The American Reporter credits itself in acknowledging outstanding professional performance across a broad range of disciplines, among them, dentistry. Dentists play a critical role in delivering quality healthcare to patients around the world. This year, the American Reporter recognizes the excellent contributions of five dental professionals across the Middle East and North Africa Region with the Outstanding Work in MENA Dentistry Award. Here are this year’s recipients.
1. Hanan Abdalla
Abdalla graduated with a BSc in Dental Hygiene from Riyadh College of Dentistry and Pharmacy in 2009. She has contributed to a number of private practices from London to Dubai. As a dental hygienist, Abdalla regularly performs teeth cleanings, guided biofilm therapy, teeth whitening and nutrition counseling. She works with clients both young and old and is passionate about oral health education. She is a member of the American Dental Hygienists Association and the International Federation of Dental Hygienist Association.
2. Dr. Lara Cheaito
Dr. Lara, or Dr. Sweet Tooth as she is commonly known, works as a dentist in her home country of Lebanon. More than this, however, Dr. Lara has become well known for her side business, diet catering. An admitted sweets aficionado, she offers a menu of low calorie, sugar free desserts for clients craving something sweet, without the guilt. A long time advocate for oral health, Dr. Lara’s diet sweets allow customers and patients to enjoy her menu without having to worry about the long term dental effects of overconsumption of sugar.
3. Dr. Mohammad Waizani
Dr. Waizani has cared for dental patients in Lebanon for several years, offering an array of services to fit his clients’ many needs. He is perhaps best known for his revolutionary approach to dental veneers. A primarily cosmetic treatment, Dr. Waizani employs microscopes to reduce the amount of surface enamel typically removed in the installation process, while keeping teeth healthier and stronger in the process. His natural veneers closely follow patients’ facial features and undertones in the skin, lips, and eyes to present a more natural, healthier appearing aesthetic. Dr. Waizani currently works between two practices, Waizani Dental Clinic in Tyre, Lebanon, and Downtown, Beirut, Lebanon.
4. Dr. Michael Apa
Dr. Apa specializes in aesthetic dentistry, offering an array of services for clients from Los Angeles to Dubai. He has introduced a revolutionary new approach to the field, which he calls “facial aesthetic design”. This unique strategy has garnered the attention of top professionals around the world, bringing new talent to his elite team. In 2014, Dr. Apa founded Apa Beauty, a line of luxury oral cosmetics designed to elevate daily home oral care. Through innovative new techniques, he and his team have worked to bring dentistry into the luxury market.
5. Dr. Joe Kharma
Dr. Kharma graduated from College des Freres in Lebanon and thereafter obtained a degree in surgical dentistry from U.S.J. University. Later he attended Lille University in France to study orthodontics and dento-facial orthopedics. He also specializes in lingual orthodontics, a technique that applies corrective measures from behind the teeth, instead of in front as is done traditionally. Dr. Kharma is the owner of Ortho Smile, a practice he runs in Antelias, Lebanon. In addition, he is a member of the Lingual Orthodontic French Society as well as the Lebanese Orthodontic Society.
To learn more about these outstanding dental professionals, visit their Instagram pages listed below:
1. Hanan Abdalla: https://www.instagram.com/hananrdh/
2. Dr. Lara Cheaito: https://www.instagram.com/larasweettooth/
3. Dr. Michael Apa: https://www.instagram.com/doctorapa/
4. Dr. Joe Kharma: https://www.instagram.com/orthosmileclinics/
5. Dr. Mohammad Waizani: https://www.instagram.com/dr_waizani/
