Dr. Nighat Zia earns Asia’s first PhD in Green Dentistry

ISLAMABAD: Dr. Nighat Zia, Assistant Professor at the School of Dentistry, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SOD, SZABMU), has made history by earning Asia’s first PhD in Green Dentistry (Sustainable Dental Practices) from the prestigious University of Malaya, Malaysia.

Her pioneering research, titled “Green Dentistry: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Eco-Friendly Clinical Dental Practices in Dental Schools of Karachi, Pakistan,” is a landmark contribution to the field of dental public health.

Guided by the Green Dental Model/Framework, Dr. Nighat employed a robust mixed-method research design, combining advanced quantitative psychometric assessments and qualitative explorations. Her study comprehensively evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of dental school personnel and students in Karachi while identifying key barriers and enablers to implementing sustainable dental practices.

Key contributions:

• Evidence-based insights: Developed data-driven recommendations to help dental schools adopt environmentally responsible practices.
• Capacity building: Highlighted opportunities for integrating green dentistry into dental curricula, aligning with global efforts by FDI, ADEE, and GDC.

Research dissemination:

• BMC Oral Health (2025): Psychometric analysis of a KAP questionnaire on green dentistry using PLS-SEM and EFA: A Pilot Study.
• PJMS (2024): Sustainability in Dentistry: Assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices of dental practitioners about green dentistry.
• Several manuscripts in progress focusing on sustainability frameworks, curriculum integration, and international comparisons.

Dr. Nighat’s groundbreaking work provides actionable recommendations that have the potential to transform dental education and practice in Pakistan and inspire institutions across Asia to prioritize sustainability.

This milestone is not only a personal triumph for Dr. Nighat but also a proud achievement for SOD, SZABMU, reinforcing the university’s commitment to leadership in dental research and sustainable oral health practices.