Oman Dental College Develops World-First Graphene-Enhanced Dental Filling
Muscat – May 2025: In a remarkable leap for dental science and innovation, a research team from Oman Dental College has developed a groundbreaking dental filling material that combines exceptional mechanical strength with full biocompatibility. This novel compound is the world’s first dental filling created from Omani Portland cement reinforced with carbon nanoplates (graphene) — a powerful combination that promises to redefine global dental treatment standards.
Led by researcher Malaak bint Khalifa Al-Harthiya, the team—operating under the project name “Pulp49”—developed the material to address a long-standing gap in conventional dental fillings: the inability to simultaneously offer high durability and biological compatibility with oral tissues.
“We observed that existing fillings often compromise either strength or biocompatibility. Our goal was to solve this by innovating a compound that meets both needs—effectively and efficiently,” said Al-Harthiya.
The newly developed filling is the result of five years of rigorous research and development, beginning with cellular testing, followed by animal trials in collaboration with the Royal Oman Police Cavalry Unit. It is currently in the second phase of human clinical trials, where preliminary results have shown outstanding promise.
Key Features of the Innovation
- Superior Biocompatibility: Promotes a positive interaction with biological tissues, ideal for complex procedures.
- Enhanced Regeneration: Mimics the ideal cellular environment for dental tissue repair and healing.
- High Insulation: Fills and seals gaps effectively, offering water resistance and durability.
- Cost-Effective: Utilizes local materials and scalable nanotechnology for sustainable development.
The innovation has received an official patent in Oman and has been registered internationally. With support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, the team is now preparing the product for commercial release, beginning in local markets before global export.
“The technical challenges were immense, especially in finding the ideal formulation. But with multiple iterations and collaborative testing, we succeeded in creating a clinically viable and scalable solution,” Al-Harthiya noted.
The project’s success was driven by strong institutional support from Oman Dental College and collaborative contributions from national research and law enforcement sectors. Special recognition was given to Dr. Abu Bakr Qutaishat and Dr. Aida Al-Wahaibi, as well as the encouragement from family and community.
Further elevating this achievement, Malaak Al-Harthiya has been selected to represent Oman at the 2025 International Exhibition of Invention, Innovation, and Technology in Malaysia, showcasing Omani innovation on a global stage.
“This achievement proves that Omani youth can create impactful innovations when given the right support. When innovation is rooted in real-world needs, it becomes a tool not just for progress, but for national pride,” she concluded.
