First annual Schulich Dentistry Eid event brings faculty and students together

May 2023 - by Dina Mostafa, DDS Candidate 2023

Group photo of Eid Party attendees against backdrop of setting sun

The first annual Schulich Dentistry Eid event took place on April 26th, 2023. Faculty, students, staff, and industry representatives gathered to celebrate Eid-Al Fitr, one of the two holidays observed by Muslims worldwide.

Dr. Carlos Quiñonez, Vice Dean and Director of Dentistry, kicked off the night by speaking about the enthusiastic response to the event, and how “we can eagerly come together to support each other’s communities and share each other’s joy”.

Dr. Selma Saadaldin, Clinical Assistant Professor of Prosthodontics, also addressed the attendees through a presentation on everyday action worships, and how simple actions such as “smiling, saying one kind word, and even helping someone” can be integrated in our daily behaviours to improve how we deliver patient care and interact with each other.

Attendees also got to learn about the traditions of fasting in the Holy Month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-Al Fitr, through a presentation by Fatimah Shah and Maryam Ishtiaq, DDS Class of 2024.

The event, which had an amazing turnout, provided a great opportunity for an evening of celebration, networking, and education on this important occasion. Attendees also got to enjoy some activities such as practising Arabic calligraphy and getting Henna designs. Napkin and miswak at Eid party place setting

Muslim dental students at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry hope that the event is the first of many to foster meaningful connections within the London Muslim dental community, and to help educate members of the School on providing dental care to Muslim patients across the city.

The students are thankful for the support and guidance of Dr. Selma Saadaldin, Dr. Peter McDermott, Dr. Hassan Mostafa, and Dr. Sarah Al-Shma, who commenced the planning of this event. They are also grateful for the support of the following sponsors, whom without the event would not have been possible:

Schulich Dentistry’s own alumni Dr. Heba Al Tarhuni and Dr. Isaam Loubani (Olive Tree Dental), Henry Schein, Torch Financial, Clinical Dental Research, and Tulsa Endodontics - Dentsply Dental.

Class of 2023

Dana Mohammed
Joury Shergin
Fatima Hanif
Jumanah Al-Sumairi
Enas Al-Rikabi
Sakib Islam
Reem Amayem
Dina Mostafa

Class of 2024

Sumera Varachhia
Tasneem Barakat
Fatimah Shah
Maryam Ishtiaq
Lareb Khan
Mohamed Elsheikh

Class of 2026

Assala Alqahwaji
Sundas Ramzan

Photos