“Bridging Science and Practice: A Journey Through Modern Oral Science and Diagnostics" Highlights Advances in Scientific Diagnostics in Oral MedicineIrbid – As part of its efforts to enhance continuing medical education and clinical skill development, the Faculty of Dentistry at Jordan University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Irbid branch of the Jordanian Dental Association, organized a specialized scientific seminar titled: “Bridging Science and Practice: A Journey Through Modern Oral Science and Diagnostics," on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. The seminar featured a distinguished group of academics and specialists in oral medicine, pathology, and diagnostic imaging.

The seminar was moderated by Prof. Azmi Darwazeh, Full Professor of Oral Medicine at the Faculty of Dentistry. Prof. Darwazeh opened the seminar with an introductory lecture on the importance of oral medicine, emphasizing the need to integrate diagnostic sciences with oral medicine to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

The scientific presentations in the seminar included:

- “Cell Death Mechanism in Oral Lichen Planus," presented by Dr. Suhaib Alqudah, an Oral Medicine Specialist with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry from the University of Melbourne and a PhD in Oral Lichen Planus. The presentation explored the interplay between apoptosis and inflammation in OLP, highlighting clinical and laboratory findings that may open new avenues for treatment.

- “Prevalence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma," presented by Dr. Sara Albastoni, Oral/ENT Pathologist, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Dentistry – JUST, Fellow of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, andDual- Certified American and Jordanian Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. The study reviewed the role of p16 as an immunohistochemical marker compared to in situ  hybridization techniques in detecting HPV in oral cancer.

Findings showed a low prevalence of the virus in oral cancer and that p16 is not a surrogate marker for the presence of HPV in oral cancer as in cases of oropharyngeal cancer.

- “Imaging-Based Diagnostic Approach for Vascular Anomalies in the Oral and Maxillofacial Region," presented by Dr. Walaa Hammad, Lecturer in the Department of Oral Medicine and Surgery, with a PhD in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology from Okayama University – Japan. The presentation showcased a diagnostic framework utilizing advanced imaging techniques (CT, MRI, DCE-MRI), contributing to the accurate identification of vascular anomalies and avoiding unnecessary surgical interventions.

At the end of the seminar, the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Rola Al-Habashneh, commended the importance of such scientific gatherings in reinforcing the connection between academic institutions and clinical practice, developing medical professionals' skills, and improving the quality of healthcare in Jordan and the wider region.

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