Overview
Background
Dr Sobia Zafar is a specialist paediatric dentist, clinical senior lecturer and the discipline lead in paediatric dentistry at The University of Queensland. She also holds an affiliated position of Senior Research Fellow at the Child Health Research Centre. She is the current president of the Australia and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry (ANZSPD) Qld section and the councillor for the International Association of Dental Research (IADR) ANZ for Brisbane section.
Sobia completed her DClinDent and PhD from the University of Otago, New Zealand. Her research and clinical interests are in dental education, digital dentistry, and children's oral health, including those with special needs. She is frequently an invited speaker nationally and internationally on these subjects. Sobia has over 100 publications, comprising full journal papers, a book chapter and published abstracts, in national and international high-quality peer-reviewed journals. Sobia has successfully supervised 40 Honours research students, five HDR (PhD and MPhil) and two DClinDent students to completion. Sobia was the winner of the "Best Research Supervisor Award" for Higher Degree Research students in 2022 and also in 2023.
She is a passionate teacher involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at UQ and in the wider dental profession in Australia and overseas. She has also conducted multiple hands-on courses locally and overseas for the Australian Dental Association Qld branch. Sobia has received numerous teaching awards and fellowships in recognition of her contributions, including from UQ the HABS Commendation for Substantive Contributions to Student Learning (2020), HABS Programs that Enhance Learning (APEL) Commendation (2021), HABS Commendation for Substantive Contributions to Student Learning Award (2022), and a UQ Teaching Excellence Award for APEL Commendation (2022). In 2022, she gained a Fellowship from the Faculty of Dental Trainers of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, UK, as peer recognition for her accomplishments in dental education. She has recently received the Excellence in Health Professional Education Award from the Australian and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators (ANZAHPE) and Flinders University (2023).
Sobia is a highly recognised and respected community leader. Sobia is involved with various dental charities, including the Australian Dental Health Foundation, the Esesson Foundation, and the Turbans4Australia, to provide emergency and essential dental care to underprivileged children (refugees, asylum seekers, those with special needs, and from disadvantaged communities) in the Brisbane and Gold Coast regions. Her efforts as a community leader and leading health professional have been recognised with awards within UQ (the 2022 LeadHers Rise Community Award) and at the national level (the 2022 Appreciation Award from Turbans4Australia). As recognition from her dental peers, she was granted a Fellowship of the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Availability
- Dr Sobia Zafar is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Qualifications
- Higher Education Academy, Higher Education Academy
- International College of Dentists, International College of Dentists
- Member, Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
Research impacts
Awards
- 2023 Queensland Young Tall Poppy Science Award Finalist - Outstanding early career researchers
- 2023 Best Rsearch Supervisor Award - Winner - UQ SoD Research Day
- 2023 Excellence in Health Professional Education Award - The Flinders University - ANZAHPE
- 2022 HABS Commendation for Substantive Contributions to Student Learning Award (Early Career Researcher),The University of Queensland
- 2022 LeadHers Community Leadership Award, The University of Queensland
- 2022 Appreciation Award for Community Work, Turbans4Australia, Green and Gold Charity, Australia
- 2022 UQ Techaing Excellence Award for Programs that Enhance Learning Commendation, The University of Queensland
- 2022 Best Research Supervisor Award, UQ School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland
- 2021 HABS Award for Programs that Enhance Learning Commendation, The University of Queensland
- 2020 HABS Commendation for Substantive Contributions to Student Learning Award, The University of Queensland
- 2015 Awarded Best student presenter prize at Annual Research Day, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, New Zealand
- 2015 Winner IADR NZ division Travel Award, University of Otago, New Zealand
- 2014 University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship, New Zealand
- 2013 University of Otago Departmental Scholarship, New Zealand
- 2012 Awarded Runner up Colgate senior category IADR ANZ Division, University of Otago, New Zealand
- 2012 Awarded Best student presenter prize at Annual Research Day, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, New Zealand
- 2011 University of Otago Departmental Scholarship, New Zealand
- 2010 University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship, New Zealand
- 2007 Awarded Best Junior Researcher prize, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- 2001 Gold Medal in Oral Pathology (National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan)
- 2001 Distinction in Oral Pathology (National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan)
- 2000 Gold Medal in Oral Medicine & Periodontology (National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan)
- 1999 Gold Medal in Dental Anatomy, Histology &Tooth Morphology (National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan)
