Who is The Periodontal Professor?
Professor Solomon Olusegun Nwhator is a globally recognized authority in Periodontology and Periodontal Medicine. A distinguished scholar, visionary leader, and dedicated clinician, he has profoundly advanced the understanding of the oral–systemic health connection, reshaping clinical practice and influencing health policy across Africa and beyond. With about seventy publications in peer-reviewed journals and books, he brings together scientific rigor, clinical excellence, and transformative leadership in a way that continues to shape the future of his field.
🎓 Doctoral Research at University of Helsinki
PhD in Periodontology & Clinical Dentistry, 2018
Dissertation: “Association between αMMP-8 Chairside Test for Chronic Periodontitis and Selected Reproductive Health Parameters”
🔬 View Official Dissertation on University of Helsinki Research Portal →Supervision & Significance
Supervised by: Prof. Anna Maria Heikkinen & Prof. Timo Sorsa
This landmark achievement was the University of Helsinki’s first dissertation focused on active MMP-8 (aMMP-8). The research followed Professor Nwhator’s seminal discovery of markedly elevated aMMP-8 levels in pregnant Nigerian women—unpublished data showing several-fold increases in the second trimester compared with Caucasian cohorts. This critical insight opened new pathways for understanding racial disparities in preterm birth risk.
🏛️ Academic Affiliations & Scholarly Impact
Primary Affiliations
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
Professor of Periodontal Medicine - University of Helsinki, Finland
International Research Collaboration & PhD Supervisor
Research Metrics
1,604
19
27
~70
Web of Science: E-6735-2013 • Scopus: 16743989900
🎓 Education & Specialist Training
A lifelong commitment to excellence and interdisciplinary expertise
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BDS – University of Lagos (1992)
Bachelor of Dental Surgery -
FMCDS – National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (2005)
Fellow, Medical College of Dental Surgeons (Periodontology) -
FWACS – West African College of Surgeons (2014)
Fellow (Periodontology) -
PhD – University of Helsinki, Finland (2018)
Doctor of Philosophy in Periodontology -
Certificate – University of Washington (2019)
Leadership and Management in Health -
MPA – National Open University of Nigeria (2021)
Master of Public Administration
💡 Intellectual Contributions
A leading voice in interdisciplinary research bridging dentistry and systemic medicine
1. Diabetes & Medical–Dental Integration
His groundbreaking 2012 meta-ethnographic review, “Is Periodontitis the Missing Link?”, emphasized the pivotal role of periodontal inflammation in glycemic control. He further demonstrated low physician awareness of this link, catalyzing new efforts toward medical–dental collaboration.
2. Reproductive Health & Fertility
He was among the first to identify a connection between oral health and reproductive outcomes. His influential papers—”Another Reason for Impeccable Oral Hygiene: Oral Hygiene–Sperm Count Link” (2013), and “Could Periodontitis Affect Time to Conception?” (2014)—provided compelling evidence that periodontal health significantly influences both male and female fertility.
3. Biomarkers & Diagnostic Innovation
A pioneer in translational diagnostics, Professor Nwhator has played a central role in validating chairside aMMP-8 testing. His work has directly shaped the global classification system for periodontitis staging and grading, and his reviews remain essential resources for clinicians and researchers worldwide.
📚 Editorial Leadership & Peer Review
🔬 Editor-in-Chief
Official journal of Nigerian Dental Association
✓ Verify on journal website →
📖 Editorial Board Member
✓ Verify on journal website →
🌐 Associate & Review Editor
Associate Editor – Oral Epidemiology Section
✓ Verify on Frontiers website →
Review Editor – Oral Health Promotion Section
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🏆 Leadership, Service, and Lasting Impact
Professor Nwhator serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Nigerian Dental Journal, a role through which he has elevated scholarly publishing in the region. He has trained and mentored generations of dentists and postgraduate scholars, shaping the evolution of periodontal research and clinical practice in Africa.
“A defining milestone in his legacy is his successful advocacy for the establishment of Africa’s first dedicated Periodontal Medicine Clinic at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC). This historic achievement stands as a testament to his vision and enduring contributions to oral–systemic health.”
The Man Behind the Scholar
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Professor Solomon Nwhator is known for his discipline and unwavering faith. A devoted husband and father, he also serves as a choir master and pastor—embodying the harmony between intellectual excellence and deep spiritual commitment.
🔬 Live Research Impact Metrics
Access real-time citation data and Professor Nwhator’s complete scholarly output on Google Scholar, the world’s most comprehensive academic profile system.
✓ Real-time citation tracking
✓ Full publication list with abstracts
✓ Co-author networks and collaboration map
✓ Automatic impact metric updates
