How did you decide on your elective destination?

I chose Egypt because I’m an Arabic speaker, and I wanted to fully engage in patient conversations and interactions. I also felt a private dental practice would allow me to experience general dentistry in a new environment.

When did you start to plan for the elective and how much organisation was involved?

The previous September, I reached out to various dental practices across Egypt via email to explore potential opportunities.

Once a dental practice expressed interest, I had to arrange a risk assessment and a signed tripartite agreement between me, my dental school dean and the practice. This was especially important when I called the DDU to get indemnity for my elective, and meant they were able to provide my indemnity document there and then.

With the necessary paperwork in place, the university approved my arrangements. I decided it was more cost-effective to organise my elective independently rather than through a company and I was able to book a hotel room near the practice to make things easier. After that, the only step left was to get on the flight!

Despite my excitement, the day before my departure was filled by anxiety at the thought of travelling alone, after an intense fourth year.

Describe where you did your elective, your accommodation and the people you were working with.

When I visited my elective practice in Cairo, I was warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic dentist who had a strong passion for the profession. There was a diverse group of experienced and newly qualified dentists working in the practice, which meant I could learn from different perspectives and approaches.

My hotel was in a great location near the city centre so I could explore the vibrant sights of Cairo during my free time and immerse myself in the local culture. I was also fortunate to have a friend who lived in the city who was able to show me around.

What differences did you notice between the dental care on your elective and back home?

One of the biggest cultural differences was in patient decision-making and consent. Dental care in Cairo had a more paternalistic approach, where treatment decisions were largely made by clinicians and patients typically trusted their judgment. This was a big contrast with the emphasis on shared decision-making in the UK.

On the other hand, one of the most striking and heartwarming thing I saw in Cairo was the time spent on long conversations between the dentists and their patients. It was not uncommon for these conversations about the personal and social lives of the patient to last up to thirty minutes. I was also impressed with the dentists’ approach to behaviour management for paediatric patients and their commitment to improving children's experiences, using techniques like 'tell-show-do' to ease anxiety.

What did you find most difficult on your elective and what was most fun/rewarding?

I found it challenging to set aside my judgments about aspects like consent, but experiencing a completely different healthcare system in operation increased my awareness of cultural differences.

I also think seeing the diverse range of cases improved my problem-solving skills and boosted my confidence when interacting with patients.

Beyond dentistry, I thoroughly enjoyed discovering so many aspects of Egyptian culture, food and history. The clinic I shadowed didn’t start until around 4pm, so I had the mornings free to explore the pyramids, visit the Prince Mohamed Ali Palace and relax on the beach.

How would you sum up your elective experience?

My elective was an incredible journey that exceeded my expectations and challenged me. It was so interesting to see many of the procedures I learned in dental school being performed by a dentist in a completely different setting and see the dentist-patient relationship.

Travelling alone and stepping out of my comfort zone challenged me to grow as a person, and I left feeling more self-assured and resilient.

What would you advise other dental students who are interested in doing an elective?

Go for it! It’s truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you embrace the experience wholeheartedly, you’ll create unforgettable memories, learn so much and gain in confidence.

I found it really helpful to write down my observations, as it helped me remember and reflect on what I’d learned. Looking back, I only wish I’d booked earlier to get cheaper flights and extended my stay so I could have more time in Egypt.

My dental elective: Egypt

Maya Abdulrazak

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