In a landmark moment that reflects Future University in Egypt’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and advanced scientific research, the Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine proudly witnessed the discussion of the first doctoral dissertation in the history of Future University in Egypt.

The dissertation was presented by Dr. Eslam Shanab, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and staff member at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, marking a defining milestone not only in his academic journey, but also in the university’s evolving role as a leading institution for higher education and scientific advancement in Egypt.

Dr. Eslam Shanab is one of Future University in Egypt’s distinguished success stories. He earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from FUE in 2012, followed by his master’s degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2019, before completing his Doctoral degree in the same specialty in 2026, all at Future University in Egypt. His journey stands as a testament to the university’s dedication to nurturing generations of researchers, clinicians, and innovators capable of shaping the future of healthcare.

His doctoral thesis explored one of the most transformative areas in modern dentistry and implantology: the integration of Artificial Intelligence in computer-guided implant placement. The research focused on comparing the accuracy of AI-assisted implant planning workflows with conventional digital planning methods.

The study investigated how advanced AI-driven automation techniques including automatic CBCT segmentation, data superimposition, virtual crown positioning, and automated implant planning could improve the precision of surgical guide fabrication for dental implant placement among patients with varying levels of tooth loss.

Through a randomized clinical trial, the research demonstrated that AI-assisted workflows significantly improved implant positioning accuracy in both buccolingual and mesiodistal dimensions. The findings highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to provide a more precise, efficient, and reliable alternative to traditional digital implant planning approaches, opening new possibilities for the future of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Beyond its scientific significance, the dissertation also carried a deeply human and emotional dimension. Dr. Eslam Shanab dedicated this work to the memory of his supervisor and mentor, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Barakat, Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Cairo University and former Dean of the Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, whose mentorship and academic influence played a pivotal role throughout the research journey.

Reflecting on his mentor’s impact, Dr. Eslam Shanab expressed profound gratitude for Prof. Dr. Barakat’s guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support, describing his passing as an irreplaceable loss to the academic and medical community. He emphasized that this research stands as a tribute to Prof. Dr. Barakat’s remarkable legacy and enduring influence on generations of surgeons and scholars.