Dr. Ahmed Elsayyad is pursuing a Master’s in Craniofacial Science with a diploma in prosthodontics. His research is being supervised by Dr. Mohamed Gebril.
What got you interested in prosthodontics?
I received my dentistry degree in Egypt and fell in love with prosthodontics early on. I feel this specialty truly changes lives. Sometimes, patients lose their teeth and don’t smile—a prosthodontist can improve this and give them newfound confidence.
What inspired you to join UBC Dentistry?
I completed my Master’s in Prosthodontics in Egypt and decided I wanted to live abroad in Canada. I had to get recertified in North America to do this, so I enrolled in the Master’s program at UBC Dentistry. I knew that UBC had one of the most prestigious prosthodontics specialty programs in Canada, and I was drawn to the program because of its strong digital dentistry component.
Research is an important component of your Master’s specialty. What is your research focused on?
My research is looking at digital dentistry and prosthodontics. Specifically, I’m using a digital scan to record the mouth and create digital implant impressions. The scanner is essentially a small camera that goes inside the patient’s mouth and is optimized, aided by a novel scanning tool, for patients with full arch implants—in other words, patients who don’t have any teeth and have a bridge to support their entire jaw.
What is the goal of this research?
The goal is to reduce time in the chair for the patient, and to make them more comfortable. Traditionally, implants require putty material, which can be uncomfortable. Using this digital technology will reduce the number of visits required, saving time for both the patient and the prosthodontist.
Why are you interested in digital dentistry?
The field of digital dentistry is rapidly advancing. The progress we’ve made in just the last five years is astounding. I like this area because it moves quickly and profoundly impacts the dental profession.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I really enjoy clinical practice and academics, so I hope to continue doing both! It feels like the best of both worlds.
What are you most proud of during your graduate studies journey so far?
The American College of Prosthodontists has a prestigious grant that is awarded to five students every year. North America has over 47 prosthodontics programs, so the competition is stiff. I was very proud to receive this grant last year to use for my research project!