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 Ahmed Fattal, a Dalhousie University graduate, Dental Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces, and co-founder of Spar Wear.
Why did you decide to pursue dentistry?
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and follow in my parents’ footsteps—my father as a veterinarian and my mother as a pharmacist—but I also wanted something uniquely my own. I loved working with my hands and spent countless hours with my dad doing yard work and building things in our backyard. Those moments helped me appreciate the perfect blend of creativity and problem-solving needed to create something meaningful. That combination is at the heart of dentistry, and it’s what ultimately drew me to the profession to not only rebuild peoples smiles, but also to make a positive impact on people’s lives in a way that feels deeply personal and rewarding
What is a favourite memory from dental school?
Some of my favourite memories come from the everyday moments shared with my classmates—the long clinic days navigating treatment plans together, the shared stress of deadlines, the late-night study sessions in the sim lab, and all the laughs that helped us push through.
But one memory that stands out above the rest was delivering my first complete denture case to a patient who had been without teeth for more than ten years. I remember the appointment so clearly—the final try-in, the anticipation as they looked in the mirror, and the exact moment their expression shifted from uncertainty to pure joy. They told me they hadn’t been able to eat their favourite foods in years and hadn’t smiled in a photo in over a decade. Watching them take their first confident bite and seeing the emotion in their eyes was an unforgettable reminder of the real impact we can make. It was one of the first moments where I truly felt the weight and privilege of being in this profession.
You are the co-founder of Spar Wear, a dental scrubs company. What inspired you to create this brand?
My friend Parsa and I were given the opportunity in our third year of dental school to experiment with the type of scrubs we wanted to wear. We found that many high-quality scrubs came with a high price tag and still lacked features we wanted during our long clinic days. So, we decided to create our own.
What started as a small project quickly grew. Our classmates and faculty became interested, and with their input we refined a pair of scrubs that could meet the day-to-day challenges of dental school while matching the quality of major brands. That’s where Spar Wear was born.
We began producing scrubs for Dalhousie Dentistry, then expanded to the Dalhousie Bookstore and other healthcare faculties at the university. From there, we grew into supplying several dental clinics across Nova Scotia. Today, Spar Wear is a growing online brand serving customers across Canada and the United States—and we’re just getting started.
What was the biggest adjustment moving from dental school to professional practice?
The biggest adjustments were time management and understanding my limits. I was fortunate to begin my career as a dentist in the Canadian Armed Forces, where I can focus on developing my clinical skills and take the time needed to deliver quality care. Being surrounded by experienced senior dentists and specialists gives me the confidence to take on more complex cases while still having the right support and mentorship.
Right now, I’m focused on honing my skills, improving my efficiency, and gradually pushing my limits as I grow as a clinician.
Any advice for future dental graduates?
Find yourself a mentor! Learning doesn’t stop once you graduate. Treat every experience—good or bad—as an opportunity to learn. Stay humble, stay curious, and don’t lose the passion that got you into dentistry in the first place. Dentistry is as much about people as it is about teeth, so focus on building relationships and earning trust of colleagues and patients.
Favourite dental people/accounts to follow?
AllThingsDentistry on YouTube is my go-to. Dr. Ashley Mark shares incredible tips, tricks, and clinical pearls that have helped me tremendously.
Favourite way to relax?
For me, it’s the gym. Training helps me clear my mind and stay grounded, especially after long clinical days. I also love spending time with my wife, family, and friends—those moments of connection remind me why I work so hard.
Do you have a favourite and least favourite procedure to perform since practicing?
I’ve developed a real interest in endodontics. I was exposed to many endodontic cases early in my career and found myself enjoying root canal treatments. As for a least favourite procedure—I don’t think I have one yet. I’m still learning and growing in every field of dentistry, so each procedure feels like an opportunity to improve.
Where do you see yourself in five years within the field of dentistry?
In five years, I see myself growing both as a clinician and as an entrepreneur. Professionally, I want to continue developing my surgical and restorative skills while mentoring younger dentists entering the field.
On the business side, I hope to see Spar Wear expand into a leading lifestyle brand for healthcare professionals—one that not only provides great products but also inspires others to elevate how they show up every day.
Where can readers find you?
You can reach me on Instagram and TikTok at @ahfattal.dental.
To learn more about my scrubs brand, follow @spar.wear on Instagram or visit wearspar.com.