Research at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to demonstrate how locally driven scientific inquiry can generate solutions with far-reaching benefits for healthcare and society. Through innovative research that addresses South Africa’s unique health challenges, the university is strengthening its position as a leader in producing knowledge with both national and international relevance. This commitment to research excellence was recently highlighted by the graduation of Dr Ruth Kobedi, who was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Anatomy. Her doctoral study has produced findings that could improve orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning and forensic identification practices in South Africa.
Conducted within the Department of Anatomy and Histology under the supervision of Professor Anna Oettlé, Dr Sandeepa Rajbaran Singh and Dr Franci Swanepoel from TUT, Dr Kobedi’s research, Assessment of Cephalometrics in a South African Sample, addressed a longstanding gap in healthcare research by establishing population-specific cephalometric standards for Black South African adults.
Cephalometry is a key diagnostic tool used in the assessment and management of dentoskeletal conditions such as malocclusion. However, many of the standards currently used in clinical practice are based on international populations and may not accurately reflect South African craniofacial characteristics. Dr Kobedi’s study demonstrated that craniofacial morphology differs across populations, highlighting the need for locally relevant diagnostic benchmarks.
By providing evidence-based data tailored to South African patients, the research has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, strengthen treatment planning and enhance orthodontic treatment outcomes.
“Developing population-specific cephalometric standards is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and ensuring that treatment planning reflects the unique characteristics of the patients we serve,” said Dr Kobedi. “This research highlights the importance of generating locally relevant scientific evidence that can directly benefit healthcare delivery in South Africa.”
The study also examined the relationships between malocclusion, prognathism, age and sex using both conventional lateral cephalograms and cone-beam computed tomography-derived lateral cephalograms (LC-CBCTs). One of its key findings was that reconstructed LC-CBCT images can be used reliably and interchangeably with conventional cephalograms for cephalometric analysis. This finding may support the wider adoption of advanced imaging technologies in clinical practice while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Beyond orthodontics, the research offers valuable contributions to forensic anthropology and forensic science. Dr Kobedi’s findings demonstrated the potential use of cephalometric models in forensic sex estimation, providing an additional tool for biological profiling and the identification of unknown individuals. As South Africa continues to face increasing demands for forensic investigations, such innovations could strengthen identification processes and support justice and public safety initiatives.
“This work demonstrates how interdisciplinary research can address both clinical and societal challenges,” said Prof Oettlé. “The findings not only advance orthodontic knowledge but also create opportunities for innovation in forensic science and craniofacial research.”
Dr Kobedi’s work has already gained national and international recognition. Her research has been presented at the 29th International Symposium on Morphological Sciences, the 50th and 51st Conferences of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa, the SMU Research Day and the School of Dentistry Research Day. In 2025, she received the First Place Research Presentation Award at the 3rd School of Dentistry Research Day. Her doctoral research has also resulted in two peer-reviewed publications in the South African Dental Journal and one in Forensic Imaging.
Dr Kobedi’s achievement reflects more than individual academic success; it exemplifies the impact of SMU research in addressing real-world challenges through scientific innovation. By generating knowledge that improves patient care, informs clinical practice and contributes to forensic science, her work demonstrates how research conducted at SMU continues to advance healthcare and strengthen the university’s reputation as a leading centre of research excellence.
By Tumelo Moila
