Zaid Badr, DDS, MS, MFDRCSI Assistant Professor, Department of Adult Restorative Dentistry
Background:
I received my DDS from the University of Jordan in 2014 and then worked as a part-time tutor for dental students. I enjoyed that so much so that I decided that I wanted to pursue academia and still practice general dentistry. In 2015, I completed a one-year dental internship in general dentistry at the Jordan University Hospital and a one-year comprehensive clinical course in dental implantology at the University of Jordan and the German Association of Oral Implantology.
I practiced in a private setting for three years, during which I successfully completed the requirements for the Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Then I was accepted into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Adams School of Dentistry Operative and Biomaterial Program.
During my three-year residency, I was appointed as a teaching assistant then promoted to a super-graduate teaching assistant. I had the opportunity to work in preclinical simulation labs and clinical settings. I was honored to recently receive the Spurgeon Award Certificate of Appreciation for "Best Resident" from the dental class of 2021. Interacting with and teaching students from various backgrounds has really enriched my teaching techniques and methodology and enhanced my personal growth.
I received my master's degree in operative dentistry and my certificate in operative dentistry and biomaterials from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2021.
How I fell in love with dentistry:
When I graduated from high school, my father encouraged me to follow in his footsteps and study engineering. I was doing very well and physics and mathematics were two of my favorite subjects. However, a year later I felt that something was missing. It was when my mother began having dental problems that I was first introduced to the fascinating world of dentistry. You can say it was meant to be.
Research/professional interests:
Bonding in dentistry, dental implants, dental materials, dental zirconia, digital dentistry and operative dentistry.
Hometown: Amman, Jordan
My family:
I am married to a wonderful woman, Dr. Manal Hamdan. We had our first baby boy, Hasan, in February 2021. We just moved from Chapel Hill and are very excited to try all the places people have recommended. So if you see me around, let me know what your favorite places and activities are in Lincoln!
Favorite things to do on a day off:
I enjoy spending time with my family and going out to explore new restaurants and cuisines. I like big arcades, PlayStation and basically anything fun!
Unique things about me:
I used to be an elite Pokémon trainer. (Pokémon Yellow on Game Boy is my all-time favorite.) I like to collect perfumes; my wife says I am addicted. I believe that Heath Ledger was the best Joker ever!
What I'm most looking forward to about working at the college:
Getting to know the wonderful staff, faculty and students. I am also very excited about applying what I have learned so far and learning from the experts here.
Professional memberships:
- Academy of Dental Materials (ADM)
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Academy of Operative Dentistry (AOD)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
- German Society of Oral Implantology (DGOI)
- International/ American Association for Dental Research (IADR/AADR)
- Jordanian Dental Association (JDA)
- North Carolina Dental Society (NCDS)
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)