As the landscape of health care adjusts to rapidly evolving technologies, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry is taking its own steps to address these opportunities by creating the college’s first Director of Digital Clinics.
Dr. Salah Abuhammoud, an assistant professor in the department of prosthodontics, was officially named the Director of Digital Clinics in September, tasked with overseeing the integration and management of digital dentistry activities within the college.
Digital dentistry is a broad term for the use of more advanced technology in dental practices with the goal of better diagnostic accuracy, streamlined workflows, and improved patient outcomes. These tools range from intraoral scanners, cone-beam tomography, CAD/CAM systems and more.
Abuhammoud has kept an eye on these evolutions for nearly a decade, so it has seemingly only been a matter of time for him to step into a bigger role.
“It all started during my prosthodontics residency here at Iowa in 2015,” says Abuhammoud, “I witnessed the progress of implementing technologies within the dental school and saw how they impacted both preclinical and clinical courses.”
Abuhammoud earned his DDS degree from the University of Jordan in 2011 before coming to the United States and obtaining a certificate in prosthodontics and a master’s degree in Oral Science at the University of Iowa. He then became a board-certified prosthodontist and fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists in 2019.
“Dr. Abuhammoud is a rising star within the college, and his keen ability in being able to identify and implement new technologies for our students and patients is why he is the ideal member of our faculty to step into this new role,” says UI College of Dentistry Dean Clark Stanford, “I am proud and impressed to see his growth at the college and his efforts in this new role will greatly impact the education of our students as well as care of patients.”
Abuhammoud, who in May was named one of four faculty members of the year by second-year dental students, currently leads the Fixed Partial Denture and Dental Implants courses for preclinical students, which are among the most extensive courses in the preclinical curriculum.
“I successfully integrated digital dentistry into both courses and college administration created this position to address the growing importance of digital technologies in dental education and patient care,” says Abuhammoud.
The Director of Digital Clinics works closely with departments within the college to develop positive patient experiences and using these innovative tools, will be able to provide immersive, hands-on experiences for them.
While faculty members are always thinking ahead for new, innovative approaches in dentistry, having a designated position that continuously thinks about modernizing dental education allows for more partnerships and faster inclusion of new technologies.
“This role is crucial for modernizing dental education and ensuring the school stays competitive and efficient,” says Abuhammoud, “This position facilitates partnership with leading technology companies and academic institutions, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovations and continuous learning.”
For students, this means there will be a deeper emphasis on the use of digital tools, ensuring they are proficient in the latest technologies for patient care, therefore patients at the college will receive better care.
“Digital dentistry enhances the patient experience, provides accurate outcomes in a faster and more convenient way” added Abuhammoud.