Am I there yet?
Life After BDS: The Journey to DDS and a Better Future
The auditorium buzzed with chatter as I stepped in, anxious yet determined. This massive hall, seating 400 people, would be my classroom for the next three years. Among the 350 students in the DDS Class of 2011, everyone seemed different yet shared the same goal—earning a DDS degree. They came from various countries, races, and backgrounds. Some were fresh graduates, while others had years of experience.
I had joined the program despite being a new mom. Juggling studies and motherhood was challenging, but supportive parents and a spouse made it manageable. As I settled in, I met colleagues from different places, each with a unique journey, ambition, and sacrifice.
Many were new parents who had traveled thousands of miles, leaving behind their young children with spouses or parents. Some could only connect with family through weekly calls or video chats. They had made financial and emotional sacrifices—all for one dream: a better future through education. Isn’t that the immigrant dream?
Among my classmates, I noticed individuals who looked like professors but wore student coats. One was a middle-aged Indian dentist with a successful practice in the Middle East, with ten years of experience post-BDS. Beside him stood a Nigerian dentist, also a successful practitioner in his home country. Talking to them was an older woman from India who had taken a break to raise her family. Why, after a decade of practice or a career break, would they choose to return to school?
The Indian dentist wanted better education and opportunities for his family. The Nigerian dentist aimed to return home and serve his people. The woman dentist wanted to restart her career after dedicating years to her family. They were just three among 350 students, each with a compelling story.
Hearing their struggles and aspirations, I realized our differences faded away. We all sought the same thing—a better future for ourselves and our families. My challenges felt smaller in comparison. Life after BDS can be uncertain, but determination, planning, and hope can lead to success.
If you’re considering a different path after BDS, stay positive. Age is no barrier to success. With the right planning and perseverance, you can achieve your dreams at any stage of life.
Dr. Meenakshi Umapathy, a dedicated General Dentist, began her journey in India before advancing her expertise in the United States. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry and now practices pediatric dentistry in Indiana. Through her compelling narratives, she reflects on her experiences practicing in both India and the U.S., offering unique insights into the profession. Her blog, originally published on DentistryUnited.com in 2012, has been thoughtfully republished to continue inspiring and informing readers .