Ahmed Begins Appointment in Operative Dentistry

Dr. Sumitha Nazar Ahmed recently became the Department of Operative Dentistry’s newest faculty member. The new clinical assistant professor officially began her appointment on August 11.

“It was an honor to be a student at the UNC School of Dentistry and learn from the leading experts in the field of operative dentistry. It is an even greater honor to work alongside with them,” said Ahmed.

As a clinical assistant professor, Ahmed will be teaching preclinical operative dentistry and serving as an adjunct faculty in the dental materials course. She will also take on an administrative role as third-year dental students’ group practice director. Ahmed did her master’s research on dental faculty calibration in preclinical operative dentistry and intends to build upon her research and advance faculty calibration methods at UNC.

“I am thrilled that we were able to recruit Dr. Ahmed to our school. She has been a strong presence in our graduate program for the past three years, and her interest in educational and caries research will dovetail well with ongoing research programs in our department,” said Dr. Andre Ritter, chair of the Department of Operative Dentistry. “Dr. Ahmed will be a great role model for both our D.D.S. and graduate students, and will undoubtedly contribute to the key missions of our school. She has the potential to be an outstanding member of our faculty.”

Ahmed earned her bachelor’s in dental surgery degree from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in India in 2001. She moved to the U.S. in 2004 and worked in private practice settings until she returned to school in 2007 to earn a certificate in dental hygiene from UNC School of Dentistry. In May 2014, she earned her Master of Science degree from the Department of Operative Dentistry at UNC School of Dentistry. Ahmed is an active member in the Academy of Operative Dentistry, the American Dental Association and the International Association of Dental Research.