Next Gen of the Month is a monthly Q&A with a dental student or new dentist where we ask them about their experiences and accomplishments thus far in their dentistry journey. This month we are featuring Ibaadat (@smileswithibaadat). Ibadaat shares dental student advice and lifestyle tips on her social platforms, while studying dentistry in Australia.
What are the benefits of studying in Australia for Canadian dental students?
One of the biggest advantages is that Australian dental degrees are accredited in Canada. That means after graduation, you can return home and complete the NDEB process just like a local graduate, no extra hurdles! Even better, many of these programs are undergraduate entry, so you can start right after high school. And here’s the cherry on top: you don’t need to write the DAT to apply!
Beyond the logistical perks and the chance to fast-track your dream career, studying abroad brings unparalleled personal growth. Moving across the world teaches you how to be independent, resilient, and adaptable. You’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had and grow in ways that are hard to describe until you’ve lived them.
Clinically, Australian dental schools offer hands-on experience that’s hard to beat. With mandatory rural and regional placements, you’re exposed to complex cases early on and gain confidence managing diverse patient needs. In my final year, I’m seeing 6–7 patients a day, four days a week, performing everything from root canals and surgical extractions to full-mouth rehabilitations. This level of experience might be rare in Canada, but it’s the norm here, so you graduate not just qualified, but truly work-ready.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
This is a joint dedication to Venus and Navreet: two incredible dentists, mentors, and above all, the most amazing parents. They are my greatest inspiration, not just for what they’ve accomplished, but for the extraordinary strength and selflessness they show every single day. They left behind everything they knew to start over in Canada, all to give my brother and I opportunities they never had. They worked multiple jobs while studying for their board exams yet still had time to give us the most memorable childhood filled with love, laughter, and everything we could have possibly wished for.
Through them, I’ve seen what hard work, humility, and perseverance truly mean. Every milestone I reach is a reflection of their sacrifices and strength. I owe all my achievements to them, and I carry their journey with me as a reminder to work hard and live a life that makes their sacrifices count.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to travel and dream of visiting every country in the world. I’m currently at twenty-five! I enjoy sharing my adventures and itineraries with people on my travel Instagram, @travelfairyxo. One of the best parts of studying in tropical North Queensland is having endless hikes, waterfalls, and beaches right on our doorstep. It’s such a great way to unwind during study breaks and it’s truly amazing being able to study somewhere that feels like a holiday half the time!
You recently went on a dental mission trip to the Bahamas. What was your biggest takeaway from this trip?
This trip was life-changing in more ways than I can put into words. Over the course of a week, we saw over 900 patients, many of whom had little to no access to dental care. It was incredibly humbling to realize just how powerful something as simple as a direct restoration can be.
We often take these “bread and butter” dentistry procedures for granted, but for so many of the patients we treated, it was truly transformative. Some were brought to tears, overwhelmed with joy that they could finally smile with confidence again.
What made the experience even more meaningful was getting to work alongside my parents for the first time. To combine the things I love most—dentistry, travel, and family—into one unforgettable week was something really special. It reminded me exactly why I chose this profession, and I look forward to volunteering on many, many more mission trips in the future.
Where can our readers find you?
You can find me on Instagram @smileswithibaadat, if you ever have questions about dentistry, studying in Australia, or anything in between, feel free to reach out anytime!