
Nadine Tassabehji
Nadine Tassabehji is an Assistant Professor in both the Department of Comprehensive Care, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and in the Division of Nutrition Interventions, Communication, and Behavior Change at Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. Dr. Tassabehji earned her undergraduate degree from the American University of Beirut in Nutrition and Food Sciences. She then earned her master’s in Clinical Nutrition and PhD in Nutritional Neuroscience from Florida State University. She completed her internship at both Florida State University and Tufts University. Her area of expertise includes nutrition and oral health. Dr. Tassabehji teaches a wide spectrum nutrition course to pre-doctoral and post-graduate dental school. She also teaches in the MBS (Master of Biomedical Sciences) and PA (Physician Assistant) programs at Tufts University. She is the co-course director for the integrated Craniofacial Biology course for first year dental students. Dr. Tassabehji is a dietetic intern preceptor for the Frances Stern Center at the Tufts Medical Center, where eight dietetic interns visit Tufts Dental School to complete their rotations before sitting for the Registered Dietitian exam. In 2022, she was the recipient of the Dean’s award in excellent in Basic Science Teaching. In 2023, was awarded the TUSDM Development Opportunities for Innovative Teaching Grant. Her research focuses on two areas. First, the intersection of nutrition and oral health, with a particular emphasis on prevention. This research aims to explore how dietary factors influence oral health outcomes. The second area of research aims to identify strategies for incorporating nutrition education into dental curriculum both pre-doctoral and residency programs. By integrating nutrition into dental education, her work seeks to equip future dental professionals with the knowledge and tools to provide comprehensive care that addresses both oral and overall health. Dr. Tassabehji serves on several professional organizations related to oral health nutrition including Food is Medicine Massachusetts (FIMMA) and Oral Health Alliance.