‘Who ever said success was an easy road?’: Makyle Khan shares the obstacles he faced during his journey to dental school and his future career plans.
What inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry?
A career in dentistry was not something I initially envisioned for myself. My original aspiration was to become a surgeon and pursue a path in medicine. However, after gaining firsthand insight into the medical field through work experience, I realised that this career would require sacrificing something I hold dear: time with my family. The quality time I cherish with my loved ones is irreplaceable, and the prospect of not having a work-life balance was not something I wanted.
This realisation led me to explore dentistry, a profession that not only offers a healthier work-life balance but also demands a high level of skill and precision. Dentistry aligns with my desire to be in a field where there are no boundaries to career growth or knowledge. This resonates deeply with my inquisitive nature – I have always sought to push beyond my limits, continuously learn, and strive to be the best in whatever I pursue. Dentistry, with its blend of artistry, science, and patient care, provides the perfect platform for me to achieve these goals while maintaining the personal values I hold close.
Were there any challenges or obstacles you faced while preparing for dental school?
The journey to dental school was far from smooth, but who ever said success was an easy road? In the summer of year 12, I sat the UCAT and received an average score – a result that, for the first time in my life, left me feeling like I wasn’t the best at what I did. As someone with a competitive nature, shaped by my experiences as a sportsman, this was a humbling moment. It taught me how to handle setbacks not only in my academic life but also in my personal life. I found myself at a crossroads: should I give up on all the hard work that had brought me to this point, or should I persevere, build resilience, and move forward with faith?
Faith has always been a cornerstone of my life as a Muslim, and it guided me to choose the latter. I applied to dental school, only to face another setback: rejection. Learning to handle rejection was a pivotal lesson, one that I believe prepares you for challenges in all aspects of life. Despite the disappointment, I continued to pray and hold onto hope. While I was disheartened by multiple rejections, an interview opportunity eventually surfaced. It felt like a step closer to my dream, a glimmer of hope that my efforts were not in vain.
After the interview, the anxious wait began. Would it be an offer or another rejection? Unfortunately, it was the latter. At that moment, I felt utterly devastated. It was as if my world had collapsed. I questioned everything – my hard work, my abilities, even my self-worth. Coming from a background of high achievement, this rejection was a harsh blow, and it took time to process.
Yet, in my lowest moments, I asked myself: If I give up now, what was all this hard work for? I turned to my faith for perspective, viewing this as another test of my resilience and determination. I reminded myself that if it was meant to be, it would happen – whether through a gap year, results day, or another path. My focus shifted to the one thing within my control: achieving the grades that would unlock the door to my future.
I poured my heart into my studies, working tirelessly to ensure I had no regrets. When results day arrived, I had achieved the grades I needed. To my immense relief and joy, I received an offer from my university – not through clearing, but through my own perseverance. The impossible had become possible. Looking back, I realised this journey was a test of my gratitude, patience, and resilience. Sometimes, things are delayed for a reason, and rejection is never a true reflection of your worth. It’s simply a stepping stone on the path to something greater.
What has been the most rewarding part of your dental school experience so far?
Meeting various patients from all walks of life whether they have been treated by me or patients I have helped to assist in providing the best possible care.
How do you balance the demands of dental school with your personal life?
I have a planner where I plan my days and allocate time to my studies but also for my hobbies. My escape from the demands of being a dental student lie in the gym and the pool, as I am a competitive swimmer. It helps to forget about all the stress and allows me to relax and focus on myself. This is an important element to have and it is so easy to get drawn into becoming studious almost robotically and you burn out.
What area of dentistry are you most interested in and why?
Periodontitis and implant dentistry. One of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, periodontitis has no cure and can lead to severe consequences, including tooth loss. I find the patient journey particularly rewarding, as managing an unstable periodontitis patient is a collaborative effort between clinician and patient. The challenge lies in achieving stability, and I appreciate the opportunity to guide patients through this process, improving both their oral health and overall wellbeing.
Tooth loss is often a direct consequence of periodontitis, and in severe cases, patients lose their entire dentition. Dental implants provide a life-changing solution, restoring not only function but also confidence by giving patients their smiles back. Implant dentistry also involves a high level of surgical skill, which has always intrigued me, as I initially aspired to become a surgeon. The precision and technical expertise required in implant placement further fuel my passion for this field.
Do you have any specific goals after graduation?
My goal is to become the best clinician I can be, ensuring that my patients have complete trust in my care and confidence in the results I deliver. Beyond clinical excellence, I aspire to become a practice owner, as I have always had a strong interest in business.
I am also a firm believer in giving back to the community and aim to contribute wherever I can. My vision for an ideal practice extends beyond exceptional dental care – I want to create an environment that redefines the patient experience. From the moment they walk in, I want them to feel a sense of relaxation and comfort, breaking away from the traditional stereotypes of a dental practice.
Additionally, my practice would place a strong emphasis on patient-centred care, offering a luxury experience where high-quality treatment is paired with outstanding service. This would be achieved through a team that works seamlessly together, ensuring that every patient feels valued, cared for, and receives the best possible dental care.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in dentistry?
For those considering a career in dentistry, take the time to reflect on your reasons and ensure that your motivation aligns with the realities of the profession. Dentistry is a highly rewarding but demanding career, so it’s essential to understand what it truly entails. If possible, gain work experience in a dental setting, as this is one of the best ways to determine if it’s the right path for you. If in-person experience is difficult to secure, take advantage of online dental work experience programmes to gain insight into the field.
For students in year 12, focus on adapting to sixth form and developing effective study habits to manage your workload. Strong predicted grades are crucial, so find a study approach that works for you early on.
For year 13 students with offers, remember that securing an offer is just the first step – your final grades are what truly seal the deal. Stay disciplined and don’t become complacent.
For those who face rejection, don’t let it define you. If dentistry is your passion, persistence is key. A gap year is not a setback; it’s an opportunity for growth. Use it wisely to strengthen your application, gain valuable experience, and develop both personally and professionally. Your journey to dentistry doesn’t have to follow a straight path – what matters is your dedication to the profession.
What qualities do you think are essential for a successful dentist?
A successful dentist needs to be a good leader, which entails the qualities of being fair, decisive, resilient and an effective communicator. Being able to work under pressure is key, especially when managing appointment times. Furthermore, it is fundamental that you are a team player.
How do you see the field of dentistry evolving in the next decade?
Dentistry will become more digital based with an integration of AI technology in various areas of dentistry. It will eventually aid clinicians in diagnosing patients, labs will have AI technology to help increase the accuracy in production of prosthetics and decrease turnaround times in production of them.
To adapt to these changes its important to enhance and maintain your skillset via CPD courses. Being an early adopter of technology as a practice owner is key. Also, associates those in practices that have adopted this technology will find themselves ahead of the curve.
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