Dr. Othman Shibly, Clinical Professor, is currently, Director, Post Graduate Program in Periodontics, Coordinator, International Advanced Dental Education Scholar Program and Associate director for the Center for Dental Studies at the School of Dental Medicine at University at Buffalo.
Dr. Shibly’s professional education started at Damascus University in Syria, where he received his DDS degree in 1982. He then, received his Certificate of Specialty in Periodontics in 1986.
In 1985 he received a Diploma in Sharia and in 1989, he received a Baccalaureate degree in Islamic and Arabic studies From College of Islamic Dawah at Abu Al Nur Foundation Damascus, Syria. In 1991, he received a Master Degree in Periodontology from Damascus University. In 1995, from the University at Buffalo, Dr. Shibly received his Master of Oral Science Degree and his Doctor of Dental Science Degree in 1999, and Periodontology Certificate of specialty in 2003. He became American Diplomate of Periodontology in 2004.
Dr. Shibly has been involved in promoting understanding and cultural compatibility between the West and the East based on shared common values. These activities became very crucial after September 11th. He has been invited to lectures since that time in schools, universities, colleges, churches, synagogues and different communities and study clubs throughout Western New York. Recently, his paper on world peace that was presented in Indonesia July 27, 2016 was selected by Indonesian research team to be taught in 40 Universities in Indonesia
Dr. Shibly was honored with the 2002 Circle of Distinction Award from the University at Buffalo’s Committee for the Promotion of Respect for Diversity. He was honored for his unselfish commitment to mentoring students and working with the campus community to foster positive cultural relations in regard to Muslim and Arabic issues over the years. He served on the board of Network of Religious communities of Western New York for more than ten years. He also was elected the chairman of Interreligious Concern Committee to address and solve conflicts between different cultural and religious communities in Western New York especially when discussing sensitive issues that are of great concerns to communities.
In 2005, he was also awarded Outstanding Contribution to International Education Award from the State University of New York. Dr. Shibly was elected to the OKU National Dental Honor Society in March 2007.
He also earned the National outstanding teaching award from the American Academy of Periodontology in 2007.
He also received Appreciation Award, from Muslim Student Association, University at Buffalo, for outstanding mentoring and advising, 2007
He also received Recognition Award, Western New York Tobacco-Free Programs, for contributions to University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine tobacco counseling program and addressing tobacco dependence among patients, 2009
He also received Certificate of Appreciation, University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, acknowledging contribution to the Spirituality and End-of-Life Care Project in the Department of Family Medicine, 2009
Dr. Shibly’s article titled “Effect of Tobacco Counseling by Dental Students on Patient Quitting Rate.” was selected as the recipient of the Olav Alvares Award for Outstanding Articles Published in the Journal of Dental Education for the year of 2010. He also received New York State Dental Foundation award for providing donated dental services, 2011. Since the crisis in Syria, March 2011. Dr. Shibly participated in the medical mission to help Syrian refugees in Jordan Turkey and Lebanon. He realized that dental mission for a week will not be enough to care for the thousands of women and children so he raised the money to establish two dental clinics in Turkey and arranged to hire several dentists to provide free dental care on daily basis for the refugees. Thus clinics were selected to be the sites for the Alliance for the Oral health an organization that include more than 30 Universities in the US and the world that provide dental care for the people in conflict zones.
In the 16th International Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) conference at Sarajevo, Bosnia July 22- 24, 2016, Dr. Shibly was awarded: “SAMS Ibn Al nafees Outstanding achievement award” for innovation and outstanding achievements in oral care for forced immigrants (Syrian refugees).
Dr. Shibly is the consultant and supervisor of more than 16 Schools in war areas suburb of Damascus. These Schools include more than 5000 students. In October 5, 2016, Dr. Shibly won the Shills Award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to serving the global dental needs of those in Distress. In 2017, Dr. Shibly was the recipient of The Buffalo News Outstanding Citizens of the Year for leading missions to improve the daily lives of those affected by war. In 2020 Dr. Shibly won the AAPH. Dalton Conner Humanitarian Award that will be presented in the annual national meeting for the American Academy of Periodontology in Honlulu, October 2020.