Tooth Talk: Q&A with Yasmeen Metwally DMD AS 27
In our Q&A series, “Tooth Talk,” we are sitting down with GSDM students and residents to learn more about their paths to Boston University, their time at GSDM, and how they have made Boston their home.
For the next edition, we spoke with Yasmeen Metwally DMD AS 27. She discussed her international dental experiences, motherhood, and her new role as vice president for the DMD AS Class of 2027.
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Questions and responses have been edited for clarity, context information, and length.
When did you first know you wanted to become a dentist?
It started during high school because my uncle, my dad’s only brother, is a dentist. After my dad passed away, I used to go to my uncle’s clinic a lot. I got a lot of exposure there. He inspired me.
I initially intended to go into medicine, but I decided to go to dental school. Dentistry is both art and science and I wanted to work with my hands more.
What were your professional dental experiences like prior to your time at GSDM?
I graduated with high honors in 2008 from dental school in Egypt. After graduating, I traveled to the U.K. and got married. I was planning to get my dental license, so to familiarize myself with the U.K. dental experience, I jumped into a dental assistant role—there, they call it a dental nurse. After two years, though, my husband got a good opportunity in Boston, so we moved to Massachusetts. After five years—and three kids—we ended up moving to Canada, where I completed a dental assisting program and got my license in nine months. While doing that, I was tutoring students. We stayed in Canada for five years and I did the National Board Dental Exam Part two there. In my last year in Canada, I applied to GSDM and got in.
You have dental experience in Egypt, the U.K., Canada, and the U.S? What are the similarities and differences between these places?
The best part of all these places has been communicating with diverse people. I have met different people from so many backgrounds in each place. The big difference was that in the U.K, it’s part of the National Health Service. So, I have worked in the public and private sector. Also, in Canada and U.K., they have different names for the instruments.
What led you to Boston?
We first came to Boston in 2011. I have been eyeing GSDM since then because I have a lot of friends who have graduated from here. They have highly recommended the program to me. My husband and I also have a lot of friends in Boston—almost 15 years of friendship. We also love that there are four distinct seasons here. We have also decided to raise our children here and the education system here is one of the best.
Why is GSDM the perfect fit for you?
I heard about GSDM’s diversity before I even started. From my interview with Dr. Ana Zea, clinical associate professor of general dentistry and director of community-based education, she spoke about her role as the faculty advisor for the Hispanic Student Dental Association. One of my friends from dental school in Egypt is now a clinical assistant professor here. I like how GSDM appreciates people from different backgrounds. I have traveled a lot and have met people from all over the globe, so I feel the nature of GSDM suits me very well.
You were recently elected as the vice president for the DMD AS Class of 2027. Why did you want to have this position and what are your goals?
It’s part of my personality to lead and help people. When I started and met the rest of the AS class, I knew I needed to use my skills to help my classmates. I promised them to help make study clubs and we have already initiated it.
You are a mother to five children, ages 4, 6, 10, 12, and 14. How do you balance being parenthood with being a full-time dental student?
The secret is planning—I plan for everything. I plan for the whole week what my family is going to eat. We have an electronic calendar to share everyone’s schedules. If there is any technology that can help me, I will use it. I take the train to school. I have a car, but I take the train because I can use those 25 minutes to study. My husband is very supportive.
Now that you have started your time at GSDM, what are you most excited about?
I have friends who have graduated from GSDM, so I have lived every moment with them. I’m looking forward to every event, like White Coat Ceremony. The most important part will be when I step into the clinic and start dealing with real patients. When I do that, I will feel like I have fulfilled my dream. But being in the SLC will also be great to improve my hand skills and gain experience from professors. When I make the shift to the clinic, it will be even easier.
If you could give any advice to an international dentist hoping to practice in the U.S., what advice would you give them?
Honestly, I’m a mom of five and I did it. I’m here. If I’m here, anyone can be here. It’s all about discipline, organizing your time, and making connections.