Zayed University (ZU) has signed an MoU with Appolonia World for Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, one of the most significant dental centers in the middle east that are specialized in children and teens, for research collaboration activities that aim to improve the oral and dental health of children and to provide students with work experience in a structured environment.

The ceremony was held at the Zayed University Abu Dhabi campus in the presence of the University Provost & Chief Academic Officer, Prof. Clayton MacKenzie, Dr. Fares Howari, Dean, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Dr. Yaser Haj Hamed, Appolonia Founder & Orthodontist, Prof. Waleed Al Saadi, Consultant Pediatric Dentist & Medical Director of Appolonia group, and a notable presence formed of dentists and people who are genuinely interested in research, health, and dentistry.

Commenting on the collaboration, Professor MacKenzie, said: “The two institutions possess technical expertise and capabilities that will undoubtedly contribute to positive outcomes of this cooperation, particularly in the areas of training and academic research, which will bring mutual benefits to students, researchers and the community.”

“This collaboration will grant us access to a local clinical and oral health information database,” said Dr. Howari. “Appolonia Pediatric Dental Centers have done many surveys on the social, and psychological determinants of oral health.” He further added, “Our partners will run other surveys for us at no cost using their resources. We also planned to organize joint-awareness campaigns to reach out to schools which could eventually help in recruiting potential students to ZU. Moreover, this partnership grants some of our students’ internship opportunities with Appolonia Advanced Pediatric Dental Center in the near future.”

Dr. Yaser Haj Hamed, the CEO and the founder of Appolonia World of pediatric dentistry, pointed out that Zayed University is the beacon of science and knowledge, bringing considerable advantages to the region and the world with highly qualified and competent graduates. This MoU is a scientific and professional step forward in dentistry. This cooperation will have a very significant impact on our institution, whereby we will be able to benefit from Zayed University’s scientific resources and considerable expertise in scientific and educational research.

Dr. Yasser affirmed that after the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of cooperation and scientific research was acknowledged. Especially between the government and qualified private sector institutions with scientific expertise and practical professional capabilities. He added, “Advanced countries adopted research and studies a long time ago, and that helped them develop scientifically and contributed to their economic and intellectual growth.

The CEO and the founding member of Appolonia World illustrated that the Appolonia group for Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry has an elite group of pediatric dentists, orthodontists, and specialists holding Master’s and Ph.D. degrees from significant world universities. In addition, Appolonia clinics utilize artificial intelligence in their clinics, equipped with the most advanced and modern technologies making them eligible for such collaboration in scientific and academic research.