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
- Associate Professor 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
- 2024 Distinguished Service Award - Australian Dental Association Qld (ADAQ)
- 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
- 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
2021
Conference Publication
The evaluation of undergraduate dental students’ experiences in paediatric dentistry
Kaur, H., Mohanasundaram, D., Hossain, N., Calache, H. and Zafar, S. (2021). The evaluation of undergraduate dental students’ experiences in paediatric dentistry. UQ School of Dentistry Research Day, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 9 July 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
Paediatric dentistry training: building or breaking dental students’ confidence?
Mohanasundaram, D., Kaur, H., Hossain, N., Calache, H. and Zafar, S. (2021). Paediatric dentistry training: building or breaking dental students’ confidence?. 28th Congress of the IAPD, Virtual, 10-13 June 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
Evaluation of parental and training coaches knowledge and attitude towards dental trauma management in children: a questionnaire based cross sectional survey
Tian, J., Lim, J., Moh, F., Zafar, S. and Zachar, J. (2021). Evaluation of parental and training coaches knowledge and attitude towards dental trauma management in children: a questionnaire based cross sectional survey. 28th Congress of the IAPD, Virtual, 10-13 June 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
The effects of decontamination methods on preformed paediatric crowns
Hogerheyde, Thomas, Walsh, Laurence and Zafar, Sobia (2021). The effects of decontamination methods on preformed paediatric crowns . 28th Congress of the IAPD, Virtual, 10-13 June 2021.
2021
Journal Article
Oral health care and service utilisation in individuals with Rett syndrome: an international cross-sectional study
Lai, Yvonne Yee Lok, Downs, Jennepher Anne, Wong, Kingsley, Zafar, Sobia, Walsh, Laurence James and Leonard, Helen Margaret (2021). Oral health care and service utilisation in individuals with Rett syndrome: an international cross-sectional study. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 65 (6), 561-576. doi: 10.1111/jir.12834
2021
Journal Article
Reliability of software‑based assessment of paediatric preparations for preformed metal crowns in the simulation laboratory
Nakahashi, K. , Chin, C. M. L., Ting, J. Y. H., ElMasoud, B. , Walsh, L. J. and Zafar, S. (2021). Reliability of software‑based assessment of paediatric preparations for preformed metal crowns in the simulation laboratory. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry, 22 (6), 1041-1047. doi: 10.1007/s40368-021-00634-1
2021
Journal Article
Oral parafunction and bruxism in Rett syndrome and associated factors: an observational study
Lai, Yvonne Yee Lok, Downs, Jenny Anne, Wong, Kingsley, Zafar, Sobia, Walsh, Laurence James and Leonard, Helen Margaret (2021). Oral parafunction and bruxism in Rett syndrome and associated factors: an observational study. Oral Diseases, 29 (1) odi.13924, 220-231. doi: 10.1111/odi.13924
2021
Journal Article
Mesiodistal dimensions and sexual dimorphism of teeth of contemporary Western Australian adolescents
Abaid, Sidra, Zafar, Sobia, Kruger, Estie and Tennant, Marc (2021). Mesiodistal dimensions and sexual dimorphism of teeth of contemporary Western Australian adolescents. Journal of Oral Science, 63 (3), 247-251. doi: 10.2334/josnusd.20-0596
2021
Journal Article
Self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and practice of final year dental students in relation to child abuse: a multicentre study
Duman, Cannan, Al-Batayneh, Ola Barakat, Ahmad, Sajjad, Durward, Callum, Kobylińska, Angelika, Vieira, Alexandre R., Tredoux, Sheree and Zafar, Sobia (2021). Self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and practice of final year dental students in relation to child abuse: a multicentre study. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 31 (6) ipd.12781, 801-809. doi: 10.1111/ipd.12781
2021
Journal Article
Pedagogical development in local anaesthetic training in paediatric dentistry using virtual reality simulator
Zafar, Sobia, Siddiqi, Allauddin, Yasir, Muhammad and Zachar, Jessica (2021). Pedagogical development in local anaesthetic training in paediatric dentistry using virtual reality simulator. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry, 22 (4), 667-674. doi: 10.1007/s40368-021-00604-7
2021
Conference Publication
Paediatric dental training: how confident are dental students?
