When I arrived in Sheffield I immediately had a good feeling about the city

Why did you decide to study this course at the University of Sheffield?

“I always wanted to be a paediatric dentist since I was an undergraduate student. I believe in the great impact a dentist has on a child when treatment is provided in a stress-free environment. I wanted to pursue higher education in paediatric dentistry and contribute the most to my profession.

“I had a good feeling about this programme and its requirements, which I felt were achievable and met my expectations. The fact that the University of Sheffield is highly reputed locally and internationally made me even more ambitious about the programme.”

What have you enjoyed most about the course?

“I enjoyed all parts of my journey as a postgraduate student. I had some concerns about how I would cope with the learning style and life in Sheffield as a foreign student. However when I arrived in Sheffield, I immediately had a good feeling about the city and how student friendly it is and how the university embraces cultural diversity. All the academic and clinical tutors were approachable, supportive and ambitious when it came to delivering the best learning experience. The aspect of the programme that I enjoyed most was the mixed learning experience through attending seminars, carrying out research and examining and treating children in the clinics.”

What knowledge and skills did you develop during your course?

“I can confidently say that I’ve grasped sufficient knowledge and skills to work independently as a specialist in paediatric dentistry and as a researcher in this field.

During my clinical training at Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, I had the opportunity to examine and treat children with a variety of oral conditions and complexity. This opportunity gave me confidence in clinical decision-making and the delivery of optimal dental treatment both in the dental chair and under general anaesthesia.

Sultan Attamimi

DClinDent Paediatric Dentistry

“The programme also allowed me to gain essential skills in how to conduct well-designed research and how to apply this scientific knowledge to my clinical practice.

“Overall, I’ve developed adequate knowledge and skills to pursue a career in both academia and clinical practice.”

How do you think the course will influence (or already has influenced) the next steps in your career?

“After completing my master’s, I’ve gone on to carry out a PhD in Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Sheffield. I can clearly see the effect of the research knowledge and skills I have gained on this programme has had on my studies. My future plan is to go back home and start work as an academic staff member at my university, where I will pass on this knowledge and skills in teaching, research and clinical practice to my future students.”

What would you say to someone thinking about studying this course at Sheffield?

“I would say come to Sheffield and see the city, visit the university’s open days and then apply - you won’t regret it! I realise that some prospective international students may not have a clear picture of the university and life in Sheffield, which I think is normal. You need to know that the environment at the university is very supportive and welcoming. As a former student, I can say that I definitely made the right choice to join this programme and maybe you will too!”