A global adventure
After chasing his career aspirations around the world, Dr. Hasan Alkumru is settling down at Schulich Dentistry
Dr. Hasan Alkumru’s passion for prosthodontics and for teaching has taken him on a journey from the other side of the world, spanning international borders and several time zones.
Inspiration for this global pursuit comes from the students he teaches. “When I see the light in a student’s eyes that he or she has learned something new, that’s my greatest moment,” he said.
Originally from Istanbul, Dr. Alkumru joined Schulich Dentistry in October as an assistant professor with the Division of Restorative Dentistry.
In addition to Schulich Dentistry’s teaching opportunities, Dr. Alkumru was attracted to the School’s research excellence and access to high-level research facilities.
“Uncovering new research is exciting for me, and helps me improve quality of life for people through oral health care,” he explained. “Western has an extensive archive that will allow me to conduct retrospective studies on implants and prosthodontics.”
“When I see the light in a student’s eyes that he or she has learned something new, that’s my greatest moment.” — Dr. Hasan Al
Dr. Alkumru’s global journey to Schulich Dentistry started when he received his undergraduate degree at Ankara University and decided to pursue prosthodontics.
“Right from the beginning of my undergraduate program, prosthodontics seemed very attractive because I was constructing something instead of destroying it,” he said. “And in the clinical stage of my undergrad, I found that the functionality and aestheticism of teeth is important in making patients happy.”
He completed his PhD in prosthodontics at Ankara University in collaboration with the University of Birmingham. “One of the biggest highlights in my life was when I received the letter that I was accepted into the graduate program,” he said. “I thought I conquered the world.”
After spending four years in the United Kingdom, Dr. Alkumru returned to Istanbul to begin his career in teaching and research.
In 2009, he received a teaching offer from the University of Toronto. But it took him two years to move to Canada, as the decision to uproot his family and leave his private practice was a difficult one.
“Ultimately, I came to Canada for my family,” he said. “I wanted my two daughters to have endless opportunities. When you have kids, you establish your whole world around them.”
The move to Canada has been evidently positive for Dr. Alkumru, both personally and professionally. He has even conquered the cold weather. “Now I’m a cold-weather person,” he said with a laugh.
It seems nothing can put a damper on the start of Dr. Alkumru’s experience here at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, not even the Canadian winter.
