Becker’s Healthcare Podcast
Episode: Global Perspectives on Dentistry with Dr. Qoot Alkhubaizi
Date: September 15, 2025
Host: Scott Becker
Guest: Dr. Qoot Alkhubaizi, Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs, University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Episode Overview
In this episode, Scott Becker interviews Dr. Qoot Alkhubaizi, an internationally trained dentist and Assistant Dean of Clinical Affairs at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Their conversation spans global perspectives on dental education and practice, workforce shortages, advancements in dental technology and AI, cross-cultural approaches to dentistry, and Dr. Alkhubaizi’s advice for emerging dental professionals.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introduction and Dr. Alkhubaizi’s Background
- Dr. Alkhubaizi introduces herself and describes her role at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, including her leadership in clinical affairs and global partnerships, especially in Rwanda.
- Historical Note: The University of Maryland School of Dentistry is the first dental school in the world, established in 1840.
- Quote: “It’s really a privilege to work at the School of Dentistry because... it's the first dental school in the world and it was established in 1840.” (B, 00:57)
2. Dental Workforce Shortages
- United States: The most acute shortage is in dental hygienists, particularly post-COVID, stressing dental practices and impacting patient care, especially in rural areas.
- Quote: “There’s a significant shortage in dental hygienists... the dentists now are not only saddled with doing the dental work, but also providing significant preventative services...” (B, 02:12)
- Rwanda: Severe shortage of dentists—approx. 1 dentist per 92,000 people (vs. 1:1,700 in the US). Most dental care is provided by dental therapists.
- Quote: “Their dentist to population ratio is about 1 to 92,000... they don’t have a lot of dentists in Rwanda.” (B, 03:35)
- Post-genocide Rwanda’s efforts to rebuild dental education culminated in partnerships that helped launch their first dental school in 2018.
3. International Dental Partnerships & Work in Rwanda
- Dr. Alkhubaizi participated in establishing educational collaborations with Rwanda, noting both knowledge exchange and direct clinical care during visits.
- Quote: “We have a trip coming up this fall... we’ll be delivering some patient care as well as will be paired up with local dentists... to exchange knowledge and expertise...” (B, 02:36)
4. Trends in Dental Education: Digital Dentistry & AI
- Digital Dentistry: Significant transformation in recent years, improving provider efficiency and patient comfort.
- Quote: “Digital dentistry enables providers to be more efficient and precise... our students are excited about [these technologies]...” (B, 04:37)
- Artificial Intelligence: AI is reshaping education and care by facilitating diagnosis and monitoring (e.g., caries, bone loss, gum disease progression).
- Quote: “AI... allows us to enhance diagnosis diseases such as dental decay, monitor bone loss, disease outcome and progression...” (B, 05:08)
- Educational Tools: Use of virtual/augmented reality and advanced simulation tools to teach dental students with greater realism.
- Quote: “...there’s all these tools available now that allows the students to really get a feel of how a natural tooth is going to feel like...” (B, 05:52)
5. What’s Exciting About Modern Dentistry
- Technology as a Driver of Change: Dr. Alkhubaizi is excited by technological advances, especially the acceleration over the last 8–10 years.
- Quote: “The leap it took from... the past eight to ten years is amazing... the patients are fascinated, they’re more comfortable with digital modalities.” (B, 07:02)
- Student Engagement: Today’s students are highly motivated by tech, which aligns with their digital fluency.
6. The Joy and Challenge of Academic Leadership
- Relationships and Continuous Learning: Dr. Alkhubaizi values building relationships with students and colleagues and being part of a dynamic educational community.
- Quote: “Working with students is amazing because I love the relationship part... being in higher ed is just amazing.” (B, 07:54)
- Program Development: Creating educational programs amid evolving student expectations and rapidly changing technology brings both challenges and fulfillment.
- Quote: “...seeing the outcome of the changes that you make is very gratifying. Learning and getting people to work together, building a unified vision... keeps me going.” (B, 08:28)
7. Advice for Emerging Dentists and Leaders
- Healthcare is Demanding, Yet Rewarding: Entry into dentistry brings prestige and community impact but also responsibility and ongoing learning.
- Quote: “It is a huge responsibility. But on the same token, it’s great because people look up to you...” (B, 09:21)
- Personal Development: Dr. Alkhubaizi encourages self-grace, openness to mistakes and learning, humility, and a willingness to step outside the comfort zone.
- Quote: “Allow yourself grace to learn, make mistakes, be open up to new opportunities, invest in yourself...” (B, 09:44)
- Quote: “Getting out of the comfort zone is what’s going to get you to learn...” (B, 10:04)
- Broad Opportunities in Dentistry: Diverse career paths enabled by dental education, beyond private practice.
8. Global Perspectives: Practicing and Teaching Around the World
- Socialized vs. Episodic vs. Comprehensive Care:
- Kuwait/England: Socialized systems with a more episodic, problem-driven form of dental care; patients often defer to dentists’ decisions.
- US/UK: Ongoing, comprehensive care emphasizing patient autonomy and family involvement.
- Quote: “Dentistry in England as well as in Kuwait is socialized... in westernized countries... you have the patient establishes dental home and then you provide them long term care...” (B, 12:05)
- Patient Engagement: Higher “dental IQ” and patient autonomy in Western contexts; less so in some Middle Eastern countries.
- Quote: “Patients have autonomy and... part of the decision process. In... Kuwait, patients usually look up to you to make the decision for them...” (B, 12:54)
- Blending Approaches: Dr. Alkhubaizi’s international experiences inform a flexible, blended clinical style.
- Quote: “My approach combines and utilizes either approach depending on the patient and the case...” (B, 13:22)
Memorable Quotes
- “It’s really a privilege to work at the School of Dentistry because... it's the first dental school in the world and it was established in 1840.” (B, 00:57)
- “There’s a significant shortage in dental hygienists... dentists now are not only saddled with doing the dental work, but also providing significant preventative services...” (B, 02:12)
- “Their dentist to population ratio is about 1 to 92,000... they don’t have a lot of dentists in Rwanda.” (B, 03:35)
- “AI... allows us to enhance diagnosis diseases such as dental decay, monitor bone loss, disease outcome and progression...” (B, 05:08)
- “Allow yourself grace to learn, make mistakes, be open up to new opportunities, invest in yourself...” (B, 09:44)
- “My approach combines and utilizes either approach depending on the patient and the case...” (B, 13:22)
Notable Timestamps
- 00:57: History of UMB School of Dentistry
- 02:12: U.S. dental hygienist shortages
- 03:35: Rwanda’s dentist shortage
- 04:37: The rise of digital dentistry
- 05:08: AI in diagnostic and educational dental contexts
- 07:02: Technological advances energize dental practice/teaching
- 08:28: Program development and academic fulfillment
- 09:44: Guidance for emerging dental professionals
- 12:05: Differences in global dental systems
- 13:22: Blended cross-cultural approaches in clinical care
Tone & Takeaways
Dr. Alkhubaizi brings a thoughtful, passionate, and globally informed perspective to the conversation. She emphasizes technology’s transformative role in dentistry, advocates for lifelong learning and adaptability, and highlights the significant contrasts in dental systems and education worldwide. The discussion is both accessible and insightful, with practical advice for new dentists and leaders.