In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chancellor of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, MBRU celebrated its second graduation of 26 postgraduate dental students from its Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine (HBMCDM).

The ceremony was held at MBRU’s campus in Dubai Healthcare City. During the ceremony a special tribute was paid to His Highness the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, honoring his legacy and honoring this year as the Year of Zayed.

Amongst the attendees were members of the University’s Board of Trustees, dignitaries, families of graduates, and MBRU’s faculty and staff, as well as officials from Dubai Healthcare City Authority, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, and a number of supporters.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed stated, “Today’s ceremony is a true testament of MBRU’s commitment to graduating healthcare professionals that will serve our nation. MBRU is committed to achieving its objectives to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leader in the fields of healthcare education and research in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.”

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed honored the graduates and presented them with their Master Degree Certificates, and wished them continued success. He urged them to continue their efforts in scientific research, education and continuous improvement to lead and excel by applying the latest innovations and scientific techniques.

During the ceremony, Dr. Amer Sharif, MBRU’s Vice-Chancellor, delivered the welcome speech. He congratulated the graduates, and expressed his gratitude to all those who supported the postgraduate dental students in their educational journey. He also thanked the academic and administrative staff for their hard work, and for making the graduation possible.

On behalf of the graduating class, Dr. Fatma Salem Al Saleh, graduating with a Master of Science in Prosthodontics, delivered the speech. She said, “The sincerest gratitude and deepest thanks are to our esteemed faculty for their constant support and guidance. I have to say that without your efforts, we wouldn’t have been here today.” She continued, “Three years ago I joined the program and although I faced some challenges during this journey but the biggest lesson I have learned is to never give up. Hard work, dedication and integrity always pays off.”

HBMCDM’S Dean, Professor Athanasios E. Athanasiou stated, “Our innovative curriculum, fully-equipped university-campus, modern clinical facilities, and outstanding academic faculty make it possible for our postgraduate students to flourish and excel in their field of study. I am happy to witness yet another graduating class of bright dental specialists who I am confident will excel in their work, and serve their communities.”

The graduating class is comprised of 22 females and 4 males out of which 14 were UAE Nationals. Other graduates come from different countries such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Lebanon. They specialized in Endodontics, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.

For the first time at MBRU, a graduate will join the University as lecturer. Dr. Anas Al Salami, graduated today amongst his class with a Master of Science in Pediatric Dentistry.  In 2017, Dr. Anas scored the highest rank in the Tri-Collegiate Membership in Pediatric Dentistry Examination, Edinburgh, UK. He also was the highest ranking AGPA graduate resident in the MSc Pediatric Dentistry Program.

At the end of the ceremony, MBRU honored and thanked its supporters, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, Ministry of Education, UAE Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Police, Al Jalila Foundation, Julphar, City Pharmacy and Ministry of Health-Bahrain for their contribution towards the graduates.

MBRU aims to be a global hub for innovative and integrated health care education and research at the service of humanity and to advance health in the UAE and the region, through an innovative and integrated academic health system, that is nationally responsive and globally connected, serving individuals and communities.

Notably, HBMCDM is an approved training center for the UK-based Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh for affiliated programs and membership examinations.