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
- 2025 Excellence in Teaching, Research, Supervision, Service and Philanthropy Award, Australia and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry Qld (ANZSPDQ)
- 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
- 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
- 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
2017
Journal Article
Thirty years of translational research in zirconia dental implants: a systematic review of the literature
Siddiqi, Allauddin, Khan, Abdul Samad and Zafar, Sobia (2017). Thirty years of translational research in zirconia dental implants: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of Oral Implantology, 43 (4), 314-326. doi: 10.1563/aaid-joi-D-17-00016
2017
Book Chapter
Quantitative real-time gene profiling of human alveolar osteoblasts
Coates, Dawn E., Zafar, Sobia and Milne, Trudy J. (2017). Quantitative real-time gene profiling of human alveolar osteoblasts. Oral Biology. (pp. 447-459) New York, NY, United States: Humana Press. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6685-1_27
2017
Journal Article
Dental management of a child with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Zafar, S., Boyd, D. and Siddiqi, A. (2017). Dental management of a child with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Oral Health and Dental Management, 16 (4), 1-7.
2016
Journal Article
Effects of zoledronic acid and geranylgeraniol on the cellular behaviour and gene expression of primary human alveolar osteoblasts
Zafar, S., Coates, D. E., Cullinan, M. P., Drummond, B. K., Milne, T. and Seymour, G. J. (2016). Effects of zoledronic acid and geranylgeraniol on the cellular behaviour and gene expression of primary human alveolar osteoblasts. Clinical Oral Investigations, 20 (8), 2023-2035. doi: 10.1007/s00784-015-1706-y
2016
Conference Publication
Behaviour management in paediatric dentistry
Zafar, S. (2016). Behaviour management in paediatric dentistry. CPD lecture, Perth, WA Australia, 17 May 2016.
2016
Journal Article
The bisphosphonate zoledronic acid regulates key angiogenesis-related genes in primary human gingival fibroblasts
Ohlrich, E. J., Coates, D. E., Milne, T. J., Zafar, S., Zhao, Y., Duncan, W. D. and Seymour, G. J. (2016). The bisphosphonate zoledronic acid regulates key angiogenesis-related genes in primary human gingival fibroblasts. Archives of Oral Biology, 63, 7-14. doi: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2015.11.013
2016
Journal Article
The association of bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw with children on bisphosphonate therapy
Zafar, Sobia (2016). The association of bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw with children on bisphosphonate therapy. EC Dental Science (Editor's Column), 41-42.
2016
Conference Publication
Could geranylgeraniol be a treatment for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw?
Coates, Dawn, Zafar, Sobia, Cullinan, Mary, Milne, Trudy, Drummond, Bernadette and Seymour, Gregory (2016). Could geranylgeraniol be a treatment for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw?. Proceedings of the Faculty of Dentistry Research Day, Dunedin, New Zealand, 5th September 2016.
2016
Journal Article
One-piece zirconia ceramic versus titanium implants in the jaw and femur of a sheep model: a pilot study
Siddiqi, A., Duncan, W. J., De Silva, R. K. and Zafar, S. (2016). One-piece zirconia ceramic versus titanium implants in the jaw and femur of a sheep model: a pilot study. BioMed Research International, 2016 6792972, 1-10. doi: 10.1155/2016/6792972
2016
Conference Publication
Effects of bisphosphonate on primary human gingival fibroblasts, human alveolar fibroblasts and primary human osteoclasts
Zafar, Sobia (2016). Effects of bisphosphonate on primary human gingival fibroblasts, human alveolar fibroblasts and primary human osteoclasts. 3rd Annual Conference of Pakistan Association of Dental Research (IADR Pakistan section), Karachi, Pakistan, 11-13 November 2016.
