�ǿմ�ý

Class Year: 2026

Program: Doctor of Dental Medicine

�ǿմ�ý School of Dental Medicine’s focus on community outreach was a key factor in Mohammad Hadeed choosing the Doctor of Dental Medicine program here. Now a second-year student, Hadeed says his dream is to help immigrants just as others supported his family when they arrived in the United States.

Community engagement and involvement is a high priority for �ǿմ�ý School of Dental Medicine—and it was a major draw for Mohammad Hadeed when he was considering dental programs. 

“I was intrigued by the [Healthy Smiles] sealant program and other community outreach opportunities we are able to participate in early in our studies,” said Hadeed, now a second-year Doctor of Dental Medicine student. “Volunteering at the Somali Community Center was very rewarding. We provided oral screening and oral health education to Afghani children and their parents.”

As an immigrant himself, Hadeed said spending time with that community reminded him a lot of his own family when they first came to the United States. 

“We were unable to speak English properly, had very little money and attended free healthcare clinics in Michigan,” Hadeed explained. “To this day, it’s surreal to be on the other side. Helping individuals who have recently immigrated to the U.S. is a dream of mine and something I plan to continue throughout my life.” 

The desire to care for individuals through dentistry, specifically, began after a particularly traumatic childhood incident. 

“In the fifth grade, I broke my front tooth,” Hadeed shared. “Having recently immigrated from Syria, my parents could not afford to fix it immediately. I had to live with half a front tooth for a while.”

That experience took a toll on Hadeed and made him realize the impact dentistry and teeth can have not only a person’s physical health but also their mental wellbeing. 

“I was too scared to smile or be myself,” said Hadeed. “I felt forced to cover my mouth from embarrassment.”

It was not until his parents were able to afford the treatment costs that he felt his confidence and outlook change for the better.

“Having experienced firsthand what dental care can do for a person’s mental health and self-image is why I want to do the same for others,” he said.