Q&A with Ali
"As an internationally trained dentist and a new immigrant in Canada, I had to deal with various challenges. Writing the exams and starting to build up my professional resume in Canada in order to get the admission to dental school was exciting and at the same time stressful. However, consistency and commitment paid off and I was able to make my way to Schulich Dentistry."
Ali
DDS Class of 2026, Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates
Ali is not currently available. Please consider contacting another Student Ambassador.
Why did you decide to pursue dental school?
The first time I chose Dentistry as my career, I was only 17 and I had not immigrated to Canada yet. I enjoyed being a dentist and practiced for 5 years after graduation and learned the most vital feature a doctor should possess: to listen and fully understand when someone talks about their problem. I chose Dentistry for a second time as my career after immigrating to Canada.
What was your academic or life journey to applying to dental school?
As an internationally trained dentist and a new immigrant in Canada, I had to deal with various challenges. Writing the exams and starting to build up my professional resume in Canada in order to get the admission to dental school was exciting and at the same time stressful. However, consistency and commitment paid off and I was able to make my way to Schulich Dentistry.
What do you love about Schulich Dentistry?
There are many things that I love about our School and every day I discover a new aspect that amazes me. The most important one is the friendly environment that our professors and staff have created for us to be able to learn without being scared of making mistakes. Support is always available and I have never felt overwhelmed which I appreciate and do not take for granted.
What has your experiential learning been like thus far?
It has been great to learn the theory first and then practice what I learned in our fantastic Simulation Clinic under the supervision of professors and instructors who are always there to provide feedback and correct us when we make mistakes. I find this method of learning very exciting and efficient.
Why did you become a Student Ambassador?
It has always been my passion to share my knowledge and experience with my peers and help my future colleagues on their way to success. I remember that I reached out for help and advice from my senior colleagues when I was applying to Schulich Dentistry and they generously guided me through my journey. I decided to do the same for my younger friends and try to help them.
What do you wish you knew before you were accepted to the DDS Program?
I had a pretty stressful time preparing myself for the bench test due to the lack of knowledge about the nature of the tasks in the PLA exam. I wish I had asked for help earlier so I could practice with more confidence and peace of mind.
