Professor Azmi Mahafzah Inaugurates the Faculty of Dentistry at AAU

In a momentous event for our AAU, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Azmi Mahafzah, marked a new milestone with the grand inauguration of the Faculty of Dentistry. This significant ceremony was presided over by key figures including the Chairman of the University's Board of Directors, Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Mr. Omar Al-Hourani, Vice Chairman of the Board, and the University President, Professor Sari Hamdan, The inauguration was a prestigious gathering, attracting luminaries from various sectors. The illustrious guests included His Excellency Professor Nidhal Obaidat, President of the University of Jordan; Dr. Firas Abu Qaoud, the Governor of Balqa; Engineer Mohammed Al-Hayari, the Mayor of Salt; Jamal Al-Faouri, the Mayor of Ain Al-Basha; Brigadier General Jumaa Al-Hamaydeh, the Director of Balqa Police; and Dr. Rami Abu Roman, the Director of Al-Hussein Al Salt New Hospital. The event was further enhanced by the presence of an array of Arab cultural attachés, renowned consultants, and a distinguished assembly of university professors and academics. Adding to the academic prestige, AAU's Vice Presidents, Professor Mosleh Al-Tarawneh and Professor Anas Al-Soud, were in attendance, alongside deans from the various faculties. This grand occasion was also supported by a substantial gathering of the university's esteemed professors and administrative staff, all contributing to the celebratory atmosphere of this landmark event in AAU's history. The attendees recited Al-Fatiha and observed a minute of silence in mourning for the martyrs of Palestine and Gaza. In his speech, President Professor Sari Hamdan extended a heartfelt welcome to the gathered audience, heralding the inauguration as a landmark moment in realizing the visionary aspirations of the university's late founder, Dr. Ahmad Al-Hourani. He highlighted this significant milestone as the culmination of Dr. Al-Hourani's pioneering efforts to establish Jordan's first private university. Professor Hamdan underscored the profound impact of this initiative, not just in academia but also in bolstering the national economy. He emphasized its pivotal role in opening educational horizons for Jordanians, Arabs, and international students alike, marking a new chapter in Jordan's educational landscape. Professor Hamdan highlighted the establishment of the Faculty of Dentistry as a testament to the Board of Directors' commitment, notably Dr. Maher Al-Hourani and Mr. Omar Al-Hourani, to spearhead the creation of a state-of-the-art faculty. This ambition was reflected in every element of its design, from the architecture of the building to the cutting-edge laboratories and medical equipment, as well as the recruitment of top-tier faculty members. In a pivotal move on December 5, 2021, the university president initiated the formation of a dedicated committee to oversee this ambitious project. The committee, led by Professor Ahmad Hamdan, with Professor Anas Al-Soud and Professor Mohammad Al-Tanani as key members, was tasked with bringing this visionary project to fruition. Professor Hamdan indicated that our Faculty of Dentistry will become a distinguished scientific and research center among the dental faculties in Jordan. He noted that the acceptance rates were 24% for applicants who scored over 95%, 48% for those with scores ranging from 90 to 94.9%, 24% for those with scores from 85 to 89.9%, and 4% for international students with scores not less than 80%. Professor Anas Al-Soud, the Vice President for International Relations and Quality Affairs, further elaborated that the establishment of the Faculty of Dentistry aligns with the university administration's strategic direction and its vision to evolve into a globally recognized smart university with a sustainable, knowledge-rich environment fostering innovation. Consequently, a key objective was to incorporate a premier faculty in dentistry, distinguishing itself not only locally but also regionally and internationally. The faculty encompasses two principal departments: The Department of Basic Dental Sciences, dedicated to the academic and educational aspects during the pre-clinical phase, encompassing fundamental biomedical sciences and basic dental sciences; and the Department of Clinical Dental Sciences, focusing on the academic and practical training in various dental specializations during the clinical years. Professor Al-Soud further elaborated that the Faculty of Dentistry boasts a state-of-the-art main building, which houses eight modern teaching halls and a 300-seat auditorium, each outfitted with advanced lighting and sound systems. The facility also features four versatile conference halls, equipped with smart screens and live broadcasting cameras. Additionally, the faculty encompasses 18 specialized educational laboratories, catering to all dental specialties and basic medical sciences, all furnished with cutting-edge global educational technologies. A significant feature of the faculty is the Oral and Dental Diseases Research Center, a pioneering facility in Jordan and the Arab region, dedicated to oral disease research. This center comprises eight well-equipped laboratories with the latest devices and technologies, a dedicated smoking cessation clinic, and a library stocked with the latest paper and digital reference materials. The adjacent building includes a clinical department with 200 training clinics equipped for all dental specialties, and a laboratory dedicated to artificial intelligence research in dentistry. With the establishment of the Faculty of Dentistry, there will also be a Doctor of Dental Surgery program, aimed at producing distinguished medical professionals. Professor Al-Soud also highlighted the Dental Student Scholarship Fund, established by His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The fund is chaired by His Excellency the Chairman of the Accreditation Commission and Quality Assurance for Higher Education Institutions, Professor Dhafer Al-Sarayrah. It emphasizes selecting the finest candidates for scholarships and choosing from among the top universities worldwide, specifically those ranked within the top 500 globally.A promotional video was presented for a group of the university's scholarship students studying at the best international universities. At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, Dr. Maher Al-Hourani, Chairman of the Board of Directors, alongside University President Professor Sari Hamdan, took the opportunity to acknowledge and honor key individuals who significantly contributed to this national achievement. Among the honorees were the event's patron, His Excellency Professor Azmi Mahafzah, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; His Excellency Professor Ahmad Mohammed Hamdan, the Chairman of the Founding Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry; and His Excellency Engineer Ramzi Al-Sahawneh, the founder and CEO of TriMatrix Projects.