Joaquín Urbizo Vélez | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof Dr. Joaquín Urbizo Vélez | Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Joaquín Juan Urbizo Vélez is an eminent Cuban academic and researcher in the field of stomatology and oral pathology. With a career spanning over five decades, he earned his Doctorate in Stomatology from the University of Havana in 1970 and later specialized in Anatomical Pathology. He has held prestigious academic ranks, including Full Professor, Professor Emeritus, and Consultant Professor. As an Investigador Titular and member of several national and international scientific societies, he has played a pivotal role in advancing dental pathology and oral oncology research in Cuba. His scholarly contributions include groundbreaking research on oral mucosal diseases, biomaterials for implants, and premalignant lesions. His leadership in collaborative international projects and mentoring of scientific and clinical trainees has left a lasting impact on dental science education and research in Latin America.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Urbizo Vélez began his academic journey with a Doctorate in Stomatology from the University of Havana in 1970. He continued his specialization by earning the First and Second Degrees in Anatomical Pathology from the Ministry of Public Health in 1984 and 2005, respectively. Recognized for his teaching excellence, he became an Auxiliary Professor in 1977 and a Full Professor in 1998. He was later honored as Professor Emeritus in 2021. His academic distinctions include a Master’s degree in Odontogeriatrics (2015) and a Doctorate in Dental Sciences (2012), underlining his commitment to lifelong learning. Additionally, he has received honorary and associate memberships in several academic societies across Cuba and Latin America, including a Professor Honoris Causa title in Education from Universidad de Aquino in Bolivia (2004). His sustained contribution to academic development is further highlighted by his membership in the UCM-H Commission of Scientific Degrees (2021).

🧪 Experience

Dr. Urbizo Vélez has over 50 years of professional experience in academia, research, and healthcare. As a faculty member of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana, he contributed significantly to the advancement of oral pathology, serving in various academic capacities from Auxiliary Professor to Full Professor and eventually as Professor Emeritus and Consultant. He has mentored numerous students and specialists, supervising scientific student groups, postgraduate theses, and residency completion works. His clinical and academic roles have included coordination of collaborative research with international centers like Ariminum Research and Dental Education Center in Italy. His career is marked by leadership in implementing preclinical evaluations of biomedical materials and by his active role in establishing protocols in dental implantology and cancer detection. Recognized nationally, he was awarded the “Premio Anual de la Salud” for applied research and designated as an “Investigador Titular” by Cuba’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) in 2022.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Urbizo Vélez’s academic and scientific excellence has been widely recognized through numerous honors and distinctions. He was named Professor Honoris Causa by the Universidad de Aquino in Bolivia (2004) and awarded the title of Professor Emeritus by the University of Medical Sciences of Havana (2021). His scientific achievements earned him the prestigious title of “Investigador Titular” by the National Commission of Scientific Categories (CITMA) in 2022. Among his earlier recognitions are his appointments as Member of Honor of the Association of University Professors of León, Nicaragua (1990), and as Associate or Full Member of various Cuban scientific societies in the fields of stomatology, pathology, and maxillofacial surgery. His project on biocompatible porous ceramics derived from marine coral was recognized as a Scientific Achievement by the Cuban Academy of Sciences. Additionally, his research contributions earned the “Premio Anual de la Salud” in 2006 for outstanding applied health research in Cuba.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Urbizo Vélez has a prolific research portfolio centered around oral pathology, mucosal diseases, oral cancer, and biomaterials for dental applications. His early research included studies on aphthous ulcers, histopathological changes in pulp tissues, and comparative studies on the oral mucosa of smokers versus non-smokers. He conducted extensive research on lichen planus and premalignant lesions of the oral cavity. His later work focused on the histological impact of tobacco smoke condensates, the use of marine-derived ceramics and synthetic hydroxyapatite in bone implants, and biological evaluation protocols for biomedical devices. Notably, he led Cuba-Italy collaborative research projects on tissue regeneration and peri-implant reconstruction. He has guided numerous student research projects, clinical case studies, and biomaterial trials, significantly advancing both theoretical understanding and clinical applications in dental pathology and oral oncology. His research is distinguished by its integration of clinical observations, laboratory experimentation, and translational approaches in dental health sciences.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Joaquín Juan Urbizo Vélez stands as a pillar in the field of dental sciences, combining academic excellence, groundbreaking research in oral pathology, and lifelong dedication to teaching and mentoring; his vast contributions in biomaterials, cancer prevention, and histopathological diagnostics continue to influence generations of scholars, making him a worthy recipient of high academic and scientific honors.

Publications

  • Association Between Oral Microbiota Dysbiosis and the Risk of Dementia: A Systematic Review

    Dentistry Journal
    2025-05-22 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/dj13060227
    CONTRIBUTORS: Alain Manuel Chaple-Gil; Meylin Santiesteban-Velázquez; Joaquín Juan Urbizo Vélez

  • Imaging Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Post-Exodontic Bone Regeneration: A Systematic Review

    Dentistry Journal
    2023-11-29 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/dj11120277
    CONTRIBUTORS: Magdalena Molina-Barahona; Bolívar Delgado-Gaete; Denia Morales-Navarro; Joaquín Urbizo-Vélez; Renata Avecillas-Rodas

  • Subcrestal Positioning of Implants with a Convergent Hyperbolic Collar Profile: An Experimental Study in Dogs.

