Dr Rifat Mazhar Falak
Starting her 27-year career in Mumbai, Dr. Rifat transitioned to hospital-based dentistry (2002-2021) in the UAE in the role of department head for administration and quality.
Her Master’s degree in dentistry for older adults and medically compromised (USA 2019) has further strengthened her knowledge and resolve to establish and support long-term oral health, prioritizing patient safety, comfort, and preventive care strategies. Dr. Rifat’s holistic approach and commitment to clinical excellence are drawn from profound experience in:
- Minimally-invasive restorative therapy
- Expertise in root canals and build-up of extensively damaged teeth
- Gum health to control systemic effects of oral bacteremia and teeth stability
- Restoration of chewing efficiency through the replacement of missing functional units, ensuring optimal oral health outcomes, involving form, function, and aesthetics at every age.
Her research on the impact of oral health factors on nutritional status in elders over 65 years has been published in the Journal of the Japan Prosthodontic Society. Dr. Rifat is an honorary member of the Board of Geriatric Dentistry and the Federation of Special Care Dentistry and represents FSCD as the country ambassador to the UAE.
- She holds membership of IADH, the International Association for Disability and Oral Health.
- As editor, she conceptualized the geriatric edition of the FSCD e-gazette released in December 2023
- Speaker and Scientific Chairperson at the 2-day International GERIADENT Conference held in October 2024 to commemorate WHO Older Adults Day.
Dr. Rifat is a knowledge supporter for “Elderly Care India”, a volunteer-driven, open resource website that bridges gaps in best practices in senior care around the world. As a person, she’s deeply spiritual and is in constant pursuit of fresh perspective through travel and exploration, learning from unfamiliar people and places.
