Interviews

Noor AlQabandi

December 18, 2022
538

“Driven By The Desire To Create Smiles.”

Tell us about your education.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Malta in Europe. Then pursued my higher education in two specialties: a Master’s in Public Health and one in Prosthodontics from Tufts University, Boston, USA. Prosthodontics is a clinical dental specialty in full mouth reconstruction with prostheses and dental implants. Soon After, I successfully passed all the American board exams and became a Diplomate and Fellow of the American Board of Prosthodontics.

What got you into medicine and motivated you to pursue a career in dentistry?

Dentistry was one of my childhood dreams. I was always driven by the desire to create smiles, make a difference, and help others.

How was your journey studying in Malta? How did your perception change after studying there for 7 years?

My journey was very challenging, very self-driven and very rewarding! Getting the scholarship and acceptance to Dental Surgery at the University of Malta was not an easy journey. However, through eagerness, hard work, determination, and a lot of self-discipline, I achieved it successfully. Additionally, participating in different organizations, volunteering in rural countries, and interacting with refugees expanded and broadened my perspective drastically.

Shifting from a socially privileged Kuwaiti culture to a small, simple Mediterranean Island at 18 influenced me profoundly and gave me different views on health and life. My journey in Malta created my solid foundation and set my unlimited warriorlike mindset.

What kept your interest alive and kept you motivated throughout your studies?

My ambitions, passion, optimism, and energetic nature have always driven an inner flame and motivation. Having a bigger purpose in life, to serve the greater good, and leave a print to make a difference, ignited limitless dreams and goals for me. Also, having support from my family and positive interactions with my international mentors and patients kept my interests alive.

You moved to the US to continue your studies. What was your goal at that time?

I discovered a new passion for public and global health throughout my studies in Malta. After graduating with my bachelor, I started looking for higher education programs targeting two majors simultaneously. Luckily, I came to a cross Tufts University in Boston, USA, where they gave me the green light to customize my program in Prosthodontic and Master’s in Public Health (MPH), with individualized study in Global Health concentration. So, I applied to both programs in the Medical and Dental schools and got accepted. At first, my goal was only to get the MPH and be a qualified prosthodontist, but my experience in the US exceeded my expectations, and I achieved way more than I originally planned.

What is your area of expertise?

My clinical expertise is treating and reconstructing complex full-mouth cases with fixed and removable prostheses and implants to achieve oral health, function, occlusal stability, facial harmony, and longevity.

Whereas, my public health expertise is focused on global and digital health, where I create, manage, assess, evaluate, and improve the quality of healthcare programs.

Now, as you are back home, what are you currently doing?

I just started my career by working as full-time clinician and managing a global health project on the side.

What are your future plans?
Stay tuned 😉

What advice would you give to our readers for better maintenance and hygiene of their teeth?

Most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages. So, make sure you visit the dentist every six months and practice the correct oral hygiene techniques to maintain your health.

Tell us about some of your most difficult experiences or difficult conditions you have come over so far?

I can’t think of a specific case, but generally, patients with psychological problems and unrealistic expectations are the most challenging to manage.

What are some key signs that someone needs the help of a cosmetic dentist?

There are no key signs for seeking cosmetic dental treatment unless it affects the patient’s physical, psychological, and social health. I embrace and support the unique characteristics of each smile, and all dental care cases must be treated with an individualized approach. From my perspective, creating one standard beauty and mold doesn’t appeal to the individual’s true beauty.

What career path would you have chosen if you hadn’t pursued dentistry?

I would choose it again.

What got you interested into triathlon?

Sports has always been my hobby and fun activity since childhood. Setting goals and challenging myself is my way to keep myself motivated and happy. I was stuck during the 2020 pandemic in Boston, where I started cycling outdoors to cope with unexpected stressful events and demanding programs. Cycling around Boston for many hours took me to set my bold resolution in 2021 to finish my 1st ironman race with no triathlon experience. The consistent triathlon training with progressive results balanced my life. A training schedule of combing five different sports (swim, cycle, run, resistance/strength, and yoga) made it fun and positively impacted my health, career, and life overall.

What is your most memorable moments from Malta and also from the US?

I have many incredible memories, so it is hard to pick one. I would choose the Kuwaiti Celebration Event in Malta (2013), which was remarkable. We were fortunate to have an amazing talented Kuwaiti group of students who managed to organize one of the most significant events on campus. We were also thankful to have the support of the Embassy of Kuwait at that time. The event took two full days and included exhibitions, traditional Kuwaiti food, customs, and live shows. The Kuwaiti and Maltese media and press had covered our story on TV and written press releases. Unforgettable times indeed!

The COVID pandemic period was the most memorable in the US. Living alone and dealing with unexpected events, lockdown, the violent protest around my area, emergency patients, and nonstop webinars from both programs… was intense! However, these moments upscaled my strength in all physical, mental, and emotional health. I started setting higher goals in all aspects of life and work. I became a triathlete, an Ironman 70.3 finisher, an American board-certified prosthodontist, Harvard University adopted my master’s project and started a project I had never thought of achieving. Sometimes hustling through difficult times is a blessing to start upgrading your life. These challenging times can unleash some of our hidden potential, polish our path, and reset our priorities. “Your empire ain’t gonna build itself without the hustle.” Always think like a winner!