Dr. Noor Alqabandi

"Driven By The Desire To Create Smiles."

Tell us about your education.

I graduated from the University of Malta in Europe, with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. I then pursued my higher education in two specialities: Master’s in Public Health and in Prosthodontics from Tufts University, Boston, USA. Prosthodontics is a clinical dental specialty in full mouth reconstruction with prosthesis and dental implants. Soon After, I successfully passed all the American board exams and became a Diplomate and Fellow of the American Board of Prosthodontics.

What got you into medicine and motivated you to pursue a career in dentistry?

Dentistry was one of my childhood dreams. I was always driven by the desire to creating smiles, making a difference, and helping others.

How was your journey studying in Malta? How did your perception change after studying there for 7 years?

My journey was very challenging, very self-driven and very rewarding! Getting the scholarship and acceptance to Dental Surgery at the University of Malta was not an easy journey. However, through eagerness, hard work, determination and a lot of self-discipline, I was successful at achieving it. Additionally, participating in different

Photo by: @bellawangphotography

organizations and volunteering in rural countries and interacting with refugees expanded and broadened my perspective drastically.

Shifting from a socially privileged Kuwaiti culture to a small simple Mediterranean Island at the age of 18 influenced me profoundly and gave me different views on health and on life. My overall journey in Malta is what created my strong and solid foundation and set my unlimited warriorlike mindset.

What kept your interest alive and kept you motivated throughout your studies?

My ambitions, passion, optimism, and my energetic nature always drove an inner flame and motivation. Having a bigger purpose in life, to serve the greater good and to leave a print to make a difference, ignited limitless dreams and goals for me. Also, having support from my family, and positive interactions from my international mentors and patients kept my interests alive.

You moved to the US to continue your studies. What was your goal at that time?

Throughout my studies in Malta, I discovered a new passion in public and global health. As soon as I graduated from my Bachelors, I started looking for higher education programs targeting two majors simultaneously. Luckily, I came cross Tufts University in Boston, USA, where they gave me the green light to customize my own program in Prosthodontic and Master’s in Public Heath (MPH), with individualized study in Global Health concentration. I applied to both programs in the Medical and the Dental schools and got accepted. At first, my goal was only to get the MPH and be qualified prosthodontist, but my experience in the U.S. exceeded my expectations, and I achieved way more than I originally planned for.

What is your area of expertise?

My clinical expertise is to treat and reconstruct complex full mouth cases with fixed and removal prosthesis and implants to achieve oral health, function, occlusal stability, facial harmony, and longevity.

Whereas my public health expertise is focused on global and digital health, where I create, manage, assess, evaluate, and improve quality of healthcare programs.

Now, as you are back home, what are you currently doing?

I just started my career by working as full-time clinician and am managing a global health project on the side.

What are your future plans?

Stay tuned ;)

What advice would you give to our readers for better maintenance and hygiene of their teeth?

Most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages. So, make sure you visit the dentist every 6 months, and learn and practice correct oral hygiene measures to maintain your health.

Tell us about some of your most difficult experiences or difficult conditions you have come over so far?

I can’t think of a specific case but generally patients who have psychological problems and unrealistic expectations are the most challenging cases to manage.

Photo by: @esraalqabandi

What are some key signs that someone needs the help of a cosmetic dentist?

There are no key signs to seek cosmetic dental treatment, unless it’s affecting the patient’s physical, psychological, and social health. I embrace and support the unique characteristics of each smile, and all dental care cases must be treated with an individualized approach. From my perspective, creating one standard beauty and mold doesn’t appeal to the individual's true beauty.

What career path would you have chosen if you hadn’t pursued dentistry?

I would choose dentistry again.

What got you interested into triathlon?

Sports has always been my hobby and fun activity since childhood. Setting goals and challenging myself is my way to keep me motivation and happy. I was stuck during the 2020 pandemic in Boston, where I started cycling outdoor to cope with unexpected stressful events and demanding programs. Cycling around Boston for many hours took me to set my bold resolution in 2021 to finish my 1st ironman race with no triathlon experience. The consistent triathlon training with progressive results balanced my life. Having a training schedule of combing 5 different sports (swim, cycle, run, resistance/strength, and yoga) made it fun and reflected positively on my health, career, and life overall.

What is your most memorable moments from Malta and also from the US?

I have lots of incredible memories, so it is hard to pick one. I would choose the Kuwaiti Celebration Event in Malta which was remarkable. We were fortunate of having an amazing talented Kuwaiti group of students who managed to organize one of the biggest events on campus. We were also thankful to have the support of the Embassy of Kuwait at that time as well. The event took place across two full days and included exhibitions, Kuwaiti traditional food, customs, and live shows. Both the Kuwaiti and Maltese media and press had covered our story on TV and had written press releases. Unforgettable times indeed!

Whereas in the U.S., the Covid pandemic period was the most memorable time. Living alone and dealing with unexpected events, lockdown, the violent protest around my area, emergency patients, and nonstop webinars from both programs was intense. However, these moments upscaled my strength in my physical, mental, and emotional health. I started setting higher goals in all aspects of life and work. I became a triathlete, an Ironman 70.3 finisher; an American board-certified prosthodontist; my masters project got adopted by Harvard University and I started a project that I never thought of achieving before. Sometimes hustling through some difficult times is a blessing to begin an upgrade to your life. It is a time that can unleash some of our hidden potentials, polish our path and reset our priorities.

“Your empire ain't gonna build itself without the hustle.” Always think like a winner!

Where is your favourite holiday destination and why?

Anywhere with beach, sea, waves, fresh food, music, and a sunny sky. The Mediterranean and Islands, so far, are my favourite.

How do you unwind?

Fun sports classes, or activities, dance, and travelling solo.

Tell me something about yourself that others might not know?

Besides volunteering as a professional health provider, I also volunteered as a dance instructor in Malta and refugee camps.

Your message for us at CP magazine.

Thank you for the interview and for this opportunity. I applaud CP magazine for their original topics and content.