Master’s Degree Awarded to Ms. Ebtihal Abdulmalik Al-Wajeeh from Faculty of Dentistry
Ms. Ebtihal Abdulmalik Sharaf Qasim Al-Wajeeh was awarded a Master’s degree with a grade of (Excellent) for her thesis titled “Assessing Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Children with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Sana’a – Yemen,” which was submitted to Department of Basic Sciences at Faculty of Dentistry – Sana’a University. The MA defense was held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, corresponding to Rabi’ al-awwal 10, 1447 Hijri.
The MA Viva-voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Post-Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
- Hassan Abdulwahab Al-Shamahi, Main Supervisor and Member.
- Abeer Hassan Sharaf Al-Din, Internal Examiner.
- Fadhel Al-Sanabani, External Examiner.
The thesis aimed to evaluate the oral health status and treatment needs of children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and to quantify their treatment requirements.
The thesis found that children undergoing chemotherapy for ALL are at a significantly increased risk of oral health complications due to both the disease and its treatment. The assessment highlighted a high prevalence of poor oral conditions and deteriorating gum health. It also revealed an increase in dental decay and a decrease in salivary flow rate. The most common oral complication observed in patients was oral inflammation, which negatively impacted their quality of life, affecting their ability to eat and speak.
The thesis concluded with several key recommendations, including:
- Performing a dental examination before starting chemotherapy.
- Intervening with treatment when the patient’s blood count is stable.
- Monitoring oral health during chemotherapy to minimize complications that could affect the patient’s overall and oral health.
The thesis was examined and recommended by the Viva-Voce Committee for acceptance and approval. The defense was attended by a number of academics, researchers, students, and interested individuals, in addition to the candidate’s colleagues and family members.
