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A research study to be conducted by Dr Mai A. A-Habib, a KAU researcher at Boston University, USA, has won the highest financial support ever granted to a doctoral student by the American Association of Endodontics (AAE), based in Chicago, Illinois.
The study will investigate the use of stem cells in treating dental and other chronic diseases.
Dr Jeffrey W. Hutter, Dean of Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University, said he was confident that Dr Al-Habib's research would be a huge success.
He also confirmed Boston University's full support to Dr Al-Habib's project for being of great significance to endodontic specialists and other dental professionals worldwide.
"Despite the fact that Dr Al-Habib doesn't have a long scientific research experience, but she is remarkably progressing in that area", said Prof George Huang, Head Department of Endodontics at Boston University.
Describing her as a skilled, intelligent and hardworking person with high self-motivation for learning and scientific research, he also stressed that she had a bright future as an endodontic specialist and was qualified enough to excel in the production of yet to come scientific research projects.
According to Dr Al-Habib, of the Faculty of Dentistry, there are two types of stem cells; embryonic and adult stem cells.
"Stem cells are distinguished by their capability to self-renew themselves indefinitely and to form new tissues of the heart, bones and the nervous system", she said.
"Embryonic stem cells are obtainable from embryos, while adult stem cells are found in the bone marrow, the umbilical cord and the teeth of both children and adults", she added.
"Stem cells are also known for their important role in treating a number of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and leukemia", she also mentioned.
"In addition to treating teeth, stem cells can also be used to restore the tissues of the skin, liver and kidneys", she also added.
"The new technique will revolutionize the dental treatment, as new endodontic treatment methods will replace the conventional ones", she revealed.
"The time of throwing away extracted wisdom and children teeth has gone for ever, as they will be kept to be used later for treating teeth and other chronic diseases", she further added.
*Released by Dr Haytham A. Zakai, Acting Supervisor General of Media.
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