From AIDM to Istanbul: Amayem Iqbal first Pakistani female to join ICEP

KARACHI: Pakistan has achieved another milestone in global dental academia as Amayem Iqbal, a final year BDS student at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM), became the first Pakistani female to participate in the prestigious International Clinical Exchange Program (ICEP) at Marmara University, Istanbul.

The distinguished initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the International Association of Dental Students (IADS) and the Pakistan Association of Dental Students (PADS) Exchange Council, bringing together young dental professionals from across the world for advanced training and cultural exchange.

Representing both her institution and her country, Amayem described the opportunity as “one of the most enriching and unforgettable experiences of my journey.”

Academic excellence at Marmara University

During the week-long program, Amayem attended a series of specialized lectures delivered by globally respected experts in dentistry. Topics covered included:

• Periodontal regeneration: from cellular basis to clinical reality – Prof. Dr. Leyla Kuru
• Fixed prosthodontics in implantology: from abutment to impression – Asst. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Umut Aslam
• Immediate implant placement in oral and maxillofacial surgery – Prof. Dr. Faysal Ugurlu
• TMJ disorders and occlusion – Prof. Dr. Rıfat Göznėli
• Comprehensive splint therapy – Asst. Prof. Dr. Zeliha Şanıvar
• Restorative dentistry: clinical protocols for diastema closure – Asst. Prof. Dr. Ezgi Tüter Bayraktar
• Laser-assisted pediatric dentistry – Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sertaç Peker
• NiTi rotary instruments: clinical tips and tricks – Asst. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Karadayı

She also participated in two interactive clinical workshops and observed a live orthognathic surgery in the operation theater, which she described as “a truly eye-opening and transformative experience.”

Grateful acknowledgment and cultural exchange

Amayem expressed her deep gratitude to the professors and the host team from Marmara University and IADS — including Idil Kizilkaya, Ali Baran Pekin, Sahra Ada Malkoç, and Mişel Orduluoğlu — who went above and beyond to ensure that international students had an enriching academic and cultural journey.

She highlighted that opportunities like ICEP are not only about learning advanced clinical protocols but also about cultural exchange, global networking, and gaining the confidence to represent Pakistan on prestigious international platforms.

Inspiring Pakistan’s dental community

As the Associate Vice President of the Exchange Council at PADS, Amayem has been actively contributing to student mobility and global exposure for dental professionals. Reflecting on her journey, she stated:

“International programs like these expand our horizons beyond classrooms and textbooks. They empower us to share knowledge, embrace diversity, and bring back inspiration that strengthens Pakistan’s role in global dental academia.”

Her achievement stands as a source of pride for AIDM, Pakistan’s dental community, and the country at large, demonstrating the growing presence of Pakistani students in international medical and dental forums.