College of Dentistry

- Programs & Admissions Overview
- - DDS and Dual Degree
    Learn about the application process for our dentistry and dual-degree programs.
  - Dental Hygiene
    Find information about applying for our bachelor's program in dental hygiene.
  - Advanced Standing Dentistry
    Find details on the process of applying for our Advanced Standing Dentistry Program.
  - Residency Programs
    Find admissions details for our six postgraduate programs.
- - Academic Programs
    Find an overview of our academic programs and links to more detail.
  - Learning Spaces & Technology
    Technology is fully integrated into student education, with repeated hands-on access to the tools of modern dentistry.
  - Wellness
    Wellness is an imiportant aspect of the student experience at the College of Dentistry.
  - Student Resources
    Find links to resources within our college and across the university.
- Research Overview
- - Biomaterials
    Biomaterials research is one of the fastest growing areas at the College of Dentistry and actively collaborates with a multidisciplinary group of partners across UNMC.
  - Bioregulation
    Our Bioregulation Research Group is working to understand and manipulate the immune system, inflammation and bone physiology to lead to more effective treatment of numerous conditions.
  - Oral Cancer
    Researchers in our college are focused on oral cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer, with a goal of significantly advancing our understandingor oral cancer progression and drug resistance.
  - Clinical Research
    The Cruzan Center for Dental Research was established to conduct well-designed clinical trials and clinical studies. It receives funding from the NIH, private foundations and industry.
- - Research Tools
    Students and faculty in our college have access to resources to aid cutting-edge research.
  - Student Research
    Every student in our college completes does research with guidance from our faculty, gaining insight into how they can help shape the future of oral health.
  - About Our Research
    Our research team is collaborating across UNMC to strengthen the college's research portfolio and expand opportunities for innovation in biomaterials, regenerative therapies and drug delivery.
Patient Care
- Engagement Overview
- Patient Care Engagement
  We are part of the dental safety net for Nebraska, with outreach that allows our students, faculty and staff to provide care for underserved populations across the state.
- Educational Engagement
  From providing children's dental health starter kits to our Special Olympics Special Smiles Program, we provide community education about dental health.
- Extramural Rotations
  Our fourth-year dental students rotate to established dental practices with established dentists who serve as preceptors and mentors.
- Biomonitoring
  Dental practices rely on this service through our college to document the effectiveness of sterilization equipment.
- Vet Smiles Clinic
  The VETSmile Dental Clinic at the UNMC College of Dentistry addresses the urgent need for accessible dental services within the veteran community.
- Continuing Education
  We provide engaging courses that education dental professionals on the latest techniques and advancements in the field.
Our Faculty
News

Sama Abdulmalik, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Growth & Development, UNMC College of Dentistry

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Sama Abdulmalik, PhD

Sama Abdulmalik, PhD, is an assistant professor at the UNMC College of Dentistry. She received her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from University of Connecticut. Her research focuses on identifying growth factor alternatives such as small molecules and peptides to promote tissue regeneration in applications including tendon and bone repair. She also investigates the use of various therapeutic modalities to enhance regeneration and reduce scarring in soft tissue injuries. Through her work, Dr. Abdulmalik aims to develop innovative, clinically translatable strategies to improve healing and functional recovery.

Education

BSc: Biochemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2007
MSc: Biomedical Engineering, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, 2014
PhD: Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, 2022
Postdoctoral Fellow: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UCONN Health, Farmington, CT, 2022-2024

Research Interests

Growth factor alternatives
Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
Soft tissue wound healing and scar reduction
Bone regeneration

Leadership and Editorial Roles

Early Career Editorial Board, Bioactive Materials, 2022 – Present

Professional Memberships

Biomedical Engineering Society
Orthopedic Research Society
Society for Biomaterials