International group recognises Auckland Dentist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

International organisation recognises Auckland Dentist as top dentist.

The World Congress of Minimally-Invasive Dentistry awards Dr Abdalla for Lifetime Contribution to the organisation and spreading the philosophy worldwide.

5 October 2007 - Auckland dentist, Dr Hisham Abdalla, one of New Zealand’s leaders in Minimally-Invasive Dentistry and advanced Laser Dentistry, has been awarded Diplomate status, Lifetime Contribution award and inducted to the Directors’ Board of the organisation. The World Congress of Minimally-Invasive Dentistry (WCMID) awards and honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the art and science of Minimally-Invasive Dentistry. Criteria for receiving such status include using breakthrough technologies, preventative measures and restorative treatments that help retain the maximum possible original tooth, gum and bone structures in the most comfortable and long-lasting manner for the patients. The Diplomate is also judged on their ability to present, teach and publish on these subjects to fellow colleagues, helping enhance the quality of dentistry provided worldwide.

“I am humbled to receive recognition for doing what I’m passionate about; providing people who entrust me with their health the most advanced treatments possible, helping them achieve their oral health goals and teaching these scientific and philosophy breakthroughs to fellow colleagues. My vision is to eliminate fear of the dentist. Eliminating tooth decay (and its costly consequences) from my community within the next ten years is another strong goal,” said Abdalla.

Dr Abdalla is the youngest member of the WCMID and the fastest to achieve all the levels of hierarchy in the organisation: Fellowship, Diplomate, Lifetime member award and Directors’ Board member. Dr Abdalla is a well-recognised leader in Minimally-Invasive and Laser Dentistry in New Zealand, Australia and now the USA. He lectures regularly all over Australasia and publishes articles in dental journals in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. He represented New Zealand dentists as the finalist for Young Lecturer of the Year Award at the prestigious Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in Sydney in September 2006. He is the founder of and main instructor at the Laser Lifecare Institute in Auckland CBD. The Institute has already achieved international support with dentists and dental students coming from the UK, USA, Australia and around New Zealand to learn about lasers and other technological revolutions in dentistry. It is also associating with the University of Queensland in certifying dentists and hygienists in the safe use of lasers.

Dr Abdalla has recently returned from the annual conference of the WCMID in San Diego, USA. Founded in 1999, the WCMID’s purpose is to educate and encourage the practice of Minimally-Invasive Dentistry, also known as micro-dentistry. Membership in the WCMID includes dentists from more than 13 countries worldwide and has achieved a milestone by enhancing the curriculum of 40 prestigious dental universities in the USA to teach MID to dental students, hence improving the standard of care in dentistry. Annual conferences have been held in New York, Australia, Washington, San Francisco, San Diego and Canada. Next year, the conference will be held in Chicago.

About Dr Hisham Abdalla:
Hisham is an international citizen who chose New Zealand to be home. He was born in North Africa, grew up in Asia, graduated with honours from a medical/dental school in Central Europe and continues his advanced education in the USA and Australia. He lives with his Czech wife and New Zealand-born daughter in Auckland CBD and is an active advocate of integration of all the health sciences for the holistic benefit of individuals. His highest values are knowledge (acquired and shared), trust and service.

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