    The International journal of oral & maxillofacial implants
    2022-11 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.11607/jomi.9642
    PMID: 36450021
    CONTRIBUTORS: Mainetti T; Bengazi F; Velez JU; De Rossi EF; Sakaguchi R; Botticelli D

 

 

 

 

 

Lama AlKahlan | Dentistry – Finite element analysis | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Lama AlKahlan | Dentistry – Finite element analysis | Innovative Research Award

Lama Ahmed Alkahlan is a dedicated PhD candidate in Orthodontics at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a passion for advancing orthodontic care, she combines clinical expertise with innovative research to improve patient outcomes. Earning her Bachelor’s degree in General Dentistry with Excellence and First-Class Honors from King Saud University (2013-2019), Lama has consistently demonstrated academic excellence. She holds two U.S. patents for innovative dental devices and has published impactful research on orthodontic biomechanics and oral health-related quality of life. Her active participation in national and international conferences, including the Saudi Orthodontics Society Conference, AEEDC, and SIDC, reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and contribution to the global orthodontic community. In addition to her research, Lama serves as an invited speaker and actively engages in scientific exhibitions and hackathons, showcasing her leadership and vision for advancing dental sciences.

Professional Profile

Education

Lama Ahmed Alkahlan pursued her academic journey entirely at King Saud University, Riyadh. She earned her Bachelor Degree of General Dentistry (BDS) from 2013 to 2019, graduating with Excellence and First-Class Honors, showcasing her dedication to academic rigor and clinical proficiency. Building on this foundation, she embarked on a Doctorate of Science in Dentistry (DScD) in Orthodontics, which she is expected to complete between 2020 and 2025. Her education reflects a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge, clinical practice, and research innovation, aligning with global standards in orthodontics. Throughout her academic career, she has participated in specialized training, workshops, and seminars that enhance her clinical expertise and research capabilities, preparing her for a career at the forefront of orthodontic science. Her commitment to continuous education is further evidenced by her numerous contributions to scientific conferences and exhibitions.

Experience

Lama Ahmed Alkahlan’s professional experience is rooted in academic excellence, clinical practice, and research innovation. As a PhD candidate at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, King Saud University, she engages in advanced orthodontic clinical care while simultaneously conducting cutting-edge research. Her clinical practice is complemented by participation in various scientific conferences such as the Saudi Orthodontics Society Conference, AEEDC, and SIDC, where she both contributes knowledge and stays updated on global advancements. Lama has also actively participated in prominent exhibitions and hackathons, including the Saudi Hackathon for Health and MIT Saudi Hackathon for Health, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach and interest in healthcare innovation. Her invited speaker roles and contributions to university exhibitions underline her ability to translate complex scientific ideas to broader audiences, enhancing community engagement and educational outreach.

Research Interests

Lama Ahmed Alkahlan’s research focuses on clinical orthodontics, biomechanical innovations, and improving patient care outcomes. Her work includes extensive iterative finite element analysis of molar uprighting, offering novel methods for estimating clinical treatment time—critical for improving treatment predictability and efficiency. She is particularly interested in the intersection of clinical practice and engineering solutions, as reflected in her patented inventions. Her studies also explore the psychosocial impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life among Saudi orthodontic patients, contributing valuable insights to patient-centered care models. Lama’s research bridges the gap between advanced computational modeling and practical clinical applications, aiming to optimize orthodontic interventions. Her multi-disciplinary approach includes collaboration with engineers, clinicians, and researchers, ensuring that her findings have both scientific rigor and direct clinical relevance.

Awards

Lama Ahmed Alkahlan’s career is marked by prestigious awards and significant innovations. She received the esteemed title of “The Ideal Student” from King Saud University’s College of Dentistry in May 2019, recognizing her outstanding academic and extracurricular contributions. She holds two U.S. patents: the Magnetic Dental Education Model (US 10096267 B1, 2018) and the Uprighting Dental Appliance (US 12274598 B1, 2025), demonstrating her commitment to advancing dental technology. Her participation in numerous national and international conferences has earned her recognition as a rising leader in orthodontics. Additionally, her research publications in respected journals, such as Applied Sciences (MDPI) and Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications, highlight her scientific contributions. Lama’s blend of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership underscores her role as a promising future leader in the field of orthodontics.

Conclusion

Lama Ahmed Alkahlan exemplifies a new generation of orthodontic leaders, blending clinical expertise, academic excellence, innovative research, and technological advancement to elevate patient care standards and contribute meaningfully to global orthodontic science.

 Publications

  • Extensive Iterative Finite Element Analysis of Molar Uprighting with the Introduction of a Novel Method for Estimating Clinical Treatment Time

    Applied Sciences
    2025-06 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.3390/app15126463
    CONTRIBUTORS: Lama AlKahlan; Naif A. Bindayel; Abdelhafid MALLEK; Mohamed Bendjaballah

  • Impacts of Malocclusion on Oral Health-Related Quality Among Saudi Orthodontic Patients

    Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications
    2021-09-25 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.21786/bbrc/14.3.48
    Part of ISSN: 0974-6455
    Part of ISSN: 2321-4007
    CONTRIBUTORS: Huda Alkawari