Author: admin

Authors: Wajiha Zia, Naseer Ahmed, Huda Adil, Rizwan Jouhar

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences (Pak J Med Sci) — 2026, Vol. 42, No. 9

DOI: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.42.9.13341

Impact Factor: 1.893
Indexing: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Quartile Q2

Description / Abstract:

Background and Objectives: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used as a denture base material, but its major drawback is low flexural strength. Graphene has emerged as a reinforcing nanofiller due to its superior mechanical properties, but evidence on its incorporation into PMMA and the effect of thermocycling remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of graphene reinforcement on the flexural strength (FS) and flexural modulus (FM) of PMMA and to assess the impact of thermocycling on these properties.

Methodology: Seventy-six PMMA samples were fabricated and divided into two groups: conventional PMMA (n = 38) and G-PMMA reinforced with 0.25 wt% graphene (n = 38). Each group was further subdivided into thermocycled and non-thermocycled subgroups (n = 19). All samples were subjected to three-point bending tests using a universal testing machine (UTM). Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05).

Results: G-PMMA demonstrated higher mean FS and FM than conventional PMMA in both thermocycled and non-thermocycled groups. Across thermocycled subgroups, significant differences in flexural strength between PMMA and G-PMMA were found (p = 0.005), and for flexural modulus, PMMA vs G-PMMA, thermocycling, and their interaction showed significant effects (p = 0.013, p = 0.016, and p = 0.006, respectively). Following Tukey’s post-hoc comparison, significant statistically significant differences on FS between PMMA and G-PMMA after thermocycling (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: G-PMMA demonstrated significantly improved flexural strength and modulus compared to conventional PMMA. Thermocycling had no significant effect on flexural strength but influenced flexural modulus, indicating its impact on material stiffness rather than strength.

Keywords: Flexural strength, Flexural modulus, Graphene, Polymethyl methacrylate, Thermocycling, Three point bending test.

Alhamdulillah! Today marks a proud milestone as we successfully signed an MoU with Karachi Grammar School.

We are deeply grateful to the Principal AIDM, *Prof. Dr. Hasnain Sakrani, and **Dr. Carl Lander*, Principal of Karachi Grammar School, for their support and commitment to academic and healthcare collaboration.

Special appreciation to *Dr. Imad Altamash*, CEO of Altamash General Hospital, for his leadership and dedication to advancing education and healthcare partnerships.

We also acknowledge the continuous encouragement of *Dr. Shaheena Altamash* and extend our sincere gratitude to *Prof. Dr. Muhammad Altamash*, President of AIDM, whose vision and guidance have been instrumental in making this collaboration possible.

This MoU reflects our shared commitment to fostering education, innovation, and community development. Looking forward to meaningful initiatives ahead.

The Dental Surgery Assistant (DSA) Program at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM) was officially launched on 10th February 2026, with regular classes commencing on 17th February 2026. This program represents an important step toward strengthening the dental auxiliary workforce and enhancing the quality of clinical support in dental healthcare.

The initiative is being led by Dr. Zia Abbas, Director of the Dental Auxiliary Program, whose efforts have been instrumental in developing and implementing this training program. The launch of the program was strongly supported by the leadership of Prof. Dr. Hasnain Sakrani, Principal AIDM, and Prof. Dr. Naseer Ahmed, Vice Principal AIDM. Academic oversight and educational quality guidance were provided by Dr. Shaur Sarfaraz, Director Medical Education and QEC.

The establishment of the program reflects the visionary leadership and commitment of the President of AIDM, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Altamash, whose wisdom, leadership, and forward-looking vision continue to guide the institute toward excellence in dental education and healthcare training.

A pre-conference workshop under the umbrella of College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) IMECON was successfully conducted on 20th January at the Defence Campus of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM).
The workshop, facilitated by Dr. Shaur Sarfaraz and Dr. Rubab Ali Hashim, focused on “Gen Z Well-Being: Faculty Perceptions and Educational Strategies.” The session explored the evolving psychosocial needs, learning preferences, and well-being concerns of Generation Z learners within health professions education. The workshop emphasized the importance of adapting teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, and mentorship approaches to create psychologically safe and supportive learning environments.

An elegant Alumni and Faculty Dinner with Musical Night was hosted at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM), bringing together alumni, faculty members, and institutional leadership in a spirit of celebration.
The evening served as a platform to strengthen professional bonds, reconnect graduates with their alma mater, and acknowledge the collective achievements of the AIDM community. Alumni shared their professional journeys and experiences, reflecting the institute’s growing impact in the field of dentistry.
A highlight of the event was a captivating live musical performance by renowned singer Mohammad Zubair, whose soulful renditions added warmth and vibrancy to the evening. The event reaffirmed AIDM’s commitment to maintaining strong alumni relations and nurturing a supportive academic community beyond graduation.

CHPE Batch 4 Commences at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine
The Certificate in Health Professions Education (CHPE) Batch 4 has officially commenced at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, marking another milestone in the institute’s commitment to academic excellence and faculty development.
This new cohort comprises 18 enthusiastic participants, including dental, medical and nursing faculty members dedicated to enhancing their teaching competencies and educational leadership skills. Through structured modules, interactive workshops, and scholarly activities, the program aims to cultivate reflective educators capable of contributing to quality improvement in health professional’s education.

Journal Club Highlights One Health Integration in Health Professions Education

The Institute of Medical Education at Jinnah Sindh Medical University (IME-JSMU) recently conducted a Journal Club session on “Integrating the One Health Approach in Education to Address Global Health and Sustainability Challenges,” based on a key scholarly paper by Barrett et al.

The session was led by Dr. Shaur Sarfaraz, Director, Department of Medical Education & QEC at Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM). Her presentation was delivered in the presence of an invited expert, Dr. Ambreena Qureshi from Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), and attended by faculty members engaged in health professions education.

During the session, Dr. Shaur Sarfaraz emphasized the urgent need to break down traditional academic silos in health education. She highlighted that approximately 75% of emerging human diseases originate from animals, a challenge further intensified by environmental factors such as climate change. She underscored that addressing these complex global health threats requires a collaborative One Health approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health disciplines.

Dr. Shaur also outlined practical strategies for institutional integration of One Health concepts, including shared interprofessional courses, summer institutes, and the establishment of Centers of One Health Excellence, with relevance to local and regional contexts. Her presentation generated active academic discussion and reflection on how these transdisciplinary concepts can be implemented within existing curricula.

The session reflected AIDM’s academic leadership and commitment to advancing innovative, future-oriented frameworks in health professions education, while fostering meaningful dialogue with national experts and institutions.

We are truly grateful to all our alumni who attended and supported the recent reunion. Your presence made the event memorable and meaningful. We also appreciate those who wished to join but could not due to being out of station, busy schedules, or other commitments. We look forward to your participation in our upcoming alumni events. Together, we will continue to strengthen our alumni bond.