Championing wellness and mentorship in dentistry

Sufiya Hassan, DMD25, has always been guided by a strong sense of purpose and a deep commitment to serving others. That drive shaped her journey through dental school, inspiring her to create meaningful change within her community. 

“My background taught me the value of education and the importance of giving back, especially to underserved communities,” she said.

Hassan’s Somali American roots led her to become involved in non-profit work in college to build a water well in Somalia. As a biology major at the University of North Carolina, she was drawn to the field of dentistry for its creativity and the ability to make a positive social impact. She came to see dentistry not only as a profession she enjoyed, but also as a powerful way to serve underserved communities often overlooked in the healthcare system.

When deciding on a dental school, Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) was her top choice due to its supportive environment and commitment to service. 

“It was clear that this was a place where I could thrive both professionally and personally,” said Hassan. 

While at HSDM, Hassan was active in many of the school’s organizations and initiatives. A member of the Wellness Committee, she advocated for student well-being and worked to normalize conversations around self-care. Recognizing a need for accessible essentials after long days in the clinic, she helped establish wellness lockers on campus, supplying them with snacks, hygiene products, and other essentials for students. Recent donations from the Massachusetts Dental Association and Delta Dental have helped keep the wellness lockers stocked.

“Seeing the positive impact it’s had has been incredibly meaningful, and I’m grateful to have played a role in bringing this initiative to life.”

Hassan was also a student ambassador in HSDM’s Bridge to Dental School Program, an initiative aimed at helping pre-dental students navigate the process of applying to dental school. In 2023, the program was recognized with a Culture of Excellence in Mentoring award from Harvard Medical School for fostering innovation and excellence in mentoring. 

“Some of the most meaningful moments came from working directly with pre-dental students, where I had the chance to help increase access to dentistry for those from underrepresented backgrounds,” said Hassan. “It gave me purpose and kept me grounded during the intensity of dental school, reminding me that this career isn’t just for me, but also about inspiring the next generation of students.”

After graduation, Hassan will continue her education at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine where she will pursue an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Program. 

“I’m excited to build on my clinical skills and take on more complex cases that require a multidisciplinary approach,” she said. “I’m also looking forward to becoming more confident in my clinical decision-making skills while staying grounded in the values I learned at HSDM.”

As she gets ready to graduate with her DMD degree, Hassan reflects on how her time at HSDM helped shape both her professionally and personally.

“HSDM challenged me to grow not just as a clinician, but as a person. I’m leaving with a deeper sense of purpose, thanks to the people and experiences that shaped me along the way.”