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.
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