Hossain, N., Kaur, H., Mohanasundaram, D., Calache, H. and Zafar, S. (2021). Paediatric dental training: how confident are dental students?. 12th European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) Interim Seminar , Virtual event , 23-24 April 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
Association between lack of dental service utilisation and caregiver-reported caries in Australian Indigenous children: a national survey (Best Presentation Award)
Ru, Toh Jia, Ning, Tan Si, Fang, Nadine Wooi Jing, Lopez-Silva, Claudia and Zafar, Sobia (2021). Association between lack of dental service utilisation and caregiver-reported caries in Australian Indigenous children: a national survey (Best Presentation Award). UG Dental Student Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 11 November 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
Evaluation of parental knowledge and attitude towards dental trauma management of their children
Lim, Jonathan, Tian, Juliana, Cai, Francis Moh Kim, Zachar, Jessica and Zafar, Sobia (2021). Evaluation of parental knowledge and attitude towards dental trauma management of their children. UG Dental Student Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 11 November 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
Self reported knowledge and attitude of parents and training coaches in relation to dental trauma management of children
Tian, J., Lim, J. J., Moh, F. K., Zafar, S. and Zachar, J. J. (2021). Self reported knowledge and attitude of parents and training coaches in relation to dental trauma management of children. 12th European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) Interim Seminar, Oslo, Norway; Virtual Event, 23 - 24 April 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
The efficacy of digital intra oral scanners in patients who have had periodontal disease
Malek, Amir, Tran, Nathan, Zafar, Sobia, Farag, Amro and El Masoud, Bilal (2021). The efficacy of digital intra oral scanners in patients who have had periodontal disease. UG Dental Student Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 11 November 2021.
2021
Journal Article
Oral health conditions and treatment needs of children with intellectual disabilities attending Special Olympics Australia
Pradhan, Archana, Zachar, Jessica Joanna and Zafar, Sobia (2021). Oral health conditions and treatment needs of children with intellectual disabilities attending Special Olympics Australia. Journal of Dentistry for Children, 88 (1), 23-28.
2021
Conference Publication
Association between disability status and dental attendance patterns in Australian children
Chen, Fiona, Sawhney, Seerat, Vu, Cantho, Zafar, Sobia and Lopez-Silva, Claudia (2021). Association between disability status and dental attendance patterns in Australian children. UG Dental Student Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 11 November 2021.
2021
Journal Article
A multi-centre study of dental curricula in Asia/Pacific nations: the views and experiences of final-year dental students
Won, John, Guan, Guangzhao, Mei, Li, Ma, Tristan, Lai, Yvonne, Zafar, Sobia, Mei, May Lei and Thomson, William Murray (2021). A multi-centre study of dental curricula in Asia/Pacific nations: the views and experiences of final-year dental students. Journal of Dental Education, 85 (5) jdd.12515, 660-668. doi: 10.1002/jdd.12515
2021
Conference Publication
Snoring and parafunction in Rett syndrome.
Lai, Y.Y.L., Leonard, H.M., Wong, K., Walsh, L.J. and Zafar, S. (2021). Snoring and parafunction in Rett syndrome. . 12th European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) Interim Seminar , Virtual event , 23-24 April 2021.
2021
Conference Publication
The self-evaluated confidence of dental students receiving paediatric training on treating paediatric patients (SoD Undergrad Student Research Excellence Award Winner)
Kaur, Harmeet, Mohanasundaram, Divyadarshini, Hossain, Md Nadeem, Calache, Hanny and Zafar, Sobia (2021). The self-evaluated confidence of dental students receiving paediatric training on treating paediatric patients (SoD Undergrad Student Research Excellence Award Winner). UG Dental Student Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 11 November 2021.
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Sobia Zafar is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
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, Professor Lauren Ball, Dr Diep Ha
-
Doctor Philosophy
Ergonomics in Dentistry
Principal 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
-
Master Philosophy
Exploring Factors in Dentists' Decision-Making in Vital Pulp Therapy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ove 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, Professor Peter Reher
Completed supervision
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2024
Master Philosophy
The impact of oral piercings: an in vivo and in vitro study
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Laurence Walsh
-
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
-
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
Exploring Factors in Decision-Making in Vital Pulp Therapy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ove Peters
-
2024
Master Philosophy
Barriers to Widespread Endodontic Practice Amongst General Dental Practitioners in Queensland, Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Ove Peters
Media
Enquiries
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