2015
Conference Publication
Histomorphometric analysis of zirconia implants in the jaw of sheep
Siddiqi, Allauddin, Duncan, Warwick, De Silva, Rohana Kumara and Zafar, Sobia (2015). Histomorphometric analysis of zirconia implants in the jaw of sheep. 2015 Australian/New Zealand Division Meeting, Dunedin, New Zealand, 23 - 26 August 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
The effects of Zoledronic acid on VEGF and its receptors
Dawn, Coates, Zafar, Sobia, Mclaughlin, Katy, Cullinan, Mary, Milne, Trudy, Drummond, Bernadette and Seymour, Gregory (2015). The effects of Zoledronic acid on VEGF and its receptors. 55th Annual Scientific Meeting of the IADR ANZ Division, Dunedin, New Zealand, 23-26 august 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
Histomorpho-metric analysis of zirconia implants in the jaw of sheep
Siddiqi, Allauddin, Duncan, Warwick, De Silva, Rohana and Zafar, Sobia (2015). Histomorpho-metric analysis of zirconia implants in the jaw of sheep. The 55th Annual Scientific Meeting of the IADR ANZ Division, Dunedin, New Zealand, 23-26 August 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
Effect of zoledronic acid on angiogenic gene expression by osteoclasts
Zafar, Sobia, Seymour, Gregory, Drummond, Bernadette, Cullinan, Mary and Coates, Dawn (2015). Effect of zoledronic acid on angiogenic gene expression by osteoclasts. 2015 Australian/New Zealand Division Meeting, Dunedin, New Zealand, 23 - 26 August 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
Effect of zoledronic acid on angiogenic gene expression by osteoclasts
Zafar, Sobia, Seymour, Gregory, Drummond, Bernadette, Cullinan, Mary and Coates, Dawn (2015). Effect of zoledronic acid on angiogenic gene expression by osteoclasts. The 55th Annual Scientific Meeting of the IADR ANZ Division, Dunedin, New Zealand, 23-26 August 2015.
2015
Other Outputs
Effects of zoledronic acid on osteoclast angiogenic gene expression
Zafar, Sobia (2015). Effects of zoledronic acid on osteoclast angiogenic gene expression. Professional Doctorate, School of Dentistry, University of Otago, New Zealand.
2014
Journal Article
Zoledronic acid and geranylgeraniol regulate cellular behaviour and angiogenic gene expression in human gingival fibroblasts
Zafar, S., Coates, D. E., Cullinan, M. P., Drummond, B. K., Milne, T. and Seymour, G. J. (2014). Zoledronic acid and geranylgeraniol regulate cellular behaviour and angiogenic gene expression in human gingival fibroblasts. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 43 (9), 711-721. doi: 10.1111/jop.12181
2014
Other Outputs
Effects of bisphosphonate on cells extracted from oral tissues
Zafar, Sobia (2014). Effects of bisphosphonate on cells extracted from oral tissues. PhD Thesis, School of Dentistry, University of Otago, New Zealand.
2014
Conference Publication
Surface analysis of failed zirconia and titanium one-piece implant: a scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis
Siddiqi, Allauddin, Zafar, Sobia, Tawse‐Smith, Andrew and Garvin, Liz (2014). Surface analysis of failed zirconia and titanium one-piece implant: a scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. IADR, Cape Town, South Africa, 25-28 June 2014. Thousand Oaks, CA, United States: Sage Publications.
2013
Journal Article
Trabecular bone microarchitecture in the median palate and maxillary premolar alveolar sites of edentulous elderly cadavers
Siddiqi, Allauddin, Kieser, Jules A., De Silva, Rohana K., McNaughton, Andrew, Zafar, Sobia and Duncan, Warwick J. (2013). Trabecular bone microarchitecture in the median palate and maxillary premolar alveolar sites of edentulous elderly cadavers. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 71 (11), 1852.e1-1852.e11. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2013.07.019
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Sobia Zafar is:
- Available for supervision
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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, Associate Professor 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
Virtual reality teaching and its effect on veterinary students' practical outcomes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ben Wood, Dr Frances Shapter, 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
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
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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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