awareness.
Research examines HPV awareness among future dentists
Bilal presented research titled "Awareness and Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus and HPV Vaccination Among Dental Students in Pakistan."
The study explored how well dental students understand HPV infection, HPV vaccination and the virus's association with oropharyngeal cancer, a disease increasingly linked to persistent HPV infection.
According to the research, while awareness of HPV itself was generally encouraging, important knowledge gaps remained regarding HPV vaccination, including its availability, recommendations, preventive benefits and role in reducing HPV-related diseases.
The findings also suggested that awareness of HPV as a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer was considerably higher than awareness of vaccination, highlighting an important educational opportunity for future healthcare professionals.
Why HPV matters in dentistry
Although HPV is commonly associated with cervical cancer, growing scientific evidence has established its role in several head and neck cancers, particularly oropharyngeal cancer.
Dentists are often among the first healthcare professionals to examine the oral cavity and may encounter suspicious lesions during routine clinical examinations.
Improving knowledge about HPV and vaccination among dental professionals could strengthen patient education, encourage preventive healthcare conversations and contribute to earlier recognition of potentially serious disease.
Bilal's research therefore extends beyond academia, contributing to an important discussion about preventive oral healthcare and the evolving responsibilities of dental practitioners.
A collaborative research effort
The study was conducted in collaboration with co-authors Sadaf, Mahnoor, Sejal and Maryam, reflecting the collaborative nature of undergraduate scientific research.
The project was supervised by Dr Ram Parshad, whose guidance supported the research team throughout the study and its presentation.
Bilal also acknowledged the mentorship and academic support of Prof Dr Sana Mirza, Dr Rabia Anis, Dr Jazib Memon and Dr Anusha Qureshi, whose encouragement contributed to his development as a student researcher.
Building a research culture
Bilal's participation also reflects the growing emphasis on undergraduate research at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, where students are increasingly encouraged to engage with evidence-based inquiry alongside clinical education.
He has authored or co-authored eight research publications spanning oral health behaviour, energy drink consumption, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, salivary transmission of cariogenic bacteria and other public health topics.
The submission also credits the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ikram Din Ujjan, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof Dr Feroze Ali Kalhoro, and Campus Administrator Dr Salman Shams Memon for fostering an academic environment that supports student research and national representation.
More than a presentation
For Bilal, Dentalnnovate 3.0 represented more than an opportunity to present scientific findings.
It reflected years of learning research methodology, designing studies, analysing data, responding to peer review and refining scientific communication.
His journey illustrates how undergraduate research can extend beyond the classroom to address real-world public health challenges and contribute to evidence-based dentistry.
As Pakistan's dental institutions continue encouraging research and innovation among students, such work demonstrates how young researchers can contribute meaningfully to conversations that shape the future of oral healthcare.
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