Professional Memberships
- 2020 - present The Australian Collaborative Education Network Limited (ACEN)
- 2020- present International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT)
- 2020- present The Australian Collaborative Education Network Limited (ACEN)
- 2016- present Australian Dental Association (ADA)
- 2015- present Australia & New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry (ANZSPD)
- 2012- present International Association of Dental Research (IADR)
Media
- 2022 - UQ News - Link: https://tinyurl.com/28mu7cxn
- 2022 - Bite Magazine - Link: https://www.bitemagazine.com.au/virtual-teaching-at-australian-uni-improves-dental-reality/
- 2022 - Australian Muslim Achievement Awards - Finalists and Winners - Mission of Hope, Australia - Link: https://missionofhope.org.au/amaa-2022-finalists-and-winners/
- 2020 - Dental Mirror - ADAQ Spring Issue - https://adaq.informz.net/adaq/data/images/Dental%20Mirror/ADAQ_Mirror_Sep2020_web-compressed.pdf
- 2019 - Dental Mirror - ADAQ December issue Link: https://indd.adobe.com/view/5d9fb8f1-c605-4ddd-a710-6b6eac77046d
Works
Search Professor Sobia Zafar’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of dental students at an Australian school
Akhtar, S., Tissainayagam, J., Lo, J., Siddiqi, A. and Zafar, S. (2024). The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of dental students at an Australian school. Australian dental journal, 1-8. doi: 10.1111/adj.13029
2024
Journal Article
Investigating the development of peer-led asynchronous digitally mediated feedback in higher education: three case studies
Stahl, Garth, Oberg, Glenys, Fairbairn, Kirsten, McLay, Kate, Noble, Christy, Sale, Martin, Mandrusiak, Allison, MacMahon, Stephanie, Findlay, Wendy and Zafar, Sobia (2024). Investigating the development of peer-led asynchronous digitally mediated feedback in higher education: three case studies. Reflective Practice, 1-22. doi: 10.1080/14623943.2024.2372882
2024
Journal Article
qPCR assay optimisation for a clinical study comparing oral health risk in Rett syndrome
Lai, Y. Y. L., Downs, J., Leishman, S., Leonard, H. M., Walsh, L. J. and Zafar, S. (2024). qPCR assay optimisation for a clinical study comparing oral health risk in Rett syndrome. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry, 25 (4), 1-14. doi: 10.1007/s40368-024-00912-8
2024
Journal Article
Factors influencing treatment decisions in permanent mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis: a questionnaire-based study
Alfaisal, Y., Idris, G., Peters, O. A., Peters, C. I. and Zafar, S. (2024). Factors influencing treatment decisions in permanent mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis: a questionnaire-based study. Australian Dental Journal. doi: 10.1111/adj.13026
2024
Journal Article
Tooth discoloration from 2 silver fluorides used in adults with special needs: a randomized trial
See, L., Zafar, S., Fu, D., Ha, D.H., Walsh, L.J. and Lopez Silva, C. (2024). Tooth discoloration from 2 silver fluorides used in adults with special needs: a randomized trial. JDR Clinical and Translational Research, 23800844241246199. doi: 10.1177/23800844241246199
2024
Journal Article
Biocompatibility and acid resistance of preformed crowns in children: an in vitro study
Hogerheyde, T., Coates, D., Walsh, L. and Zafar, S. (2024). Biocompatibility and acid resistance of preformed crowns in children: an in vitro study. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry, 25 (3), 417-425. doi: 10.1007/s40368-024-00898-3
2024
Journal Article
Laser fluorescence assessment of dental caries arrest with two silver fluoride agents in patients with special needs– a preliminary report
See, Lydia, Zafar, Sobia, Fu, David, Ha, Diep H., Walsh, Laurence J. and Lopez Silva, Claudia (2024). Laser fluorescence assessment of dental caries arrest with two silver fluoride agents in patients with special needs– a preliminary report. Lasers in Medical Science, 39 (1) 96, 96. doi: 10.1007/s10103-024-04038-7
2024
Journal Article
Awareness of dental complications with oral piercings
Masood, Manal, Walsh, Laurence J. and Zafar, Sobia (2024). Awareness of dental complications with oral piercings. Oral Diseases. doi: 10.1111/odi.14908
2024
Journal Article
Vital pulp therapy—Factors influencing decision‐making for permanent mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis: A systematic review
Alfaisal, Yasmen, Idris, Ghassan, Peters, Ove A., Zafar, Sobia, Nagendrababu, Venkateshbabu and Peters, Christine I. (2024). Vital pulp therapy—Factors influencing decision‐making for permanent mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis: A systematic review. International Endodontic Journal, 57 (5), 505-519. doi: 10.1111/iej.14036
2024
Journal Article
Measuring ergonomic interventions and prevention programs for reducing musculoskeletal injury risk in the dental workforce: a systematic review
Danylak, Stefan, Walsh, Laurence and Zafar, Sobia (2024). Measuring ergonomic interventions and prevention programs for reducing musculoskeletal injury risk in the dental workforce: a systematic review. Journal of Dental Education, 88 (2), 128-141. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13403
2024
Conference Publication
Reliability of YouTubeTM videos on the clinical use of silver fluoride
Low, Yong Hong Kavvner, The, Wei Ye, Chan, Suen Hong, Walsh, L. J. and Zafar, S. (2024). Reliability of YouTubeTM videos on the clinical use of silver fluoride. UQ School of Dentistry Annual Research Day, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 26 July. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: University of Queensland.
