As a first- and second-year dental student, it’s easy to lose perspective of what dentistry really entails. You get caught up in the intricacies of how to do a crown prep or knowing the anatomy of the floor of the mouth. As the pre-clinical courses came to an end, I found myself constantly scrambling in the simulation lab, as any other second-year dental student can relate.
Growing up, my dream profession stemmed from watching “Grey’s Anatomy.” I thought I wanted to explore a career in medicine, yet when I got to college, I started to rethink this. My father is a dentist, and I would visit his practice when I was younger, which gave me a sense of what this profession was like. The opportunity to impact people’s lives in a profound way and still enjoy a lifestyle that permitted individual growth appealed to me.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that the United States is amidst the worst measles outbreak since 1992, although the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. As one of the most developed countries in the world, this is an alarming stat that all health care professionals should be concerned with, including dentists.
Mardi Gras is a 300-year-old holiday, wrapped in rich tradition and celebration. It started in 1699 in the location of present-day New Orleans, after French settlers held a small festivity deemed Point du Mardi Gras. This unique holiday has gained quite the following in the United States over the last 100 years and is often synonymous with vibrant parties and spectacular floats.
As an American-born Indian raised in small west-Texas towns, my ethnic identity has always been a bit of a question mark to me. My parents valued the importance of integrating my sister and I into American culture, while continuing to honor precious Indian traditions. One tradition that I look forward to every year is Diwali, or the Festival of Lights.
Like every fourth-year dental student, Farhan Momin, Midwestern-Illinois ’19, hopes to graduate soon and begin his professional career. But how many dentists can say they took a semester off during dental school to hone their culinary skills on national television? Here, Farhan discusses how he combines both his professional and creative passions.
Eid al-Fitr (“Breaking of the Fast”) is a Muslim three-day holiday, signifying the end of fasting during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which the Qur’an was revealed. In this month, it is obligatory for all able Muslims to partake in a month-long fast where they are to abstain from food and drink (yes, even water!) during daylight hours. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with a declaration of faith, five daily prayers, giving to charity and a pilgrimage to Mecca. The holy month is also used as an opportunity to build one’s spirituality. At night, Muslims line up to offer a number of optional prayers called “Taraweeh” while listening to and reflecting on the recitation of the Qur’an.
