QU celebrates 1st graduating class from College of Dental Medicine
Tribune News Network
Doha
In a landmark moment for education and health care in Qatar, Qatar University (QU) announced the graduation of the first cohort from its College of Dental Medicine (CDEM)—the country's first and only dental college.
This milestone represents not only the culmination of six years of rigorous academic and clinical training but also the realisation of a national vision to establish a self-sufficient, highly skilled oral healthcare workforce. Notably, half of this pioneering graduating class are Qatari nationals, marking a significant step toward national workforce localization.
Launched in September 2019, the College of Dental Medicine is Qatar's first and only dental school, offering a six-year Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program. This pioneering cohort of 14 students, 50% of whom are Qatari, represents the country's initial step toward a sustainable and self-sufficient dental workforce. Most of these new graduates will now begin their professional careers within Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), ensuring their skills are immediately applied within the national healthcare system.
The six-year Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program combines foundational biomedical sciences with advanced simulation, research engagement, and hands-on clinical practice. In close partnership with HMC, and particularly the Hazm Mebaireek Dental Academic Centre (HMDAC), students gain direct experience in patient-centred care in a real-world clinical environment.
Professor Asmaa Al-Thani, QU's vice president for Health and Medical Sciences, reflected on the broader institutional impact: 'This graduation is not only a celebration of student achievement but also a testament to Qatar's vision for integrated, high-quality health profession education. The College of Dental Medicine stands as a national model of what can be achieved when academic excellence, clinical partnerships, and strategic vision come together. We are proud to contribute to a new generation of health profession leaders who will shape the future of patient care in Qatar.'
Professor Mandeep Singh Duggal, dean of the College of Dental Medicine, described the graduation of the inaugural class as a 'proud and pivotal moment in the history of education in the State of Qatar, and a dream that has been realized to have dental education within our borders.' He added, 'In partnership with our stakeholders, the College has grown into an internationally recognized institution. These new graduates are ready to make an excellent, evidence-based and ethical contribution to dental practice, and they will stand shoulder to shoulder with the best dental graduates in the world.'
The College's approach to education is rooted in academic rigor and innovation, ensuring students are trained not only in clinical skills but also in professionalism, leadership, ethics, and communication. This holistic educational model is enriched by close clinical collaboration with HMC, particularly through placements at Hazm Mebaireek Dental Academic Centre (HMDAC), which provides a world-class clinical learning environment and allows for a seamless transition from theory to real-world practice.
Professor Kamran Ali, associate dean for Academic Affairs, praised the graduating class as pioneers: 'Congratulations to the first trailblazing batch of dental graduates. You have not only earned your degrees but made history. You have carved a new path for dental excellence in Qatar and will always be the pride of our college. We are confident that you will serve the Qatari community with passion, dedication, and a great deal of empathy and care.'
This milestone also marks a new chapter in clinical education in Qatar. Dr. Alaa Daud, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, highlighted the broader significance: 'As we celebrate the graduation of our dental pioneers, we are filled with immense pride—not only in our students' accomplishments but also in the journey that brought us here. The graduation of the first cohort from the College of Dental Medicine marks a historic milestone in the advancement of dental education in Qatar. In collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation, this achievement represents the culmination of years of rigorous academic training, hands-on clinical experience, and mentorship guided by a shared commitment to excellence in patient-centred care.'
The role of HMC has been vital in shaping this new generation of dental professionals. Dr. Khalifa Al-Ansari, Chairman of Hamad Dental Services, stated, 'The graduation of this first cohort is a proud moment for all of us at Hamad Medical Corporation. Through our partnership with the College of Dental Medicine, we have witnessed the remarkable growth of future dental professionals, nurtured in a clinical environment that meets the highest standards of patient care and academic excellence.'
Dr. Shaymaa Abdulreda, head of Hazm Mebaireek Dental Academic Centre, added, 'At HMC, we believe that investing in clinical education is an investment in the future of healthcare. We are honoured to provide our students with hands-on experience, close mentorship, and a supportive training environment at HMDAC—an academic hub that continues to expand to meet the growing demands of dental education in Qatar.'
Among the graduates, the sense of pride and achievement is palpable. Abdulla Mansoor, one of the graduating students, reflected: 'It's a profound honour to be part of this historic first cohort—graduates of Qatar's very first dental college. Our journey has been a mosaic of emotions: joy, challenge, growth, and discovery.
From early lectures to preclinical labs, every step prepared us for the real-world scenarios we encountered at PHCC and HMC. It was Hazm Mebaireek Dental Academic Centre that became the heart of our clinical training—where state-of-the-art equipment, cutting-edge facilities, and a supportive environment shaped our confidence and skills across specialties. These six years were more than just academic; they were life changing.'
Fellow graduate Shahd Ali Al-Najdi echoed this sentiment: 'My experience has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Over the years, I developed a strong foundation in clinical skills and academic knowledge, while also learning the importance of empathy, precision, and critical thinking in patient care. The rigorous curriculum, combined with exposure to diverse cases, allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. This journey has solidified my passion for the field and inspired me to pursue further specialization.'
This historic graduation not only marks the success of Qatar's first dental program but also reflects a broader national commitment to academic excellence, health sector integration, and the long-term vision of healthcare sustainability. As QU and HMC celebrate this milestone, they also look ahead—with continued commitment to building a national model for dental education, training future professionals who embody clinical excellence, compassion, and a deep sense of public responsibility. This cohort of graduates will serve as the foundation for a new model of dental education in the region—where academic rigour, interprofessional collaboration, and community relevance define every stage of the student journey.
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