Oral Biology magnified: DIKIOHS hosts 1st inter-college 3D model contest

KARACHI: The Department of Oral Biology at Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences (DIKIOHS) successfully hosted the landmark event, “Oral Biology Magnified: 1st Inter-College 3D Model Contest,” bringing together top dental colleges in Karachi to celebrate creativity, innovation, and scientific excellence.

Under the guidance of Prof. Anwar Ali, Principal DIKIOHS, and leadership of Prof. Dr. Farzeen Waseem, Head of Department, Oral Biology, DIKIOHS, the event attracted over 250 students and 30 faculty members from eight renowned dental colleges. Participating institutions included Fatima Jinnah Dental College, Jinnah Medical & Dental College, Baqai Medical University, Karachi Metropolitan University, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Dow Dental College, Dow International Dental College, and DIKIOHS itself.

The event aimed to integrate scientific knowledge with practical creativity by challenging students to design detailed 3D biological models that showcased their understanding of oral biology.

Chief guests and judging panel

Prof. Dr. Jahan Ara, Pro-Vice Chancellor, attended as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Ashar Afaq, Registrar Dow University, graced the event as Guest of Honor. A distinguished panel of judges evaluated entries across categories, highlighting both scientific merit and artistic presentation.

Winners and awards

The public’s favorite, winning the Viewers’ Choice Award, was Karachi Metropolitan University’s model titled “Tooth Development Stages with Anomalies,” receiving over 2,000 public votes. Other notable awards included:

• Best Research Integration Award: “Forensic Odontology: Rugae and Bitemark Evidence at Crime Scene” – Dow International Dental College
• Best Clinical Relevance Award: “Whisper of Displacement: 3D Visualization of TMJ Biomechanics and Histological Architecture” – DIKIOHS
• Best Teamwork & Communication Award: “The Symphony of Taste: Glossogland in Action” – Baqai Medical University
• Best Creativity & Design Award: “The Living Bony Scaffold: A 3D Simulation of an Endless Loop of Loss and Renewal” – Baqai Medical University
• Best Aesthetics Award: “Odontogenesis Unfolded: The Dynamics of Early Tooth Development” – DIKIOHS
• Scientific Excellence Award: “Chronology of Teeth, Comparative Anatomy and Forensic Odontology” – DIKIOHS

Grand prizes and recognition

• Jury’s 1st Prize: “Navigating the Pulp Maze: Morphological Complexities and Emergence of Regenerative Therapy” – DIKIOHS (Rs. 15,000)
• Jury’s 2nd Prize: “Unveiling Oral Mucosa: From Surface to Cellular Layers” – DIKIOHS (Rs. 10,000)
• Jury’s 3rd Prize: “Regeneration of Enamel within 48 Hours Using Biomimetic Liquid” – Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (Rs. 5,000)

The event emphasized the importance of collaborative learning, scientific exploration, and creative innovation, providing students with a platform to showcase their talents and gain recognition for excellence in oral biology.

Special acknowledgment

Prof. Nazli Hussain, Vice Chancellor of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), was specially acknowledged for her approval and support, which played a crucial role in making this event possible. Although she could not attend due to last-minute commitments, her warm regards and encouragement were conveyed to all participants and faculty members.