Doctorate for Pretoria Orthodontist

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Egyptian-born Dr Emad Ghabrial, a senior lecturer in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Pretoria, graduated with a PhD in Health Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s virtual Graduation. His study focused on the educational needs and services available in the management of cleft lip/palate and craniofacial anomalies (CLP/CFA) in South Africa.

The novel study is the first major study in South Africa to examine the scope and need for dedicated academic programmes in the four core disciplines involved in CLP/CFA care.

Ghabrial’s study aimed to draw special attention to the need of dedicated academic programmes in the treatment of cleft lip/palate and craniofacial anomalies. The study explored the opinion of the maxillofacial and oral surgeons, plastic surgeons, orthodontists, and speech therapists’ academic training and services as part of a multidisciplinary team that manages patients with CLP/CFA. Ghabrial recommended the introduction of dedicated sub-specialty training and online education in this field.

Aside from his lecturing duties, Ghabrial, who holds a medical degree in orthodontics, serves as an academic at UP and manages his own private practice, yet was able to complete his doctorate in 36 months and publish two research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals, with a further two under review as well as present at international and local congresses.

‘From the knowledge I gained through this PhD study, I am currently developing the world’s first fully online Postgraduate Diploma in Craniofacial Orthodontics (PGDip CF Orthod), collaborating with the Comprehensive Online Education Services (COES) of the University of Pretoria,’ he said.

‘I am grateful to my supervisor, Professor Kurt Bütow, a Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon, who is internationally renowned for expertise in the clefts and craniofacial anomalies field. He allowed me to serve in the CLP/CFA Pretoria academic multidisciplinary team, diligently supervised my work and supported me throughout the project and my career,’ said Ghabrial.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Supplied