2024
Conference Publication
Evaluating the physicochemical properties, antimicrobial efficacy, and staining potential of nanoparticles in paediatric dental care.
Almuqrin, A., Seneviratne, J., Walsh, L. J. and Zafar, S. (2024). Evaluating the physicochemical properties, antimicrobial efficacy, and staining potential of nanoparticles in paediatric dental care.. UQ School of Dentistry Annual Research Day, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 26 July. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: University of Queensland.
2024
Conference Publication
Posture and physical interventions: do loupes and chair design reduce musculo-skeletal disorder risk
Danylak, S., Sloan, A. J., Walsh, L. J. and Zafar, S. (2024). Posture and physical interventions: do loupes and chair design reduce musculo-skeletal disorder risk. UQ School of Dentistry Annual Research Day, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 26 July. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: University of Queensland.
2024
Conference Publication
Dental students' insights on using three silver fluoride types on extracted carious primary teeth
Navaratne, S., Chandra, H., Walsh, L. J. and Zafar, S. (2024). Dental students' insights on using three silver fluoride types on extracted carious primary teeth. UQ School of Dentistry Annual Research Day, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 26 July. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: University of Queensland.
2024
Conference Publication
Paediatric and special needs dentists' experiences using social stories when treating Autism Spectrum disorder patients
Griffiths, M., Malawkin, A., Hartfiel, E., Lopez-Silva, C. and Zafar, S. (2024). Paediatric and special needs dentists' experiences using social stories when treating Autism Spectrum disorder patients. UQ School of Dentistry Annual Research Day, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 26 July. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: University of Queensland.
2024
Conference Publication
Evaluation of dental students' knowledge and confidence in paediatric dental trauma management
Zafar, S., Cheong, L. L. J., Ler, V., Teh, A. M. and Abbott, P. V. (2024). Evaluation of dental students' knowledge and confidence in paediatric dental trauma management. The 22nd World Congress on Dental Traumatology, Tokyo, Japan, 12 - 15 July 2024.
2023
Conference Publication
Students’ perception on alternative local anaesthesia techniques for anxious dental patients
Zafar, Sobia and Zachar, Jessica J. (2023). Students’ perception on alternative local anaesthesia techniques for anxious dental patients. 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the IADR ANZ Division, Sydney, NSW Australia, 27-29 September 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Awareness of oral complications among body piercers and pierced individuals
Masood, M., Walsh, L.J. and Zafar, S. (2023). Awareness of oral complications among body piercers and pierced individuals. 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the IADR ANZ Division, Sydney, NSW Australia, 27-29 September 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Vital pulp therapy simulation training using novel 3D-printed tooth models
Cassidy, L., Lee, S., Ki, J.W.W., Zachar, Z.J., Zafar, S. and Peters, C.I. (2023). Vital pulp therapy simulation training using novel 3D-printed tooth models. 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the IADR ANZ Division, Sydney, NSW Australia, 27-29th September 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Split Mouth Comparative Study of Two Silver Fluoride Protocols for Arresting Carious Lesions and Changes in Discoloration in Adults with Special Needs
See, L., Zafar, S., Fu, D., Ha, D., Walsh, L.J. and Lopez-Silva, C. (2023). Split Mouth Comparative Study of Two Silver Fluoride Protocols for Arresting Carious Lesions and Changes in Discoloration in Adults with Special Needs. 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the IADR ANZ Division, Sydney, NSW Australia, 27-29 September 2023.
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Sobia Zafar is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Ergonomics in Dentistry
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Laurence Walsh
-
Doctor Philosophy
Assessment of the effects of professionally applied Silver Diamine Fluoride on early childhood caries
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Laurence Walsh, Dr Jaya Seneviratne
-
Master Philosophy
Impact of Barriers for Perception Dental Care Services of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Mothers on Australian Healthcare System
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Asaduzzaman Khan
-
Master Philosophy
Exploring Factors in Dentists' Decision-Making in Vital Pulp Therapy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ove Peters, Dr Christine Peters
-
Doctor Philosophy
Therapeutic Efficacy of Dental Analgesia through a Poly Light-Emitting Diode (LED) for dental procedures.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Laurence Walsh
-
Master Philosophy
Virtual reality teaching and its effect on veterinary students' practical outcomes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Frances Shapter, Dr Ben Wood, Dr Allison Stewart
Completed supervision
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluating oral health and its impacts in Rett syndrome- stepping-stones to achieving a better quality of life
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Laurence Walsh
-
2024
Master Philosophy
The impact of oral piercings: an in vivo and in vitro study
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Laurence Walsh
-
2023
Master Philosophy
The effects of decontamination practices and diet on preformed paediatric crowns, and their biocompatibility in the oral cavity
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Laurence Walsh
-
2024
Master Philosophy
Barriers to Widespread Endodontic Practice Amongst General Dental Practitioners in Queensland, Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christine Peters, Professor Ove Peters
Media
Enquiries
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