Recent dental graduate Al Hussein Hamed opens up about what final year of dental school taught him – both as a dentist and a person.
Final year of dental school is one of the most transformative experiences of our journey – not just academically, but emotionally, mentally and personally. It’s a time of growth, responsibility and reflection. It’s the point where everything we’ve worked for begins to materialise. Yet at the same time, it brings challenges few people talk about openly.
As a recent graduate from the University of Plymouth, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing both the pressures and the power of this year. And I believe it’s time we talk about what final year really feels like and why mental health matters now more than ever.
Beyond the books
When people think of fifth year, they often imagine exams, finals and clinical competence. Yes, those are huge, but what I didn’t expect was the emotional weight that came with preparing for the next chapter. It wasn’t just about passing, it was transitioning into a new identity – no longer a dental student, but a healthcare professional.
With that came the realities of planning for dental foundation training, thinking about relocation, finances, logistics and simply put: life. The structure we’d known for years – protected clinical sessions, supervisor check ins, timetables – begins to dissolve. The world becomes wider, and with it, a little more overwhelming.
But here’s the positive: this shift taught me more than any textbook ever could.
A profession, not just a degree
One of the biggest lessons I learned this year is that dentistry isn’t just a qualification – it’s a profession and a community. At Plymouth, we were encouraged to think beyond grades and see the bigger picture – the kind of dentist we wanted to become.
I am endlessly grateful for the incredible support system we had access to. Whether it was clinical supervisors offering guidance during complex procedures, academic tutors checking in on our progress and wellbeing, or the university’s counselling services, which were always just an email away. The message was clear: you are not alone on this journey.
Plymouth didn’t just train me to be a safe beginner. It taught me how to reflect, how to grow and how to recognise the signs of burnout before they take root.
Let’s talk about mental health
Dentistry, as a profession, is demanding. The pressure to perform, the responsibility we carry, and the constant drive for perfection can weigh heavily, especially when left unchecked. In fact, it’s no secret that dentistry has one of the highest suicide rates in the healthcare field.
While those statistics are daunting, they’re not the full story. The real story lies in how we respond. For me, that meant learning how to prioritise my mental wellbeing without guilt. It meant seeking support when needed, and it meant leaning on the community around me.
University of Plymouth empowered us not just with clinical skills, but with emotional resilience. We were encouraged to be open about struggles, to normalise conversations around anxiety and self doubt, and to understand that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
The turning point
There was a moment in fifth year when everything felt like too much. The pressure, the deadlines, the uncertainty about the future. I found myself second guessing everything – even whether I deserved to be in this profession at all.
But that’s when I remembered something my supervisor taught me: ‘Confidence isn’t knowing all the answers, but trusting yourself to figure them out.’
That mindset shift changed everything. I stopped chasing perfection and started trusting my preparation. I gave myself permission to be human, to grow at my own pace, and to celebrate how far I’d already come.
Gratitude, growth and the future
Looking back, fifth year wasn’t just about case completions and assessments. It was about self development and overcoming these unspoken challenges.
I’m leaving dental school with more than a degree. I’m leaving with a stronger appreciation for the people who helped shape me, and excitement for what lies ahead.
To every dental student: lean into hard moments, because they’ll teach you resilience. Celebrate the small wins, because they’ll keep you going. Never underestimate the value of support around you – it’s there, even if you don’t always see it.
To the University of Plymouth: thank you for creating an environment where students aren’t just trained, but cared for. For valuing our wellbeing as much as our clinical competency, and laying the groundwork for us to excel and thrive.
Final words
Final year is more than exams – it’s a crossroads. While the journey isn’t always easy, it is deeply worth it. You grow, you learn and, most importantly, you discover the kind of dentist and person you are.
