Case Summary:   

We’re pleased to share the success of a researcher from Iran whose groundbreaking work in dentistry, with a focus on the use of nanoparticles in orthodontic materials, has led to the approval of an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW). With strategic representation from the North America Immigration Law Group (NAILG), this client successfully navigated the complexities of the NIW process, including a Request for Evidence (RFE), to achieve a favorable outcome.

Research with Preventive Impact

The client’s work explores the synthesis and application of TiO₂, ZnO, and chitosan-based nanoparticles to improve the antimicrobial performance of dental composites. These efforts directly aim to reduce the risk of tooth decay, a pervasive oral health issue affecting millions of Americans. Her research holds exceptional relevance in orthodontics, where bacteria buildup around braces often exacerbates dental problems.

One of her most notable projects involved assessing how these metal oxide nanoparticles impact biofilm inhibition, bacterial elution, and shear bond strength in dental adhesives. These findings are not only scientifically rigorous but also translate into practical applications in public dental health.

A Well-Earned Track Record of Contributions

At the time of filing, the client had published 14 peer-reviewed journal articles, including a first-authored article, and her work had received 233 citations. Her scholarship has been featured in respected journals such as Progress in Orthodontics, International Orthodontics, and The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, which regularly publish top-tier work in dental research. Her high-impact article on titanium dioxide nanoparticles, published in the Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics, was among the top 10% most cited articles in Clinical Medicine for its year of publication.

In addition to publishing, the client has conducted at least 20 reviews for professional journals and conferences, further demonstrating her leadership within the scientific community. She has also worked as both a researcher and a clinician, blending academic insights with clinical application in orthodontic care.

National Interest and Expert Endorsement

The national relevance of her work was powerfully conveyed in the petition and echoed by independent experts. In particular, one recommender emphasized:

“Nanotechnology is used in other fields of medicine, and [client’s] research shows that it also has applications in orthodontics. Metal oxide NPs such as TiO₂, Chitosan, and ZnO increase antimicrobial properties in the long term, and using them in composite materials for braces is proven to decrease the risk of tooth decay. Therefore, it is vital that [client] is allowed to remain in the United States and continue her insightful work with NPs in orthodontics.”

Such expert statements, coupled with clear evidence of real-world application, established that her research met the “substantial merit and national importance” standard under the Matter of Dhanasar framework.

Overcoming Challenges with Strategic Legal Support

Though the petition received a Request for Evidence, NAILG responded by highlighting the extensive influence and future potential of the client’s work. This included emphasizing her citation impact, journal prestige, expert endorsements, and relevance to national oral health policy.

Within a few months, USCIS approved the petition, recognizing that the client’s qualifications and research contributions made her well-positioned to advance her proposed endeavor and that waiving the labor certification would be beneficial to the United States.

By successfully combining nanotechnology and dental science to tackle one of the most persistent public health issues in America, this researcher exemplifies how foreign talent continues to contribute to national well-being. NAILG is proud to have played a role in securing her NIW approval and looks forward to seeing the impact of her future work in preventive dentistry.