Sarah Elkhodary is a third-year dental student in the UNMC College of Dentistry Advanced Standing Dental Program.
I am originally from Palestine, but was born in Iraq and moved to Egypt because of wartime tensions. I left everything behind, including my education, to find a safe home. When my family arrived in Egypt, I continued to pursue dental school, but my family continued to struggle so we sought refugee status in the United States.I went back and forth between Egypt and Houston for a few years while trying to complete my dental degree.
I finally graduated dental school in February 2014 and came back to United States. I then got married and traveled back to Egypt for six months where I completed an internship in endo and pedo. Once I got back to the United States, I prepared for my national board exams, had a baby, and then traveled back to Egypt once more to care for my mother-in-law who had cancer. Finally, in 2017, I was able to start working as a dental assistant. It was the first time that I was exposed to the United States dental system, and I met a lot of people from different countries and my communication skills improved. The dentists I worked with provided me with new perspectives.
I also had the opportunity to work with children and teach them about oral health, and I volunteered with the Red Cross. I took courses on disaster preparedness and continuing education courses that enhanced my education in dental technology and procedures. Through these experiences, I have broadened my knowledge related to the dental field and how to improve my community.
Why did you decide to pursue dentistry?
When I was a kid, I often visited my aunt's dental clinic and saw how she helped people. For example, I distinctly remember when my aunt created dentures for a 35-year-old woman with diabetes and severe periodontal disease that caused her to lose all her teeth. It was so moving to see her smile again. My aunt had a small lab in her house where I watched her mold dentures. She was like a skilled artist, trying to make everything perfect for her patients. Watching my aunt help people motivated me to pursue a career where I can make people happy too.
What are some of the main differences you see between dentistry in Egypt and dentistry in the United States?
In Egypt, they still have paper copies instead of digital records. In the United States, patient information stays up-to-date and the dentist can write comprehensive notes. In the United States, there are many options for dental insurance, but insurance in Egypt is limited so most patients have to pay out of pocket. Also, in the United States, the quality of care and dental technology is more advanced.
About me:
- My husband and two daughters are with me in Lincoln. My daughter is 5 years old and my little one is 3 months old. My husband is my support system and takes care of the kids when I'm in school.
- In my spare time, I like to walk. When I am walking, I manage my stress and build positive energy in my life. I also like to go to gym classes like Zumba, be with my family, practice tennis, and I love cooking and trying new recipes.
- I have an interest in diversity and enjoy reading books about different cultures.
What do you want to do after you graduate from UNMC?
I want to specialize in endo. I've been working in this area for many years as a dental assistant and I have really enjoyed how this speciality helps save patients' teeth and extend the longevity of their oral health. I also want to work to improve oral health awareness in my community. For example, I want to encourage parents to take their children to the dentist every 6 months and get fluoride applied, and educate people on the importance of routine oral health habits to help prevent oral diseases.
What's your advice for other students considering dentistry?
Be persistent and never give up. Despite all the difficulties I have faced – moving to many countries and trying to find a safe place to live while continuing to pursue my education – I have never given up.
What are some of your favorite things about UNMC?
I am enjoying getting to know my colleagues and faculty, learning about digital dentistry, and practicing in the clinic.