Muscat – Omani orthodontist Dr Mohammad Zeinalddin has received a Special Mention in the Lee W Graber Orthodontics Changing Lives Award presented by the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO).

The recognition was announced earlier this month during the WFO Board Meeting, held alongside the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session and WFO Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.

Dr Zeinalddin was honoured for documenting the treatment of an Omani infant born with a cleft condition during the COVID-19 pandemic. His video focused on nasoalveolar moulding (NAM), an early intervention technique used before corrective surgery. It highlighted the need for timely treatment, family commitment and coordinated care.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Dr Zeinalddin said the first phase of treatment lasted about four months in 2020. The child continues to receive follow-up care.

“Cleft care is not short-term treatment. It is a long journey that continues throughout childhood and adolescence,” he said.

Dr Zeinalddin is founder and craniofacial orthodontist at Mohammad Orthodontic Center. He previously served as programme coordinator and senior lecturer at Oman Dental College. He is also co-founder and treasurer of the Omani Craniofacial and Cleft Society under the Oman Medical Association.

He said his interest in craniofacial orthodontics grew after seeing how early treatment can change the lives of children and their families.

According to Dr Zeinalddin, Oman records about 2.6 cleft lip and palate cases per 1,000 live births, compared to a global average of around 1.6 cases.

“Many children with cleft conditions still face social and emotional difficulties due to limited public awareness,” he said. “Some families struggle emotionally, while some children experience negative treatment in schools and society simply because people are not fully aware of the condition and the support these children need.”

He said awareness is vital not only from a medical perspective but also at a social level.

“These children deserve support, understanding, confidence and equal opportunities within society,” he said. “If this recognition helps even one family seek treatment earlier or feel more hopeful, then that is meaningful for me.”

Established in 2022, the Omani Craniofacial and Cleft Society aims to strengthen cooperation between government and private institutions to improve multidisciplinary cleft services in the sultanate.

Dr Zeinalddin acknowledged the support of Dr Taimoor Al Bulushi, head of the Plastic Surgery Department at Khoula Hospital and president of the society, in advancing cleft care initiatives.

Addressing young Omani doctors, he said international recognition is the result of dedication to patients. “The most meaningful reward is seeing the smile of a child and the relief in the eyes of parents after difficult moments,” he said.