Saudi Dentists Return Home with New Expertise Gained at South Korea's Top Medical Schools
As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its healthcare sector, graduates from Korean universities bring back expertise in specialized dental care.
SEOUL: The journey of Saudi dentists studying in South Korea has been marked by both personal growth and the acquisition of specialized knowledge.
One such dentist is Mohammed Al-Keshan, who began his residency at Seoul National University (SNU) in 2017, 8,000 km away from home.
Despite initial challenges with language and cultural barriers, he persevered, driven by a vision to enhance dental healthcare in Saudi Arabia.
Upon completing his studies and obtaining certification from the Saudi board in 2021, Al-Keshan returned to South Korea in 2024 to further his skills at SNU's Seoul Dental Hospital for the Disabled.
This hospital stands out globally as the only facility exclusively dedicated to providing dental care for individuals with disabilities, a model that Al-Keshan aims to replicate back home once he returns to Saudi Arabia.
The exchange program between Saudi Arabia and South Korea, initiated in 2015, has seen an increase in participation, from initially accepting just five dentists per year to currently accommodating around 11 or 12 Saudis.
This expansion reflects the growing significance of this collaboration for both countries.
Prof. Lee Yong-moo, head of SNU Dental Hospital, emphasizes the program's importance not only as a means of fostering friendship between the two nations but also in nurturing talent for Saudi Arabia's dental field.
As the program continues to grow and more young Saudi dentists travel to South Korea to study at prestigious institutions such as Kyung Hee University, the expertise brought back is poised to significantly enhance dental care capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
One such dentist is Mohammed Al-Keshan, who began his residency at Seoul National University (SNU) in 2017, 8,000 km away from home.
Despite initial challenges with language and cultural barriers, he persevered, driven by a vision to enhance dental healthcare in Saudi Arabia.
Upon completing his studies and obtaining certification from the Saudi board in 2021, Al-Keshan returned to South Korea in 2024 to further his skills at SNU's Seoul Dental Hospital for the Disabled.
This hospital stands out globally as the only facility exclusively dedicated to providing dental care for individuals with disabilities, a model that Al-Keshan aims to replicate back home once he returns to Saudi Arabia.
The exchange program between Saudi Arabia and South Korea, initiated in 2015, has seen an increase in participation, from initially accepting just five dentists per year to currently accommodating around 11 or 12 Saudis.
This expansion reflects the growing significance of this collaboration for both countries.
Prof. Lee Yong-moo, head of SNU Dental Hospital, emphasizes the program's importance not only as a means of fostering friendship between the two nations but also in nurturing talent for Saudi Arabia's dental field.
As the program continues to grow and more young Saudi dentists travel to South Korea to study at prestigious institutions such as Kyung Hee University, the expertise brought back is poised to significantly enhance dental care capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
