Ahmad Alali: international student profile

Ahmad Alali is a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student from Kuwait. Ahmad successfully obtained a prestigious scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education in Kuwait in order to study for his BDS at Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ. Now in his fourth year of the degree, he has excelled in both his academic and extracurricular activities – and plans to continue his studies to postgraduate level after he completes his degree next year.

“When applying for a course, I chose Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ because of its great reputation, significant contributions to global research and for being ranked one of the top UK universities for dentistry. As I walk within the University and look around the campus, I realise that I’m actually looking at a place where science was revolutionised. Every time I visit the Dental Hospital, I pass by the Rutherford Building where the atom was first split. I couldn’t ask for more; it’s just phenomenal.

“Immersing myself in the clinical environment from a very early stage was incredible; you feel like a dentist from the very beginning. The enquiry-based learning scheme gave me the necessary skills to identify my own learning needs and enhance my confidence throughout the course.

“I’ve developed a new oral hygiene tool, which has very recently been patented in the US Patent and Trademark Office, with full sponsorship by Sabah Al-Ahmad Centre for Giftedness and Creativity back home in Kuwait. Being in Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ means inspiring others and being inspired.

“As an international student, studying in the UK has helped me build the person I want to become. I am very proud that I have founded the Kuwait Society at The University of Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ, and I am also a member of the organising committee of the British Undergraduate Dental Research Conference – organised by the Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ Undergraduate Dental Research Society. Being part of societies has been a great experience and incredibly fun at the same time.

“The Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ Leadership Programme (MLP) was another fantastic opportunity. I was involved as it was part of my third year of study – I volunteered with NHS Blood and Transplant by promoting blood donation and registering new donors, as well as arranging some blood donation groups. I recommend everyone at the University to take part in the MLP and to aim for its Gold Award.

“My plan after graduation is to expand on my learning with a postgraduate programme at the School of Dentistry at The University of Ô°ÇøÒùÂÒ. It’s an honour to be a student supervised by inspiring staff at the dental school and hospital, who all give their time and efforts for us.”