Dr. Wajih El Hage
Wajih Al Hajj (Arabic: وجيه الحاج) born on April 17, 1991, is a Lebanese dentist, endodontist, and a clinical instructor in the department of endodontics at the faculty of dental medicine in Saint Joseph University of Beirut. He began his social journey through a blog called Imadad (relatively pronounced as I’m a dad or Imad dad) on which he shares his fatherhood experience and his journey with his son Imad, that became known on the social network his nickname: Imado.
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Education
He began his studies at Collège des Sœurs des Saints Coeurs Ain Najem, and graduated in 2009 with Lebanese Baccalaureat Part II, Life Sciences. He then continued his studies at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) – Faculty of Dental Medicine and graduated in 2014 as a Doctor in Dental Surgery.
In March 2014 he studied at Rennes University, Faculty of dental medicine – France as part of a student exchange program, enhancing the theory of treating adults under general anesthesia at Rennes’ university hospital.
He then continued his studies at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ). He obtained his Master’s degree in Science in Endodontics in 2017 and his master’s degree in Biological Sciences and Dental Materials (option: Biology) in 2019. He is currently working on his PhD in biology and materials of the oral environment.
In the science field, he emphasized and developed 3 main subjects in the oral health system:
- Head and Neck Lymphadenopathy: Epidemiology, Physical Examination, Differential Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment. Using a clinical evaluation for the algorithm’s “suggestive” branch.
- Effect of glide path on canal transportation and centering ability using Reciproc and Reciproc Blue in curved root canals.
- Evaluation of various irrigation techniques in reducing E faecalis within root canals.
He is now developing an endodontic biofilm for educational purposes and studying the impact of the activation of the irrigant on its elimination.
Articles
He wrote several medical articles aiming to improve dental studies and practices, especially in the field of endodontics. The main articles include;
- 1. Canal transportation and centering ability of Reciproc and Reciproc Blue with or without the use of pathfinding instruments
Hage W, Zogheib C, Bukiet F, Sfeir G, Khalil I, Gergi R, Naaman A. Canal Transportation and Centring Ability of Reciproc and Reciproc Blue With or Without Use of Glide Path Instruments: A CBCT Study. Eur Endod J. 2020 May 14;5(2):118-122. doi: 10.14744/eej.2019.86570. PMID: 32766521; PMCID: PMC7398994.[1]
- 2. Impact of Different Irrigant Agitation Methods on Bacterial Elimination from Infected Root Canals
Hage W, De Moor R, Hajj D, Sfeir G, Sarkis D, Zogheib C. Impact of Different Irrigant Agitation Methods on Bacterial Elimination from Infected Root Canals. Dent J (Basel). 2019 Jun 27;7(3):64.doi: 10.3390/dj7030064.[2]
Projects and conferences
Wajih Al Hajj is an international speaker whose main goal is to spread knowledge and improve dentistry. His main projects and conferences prepared around the world (Spain, Korea, Amsterdam, France, Belgium, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, UAE…) include:
- Causes of persistent apical periodontitis after good RCT
The purpose of this project was to discuss the intraradicular infection persistence in the complex apical root canal system, the extraradicular infection, the extruded root canal filling, true cystic lesions, the accumulation of endogenous cholesterol crystals, and many more.
- Flare-ups after endodontic treatment
Knowledge of the causative factors of post-treatment pain encompasses mechanical, chemical, and microbial injuries to the pulp and peri-radicular tissues.
- Irrigation: when to use what?
The purpose of this project was to present several irrigants and irrigant delivery systems that are available, all of which behave differently and have relative advantages and disadvantages.
- A dozen ways to prevent nickel-titanium rotary instrument fracture
The purpose of this project was to present measures that clinical operators can take to reduce the risk of NiTi rotary instrument failure and prevent fracture during root canal preparation.
- Cone Beam-Computed tomography in endodontics
This project focuses on applications of CBCT to dentoalveolar disease and conditions as applied in the practice of endodontics including the diagnosis of peri-apical lesions, visualization of canals and a complex anatomy, elucidation of internal and external resorption, and detection of root fracture.
- Clinical efficacy of electronic apex locator
Despite being the most used, some limitations are attributed to the radiographic method of working length determination. The purpose of the project was to determine the clinical efficacy of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation electronic apex locators.
- Apexification: the beginning of its end
The aim of the project is to discuss two new clinical concepts that have merged recently. The first involves a revitalization approach to achieve tissue generation and regeneration. The second is the active pursuit of pulp/dentine regeneration via tissue engineering technology to implant or re-grow pulps.
- Dental management of medically complex patients
The aim of the project was to clarify general protocols for the management of medically compromised dental patients (Immunosuppressed patients, radiation therapy patients, poorly controlled diabetic patients, artificial joint patients, patients with congenital heart disease, and prosthetic heart valves…).
Career
Wajih Al Hajj opened his own private clinic (Hage medical clinic) in Mansourieh, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon in 2014 and has been working there since, in the field of dentistry and endodontics. In 2017 he became a clinical instructor and a professor at Saint Joseph University of Beirut, faculty of dental medicine, department of endodontics (teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students). In 2021 he started working at Qatar Prime Dental Center, Al Waab St, Doha, Qatar as an endodontist. He has also been a member of the Lebanese Dental Association and the Lebanese Society of Endodontology and the European Society of Endodontology since 2014.
Personal Life
He married his high school sweetheart Mary Joe El Asmar in 2017 and had their first child Imad in 2018. Imad later became a public figure, well-known in the Lebanese and MENA region for bringing smiles to people’s faces every day. From there, Wajih had the idea to share his fatherhood journey with Imad by delivering a significant message to his followers about the importance of taking good care of their children in a society where the main focus is typically on motherhood.
