ORO-CRANIOMAXILLOFACIAL RESEARCH & SURGERY GROUP (OCRES)
FACULTY OF DENTISTRY
UNIVERSITI MALAYA
Introduction
The Oro-craniomaxillofacial Research and Surgery Group is a specialised academic and clinical research unit focused on advancing knowledge and excellence in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of conditions affecting the oral cavity, craniofacial region, and maxillofacial structures. Research in this group focuses particularly on congenital anomalies and functional disorders such as craniofacial syndromes and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This research group aims to develop patient-centred, evidence-based solutions that enhance function, appearance, and overall quality of life.
Summary and principal aim
This research group serves as a collaborative platform for academicians dedicated to improving surgical techniques, biomaterial applications, and patient outcomes related to oral, cranial and maxillofacial health. It fosters a strong culture of innovation, clinical research, and scientific publications in areas ranging from facial deformity to structural space analysis and technology-advanced devices and procedures. The principal aim of the research group is to enhance the lives of patients with craniofacial anomalies by advancing surgical and non-surgical treatment strategies, improving functional outcomes, and optimising long-term quality of life through innovative, research-driven approaches.
Area of interest/research/objectives of the group
● Craniofacial Anomalies
- Investigating congenital conditions such as craniosynostosis and syndromic deformities
● Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Exploring surgical interventions such as maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) and distraction osteogenesis (DO)
- Study the airway dynamics, sleep quality and long-term patient-reported outcomes
● Functional and Aesthetic Rehabilitation
- Applying personalised surgical planning, 3D imaging, and custom prosthetics to improve facial symmetry, speech, breathing and mastication
● Structural Space Analysis
- Researching craniofacial growth patterns, dental arch relationships and skeletal discrepancies to improve treatment planning
● Technology-Advanced Devices and Procedures
- Implementing and assessing the effectiveness of emerging digital tools, surgical navigation systems and patient-specific devices in clinical practice.
● Interdisciplinary Management and Long-Term Care
- Integrating the expertise of oral maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, prosthodontists, and paediatric dental specialists for collaborative, multidisciplinary care.
Scope of oral and craniofacial deformities
Summary of current research activities:
Contact Details:
i. | Name: Email: | Prof. Dr. Firdaus bin Hariri (Head) |
ii. | Name: | Dr. Muhammad Kamil bin Hassan (Deputy Head) |
iii. | Name: | Dr. Nurul Zeety binti Azizi (Secretary) |
MEET OUR GROUP MEMBERS
Name: Prof. Dr. Firdaus bin Hariri Head of Research Group Email: firdaushariri@um.edu.my Research Area:
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Name: Dr. Muhammad Kamil bin Hassan Deputy Head of Research Group Email: kamil.hassank@um.edu.my Research Area:
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Name: Dr. Nurul Zeety Azizi Secretary of Research Group Email: zeety_azizi@um.edu.my Research Area:
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Name: Dato’ Prof. Dr. Zainal Ariff Member of Research Group Email: zainalr@um.edu.my Research Area:
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Name: Prof. Dr. Norliza Ibrahim Member of Research Group Email: norlizaibrahim@um.edu.my Research Area:
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Name: Prof. Dr. Chen Yeng Member of Research Group Email: chenyeng@um.edu.my Research Area:
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Name: Asso. Prof. Dr. Wan Nurazreena Wan Hassan Member of Research Group Email: wannurazreena@um.edu.my Research Area:
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Name: Asso. Prof. Dr. Lau May Nak Member of Research Group Email: minalau@um.edu.my Research Area:
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Name: Dr. Tan Chuey Chuan Member of Research Group Email: chuey.chuan@um.edu.my Research Area:
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Name: Dr. Goh Yet Ching Member of Research Group Email: gohyetching@um.edu.my Research Area:
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Name: Dr Surendra Kumar Acharya Member of Research Group Email: acharyas@um.edu.my Research Area:
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Contact details
For further information, please contact us:
Oro-Craniomaxillofacial Research & Surgical (OCReS) Group,
Dental Research Management Centre, Level 6,
Postgraduate and Research Tower,
Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya
50603 Kuala Lumpur
Last Update: 14/11/2025
