Dr. Hajeera Banu sat by the window of her Mysore clinic, watching the soft evening light filter through the trees. It was a quiet moment before the rush of post-Iftar patients would begin. Just as she reached for a sip of water, her phone buzzed, displaying a familiar name—Dr. Martha O’Connell from Dublin.
“Hajeera, my dear! Where have you been? I was beginning to think you had vanished into the depths of your clinic,” Martha’s lively voice rang through.
Hajeera chuckled. “Oh, you know how it is during Ramzan. My schedule flips upside down—mornings are quiet, but evenings, well, that’s when the real work begins.”
“Ah, Ramzan! I was just thinking about how different it must be for you, fasting all day and still working with patients,” Martha mused. “Tell me, how do you manage?”
Hajeera leaned back in her chair. “It’s an adjustment, but one we prepare for. In most Muslim-majority countries, clinics open later in the day, closing before Iftar, then reopening at night. Here in India, I keep my mornings light—mostly consultations and minor procedures—and schedule the heavier work in the evening. That way, by the time I’m performing a long root canal, I’ve at least had some water and dates!”
Martha laughed. “That sounds like quite the balancing act. But what about your patients? Do they avoid daytime appointments because of the fasting?”
“Many do,” Hajeera nodded. “Elective procedures like whitening and aligner consultations slow down, but emergencies don’t wait for Ramzan. And then, of course, there’s the rush before Eid—everyone wants a perfect smile for the celebrations!”
Martha sighed. “It’s fascinating how the rhythm of life shifts during this month. Here in Dublin, our Muslim patients also adjust their schedules. Since fasting hours are so long—nearly nineteen hours in summer—many prefer late evening or night appointments. Some of my colleagues who fast say they need to pace themselves, taking shorter shifts or planning less strenuous procedures earlier in the day.”
“Nineteen hours! That must be exhausting,” Hajeera said, shaking her head. “Here, we fast for about fourteen hours, and even that can be challenging while working. Hydration is key—I drink plenty of water and eat fruits at Suhoor. And I schedule my most demanding work when I have the most energy.”
Martha sighed. “I admire your discipline. And tell me, do scholars allow dental procedures while fasting?”
“It depends,” Hajeera replied. “Most scholars agree that as long as you don’t swallow anything, treatments like fillings, extractions, or even cleanings are permissible. But patients still prefer evening appointments, just to be safe.”
“Well, that makes sense,” Martha mused. “It’s wonderful how adaptable you all are. I suppose, in a way, it teaches patience and resilience—not just for patients, but for dentists too!”
Hajeera smiled. “It certainly does. And it’s fascinating to see how Ramzan affects dental practice in different parts of the world. My friend Dr. Ahmed in Dubai says clinics there work late into the night, sometimes even until Suhoor. In Malaysia and Indonesia, many clinics adjust to community preferences, with some opening for limited hours during the day and then again at night. In the USA, where Muslims are a minority, fasting dentists often have to maintain their usual schedules, but they manage by taking breaks strategically and keeping hydrated during non-fasting hours.”
Martha listened intently. “And what about China and Japan? I imagine it must be even more challenging there.”
“Oh, absolutely,” Hajeera replied. “My colleague Dr. Li in China says Muslim dentists there mostly work in private settings, where they can adjust their schedules more flexibly. But in hospitals or larger practices, they have to fast while maintaining the usual work pace. In Japan, Dr. Aisha tells me that since there are fewer Muslims, fasting dentists often don’t get much accommodation, but they rely on strong discipline to get through the day. It’s all about adapting while staying true to your faith.”
Martha’s voice softened. “I love that. Maybe one day, I’ll visit you during Ramzan and experience it myself.”
“I’d love that,” Hajeera said warmly. “You can even help with the Eid rush!”
Martha groaned. “And here I thought I’d be coming for a holiday!”
Both women laughed, their friendship bridging continents, faiths, and professions—bound by a shared love for dentistry and a deep respect for each other’s worlds.
As the call came to a close, the ladies warmly wished, “Ramadan Kareem,” leaving a sense of grace and goodwill in their parting words
About the Author
Dr. Hajeera Banu is a skilled dentist who graduated from RGUHS in 2014 and has since built a successful career in the field. With a strong focus on implants, restorative dentistry, and aligners, she has honed her expertise to offer her patients the highest level of care. Based in Mysore, India, Dr. Banu runs her own private practice, where she combines advanced dental techniques with a patient-centered approach.
Her passion for dentistry extends beyond her practice; she stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field to ensure she delivers the best outcomes. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Banu enjoys blogging, where she shares insights and experiences from her dental journey, as well as her love for cooking and traveling. These interests help to balance her dynamic lifestyle, and she continues to seek personal and professional growth in all aspects of her life.