Rutgers logo
Rutgers logo
Rutgers logo

Mohammad Ali Saghiri

Associate Professor

portrait of mohammad ali saghiri

Role

Faculty

Department Restorative Dentistry

M. A. Saghiri (Afsar)

  • Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry
  • Director, Biomaterials Research Laboratory
  • Principal Investigator, Scanning Electron Microscopy Service

Biography

Dr. M. A. Saghiri is a distinguished researcher at the nexus of dentistry, biomaterials, computer science, and AI. His groundbreaking work in endodontic biomaterials harnesses AI to transform dental diagnostics, treatment planning, and education. His research portfolio includes AI-powered image analysis for early disease detection, virtual reality simulations for dental training, and ethical AI applications. Additionally, he explores AI's role in optimizing treatment plans and secure data transfer in healthcare through blockchain technology.

With over 120 PubMed publications, Dr. Saghiri's contributions span nearly 40% of articles focused on the intersection of dentistry and computer science. He is an Associate Editor for two journals and is on the editorial board of over ten journals. His extensive review work for numerous dental journals further exemplifies his commitment to advancing the field.

In 2024, Dr. Saghiri received the New Jersey Health Foundation's Excellence in Research Award for his innovative work in dental materials. He was honored with the prestigious DenburTech Award in December 2020 for publishing over 100 peer-reviewed articles on PubMed, with at least 75% as the first author. His "FitSeal" project won an award from the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance VentureWell in 2022, highlighting his dedication to scientific innovation.

Key Projects

FitSeal FitSeal addresses the limitations of conventional endodontic sealers, which often shrink and become soluble, leading to treatment failures. This innovative dental biomaterial expands rather than shrinks, preventing gaps that can cause reinfection. FitSeal promises a safer, simpler, and more cost-effective procedure, reducing endodontic treatment failures and preserving more teeth.

DentinVaccine The DentinVaccine project aims to enhance dentin durability by using solute carriers to transport specific inorganic trace minerals into the dentin matrix. This process strengthens the apatite structure, increasing hardness and resilience. The goal is to develop treatments that result in healthier, more robust dentin, improving dental health and extending tooth longevity.

Research Projects

  • AI-Powered Predictive Models for Dental Disease Progression

  • ML-Driven Optimization of Biomaterial Properties for Dental Implant

  • AI-Enhanced Diagnostics and Treatment Planning for Orthodontic

Collaboration and Opportunities

Dr. Saghiri is passionate about fostering collaboration and mentoring the next generation of researchers. He is also deeply interested in biomedical research, international dentistry, and computer engineering. He serves as an advisor and external committee member for MS and PhD students in computer and materials science engineering. Dr. Saghiri is always eager to engage in exciting and innovative projects.

For collaboration opportunities or to join his research team, please contact him at Mohammadali.saghiri@rutgers.edu. 

Recent Publications

As of July 2024, Dr. Saghiri has over 120 publications. PubMed link.

  1. Exploring the impact of type II diabetes mellitus on voice quality. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2024 May; 281(5): 2707-2716. DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08485-4. Epub 2024 Feb 6. PMID: 38319369.

  2. Mechanical properties of simulated dentin caries treated with metal cations and L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate. Odontology. 2024 Apr; 112(2): 489-500. DOI: 10.1007/s10266-023-00868-z. Epub 2023 Nov 17. PMID: 37978093.

  3. Effects of Diabetes on Elemental Levels and Nanostructure of Root Canal Dentin. J Endod. 2023 Sep; 49(9): 1169-1175. DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2023.07.002. Epub 2023 Jul 8. PMID: 37429496.

  4. Volume and Power of Expansion of Novel Polyurethane-based Sealers. J Endod. 2023 Aug; 49(8): 1020-1026. DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2023.05.019. Epub 2023 Jun 3. PMID: 37276958.

  5. Effects of brushing duration on the efficacy of dental plaque removal: An in vitro study. Int J Dent Hyg. 2023 Aug; 21(3): 618-623. DOI: 10.1111/idh.12679. Epub 2023 Apr 10. PMID: 37036381.

  6. Scoping review of the relationship between xerostomia and voice quality. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Jul; 280(7): 3087-3095. DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-07941-x. Epub 2023 Mar 30. PMID: 36995371.

  7. The future of digital twins in precision dentistry. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2023 Jan-Feb; 13(1): 19. DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2022.10.003. Epub 2022 Oct 12. PMID: 36345496; PMCID: PMC9636047.

  8. Bim Expression Modulates Branching Morphogenesis of the Epithelium and Endothelium. Biomolecules. 2022 Sep 14; 12(9): 1295. DOI: 10.3390/biom12091295. PMID: 36139134; PMCID: PMC9496469.

  9. Neural network approach to evaluate the physical properties of dentin. Odontology. 2023 Jan; 111(1): 68-77. DOI: 10.1007/s10266-022-00726-4. Epub 2022 Jul 10. PMID: 35819652.

  10. Diabetes Mellitus Affects the Microhardness of Root Dentine: An in-vitro Study. Eur Endod J. 2022 Jun; 7(2): 122-128. DOI: 10.14744/eej.2022.37029. PMID: 35786582; PMCID: PMC9285991.

  11. Functional role of inorganic trace elements in dentin apatite-Part II: Copper, manganese, silicon, and lithium. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2022 Jul; 72: 126995. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126995. Epub 2022 May 7. PMID: 35605438.

  12. Functional role of inorganic trace elements in dentin apatite tissue-part III: Se, F, Ag, and B. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2022 Jul; 72: 126990. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126990. Epub 2022 May 12. PMID: 35569285.

  13. Diabetes negatively affects tooth enamel and dentine microhardness: An in-vivo study. Arch Oral Biol. 2022 Jul; 139: 105434. DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2022.105434. Epub 2022 Apr 18. PMID: 35525015.

  14. The effect of diabetes on the tensile bond strength of a restorative dental composite to dentin. Odontology. 2022 Oct; 110(4): 648-654. DOI: 10.1007/s10266-022-00697-6. Epub 2022 Mar 4. PMID: 35246807.

  15. Scoping review of the relationship between diabetes and voice quality. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2022 Mar; 185: 109782. DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2022.109782. Epub 2022 Feb 14. PMID: 35176400.

  16. Functional role of inorganic trace elements in dentin apatite tissue-Part 1: Mg, Sr, Zn, and Fe. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2022 May; 71: 126932. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126932. Epub 2022 Jan 15. PMID: 35101699.

  17. Scoping review of artificial intelligence and immersive digital tools in dental education. J Dent Educ. 2022 Jun; 86(6): 736-750. DOI: 10.1002/jdd.12856. Epub 2021 Dec 28. PMID: 34962645.

  18. The effect of diabetes mellitus on the shear bond strength of composite resin to dentin and enamel. Odontology. 2022 Jan; 110(1): 92-98. DOI: 10.1007/s10266-021-00641-0. Epub 2021 Jul 27. PMID: 34318336.

  19. The pH and Bismuth Oxide Particle Size can Affect Diametral Tensile Strength of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate. Eur Endod J. 2021 Apr 8; 6(2): 211–5. DOI: 10.14744/eej.2021.27136. PMID: 34047298; PMCID: PMC8461494.

  20. Tissue reaction to novel customized calcium silicate cement-based dental implants. A pilot study in the dog. J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2021 May 22; 32(6): 61. DOI: 10.1007/s10856-021-06512-y. PMID: 34021848; PMCID: PMC8140961.