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The School of Dentistry is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Nida-e-Haque Mahmud, DDS, BDS, MS, a resident in the pediatric residency program, who recently secured first place in the dental student and resident poster competition at the ’s (SCDA) . The event, held on May 21-22, brought together participants from across the country, and Mahmud’s exceptional work stood out among her peers.

Mahmud’s award-winning poster, titled “Transforming Dental Care for Pediatric Sensory Processing Disorders,” highlights her innovative approach to improving dental care for children with sensory processing challenges. This marks the third time she has received this prestigious national recognition, a testament to her dedication to excellence in pediatric and special care dentistry.

Her research, completed alongside a distinguished team including , , , , , and , focuses on creating a sensory-adapted dental environment within a clinic setting. Faculty members and colleagues from institutions nationwide praised the high caliber of her work, further solidifying ������’s reputation for excellence in research and patient care.

"This project was a labor of love, rooted in a deep commitment to equitable care for children with sensory challenges. Being recognized across institutions and nationally is both humbling and affirming, reminding me that compassionate, accessible dentistry has the power to change lives. I’m especially grateful for the bold and encouraging mentorship of Dr. Kaur, whose guidance pushed me to grow throughout this journey. I also thank the Department of Developmental Dentistry, our partners in Occupational Therapy, and my co-authors—Drs. Lin, Wu, Gelfond, Carey, Challa, and Cervantes—whose collaborative spirit and expertise made this work possible. I hope this recognition brings greater visibility to the need for sensory-informed care and inspires others to reimagine what compassionate care can look like in dentistry and beyond," shared Mahmud.

Beyond this national achievement, Mahmud has continued to excel in academic competitions. She was selected as one of only two finalists from Texas for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) special care and pediatric dentistry trial, a decision that is eagerly awaited. Earlier this year, she also won first place at the Mikiten Graduate Symposium Poster Presenter competition on February 21 and secured first place for the Dental Resident Oral Presentations at the 43rd Annual School of Dentistry Research and Clinical Symposium on February 26.

“Dr. Mahmud’s remarkable success reflects the dedication, innovation, and expertise she brings to pediatric and special care dentistry. Her contributions not only advance the field but also enhance the quality of care available for special care dental patients,” remarked Kaur. 

We congratulate Dr. Mahmud on her well-deserved achievements and look forward to seeing the continued impact of her research and clinical work!