Thursday Talks: Zain Ahmed

This week, we are featuring a fourth-year dental student, Zain Ahmed, who is almost ready to graduate. He is a dual-degree student pursuing both a Doctor of Dental Medicine and a Master of Public Health.

Why did you decide to come to RSDM?

Because of its strong clinical training, diverse patient population, and hands-on learning opportunities. I wanted a school that would challenge me to become a well-rounded clinician by exposing me to a wide range of cases and patient needs. The opportunity to work in various clinical settings, including hospital-based and community clinics, was also a major factor in my decision, as it provides invaluable real-world experience in treating complex cases. Another important reason was its proximity to home and family. Additionally, Rutgers as a university has always felt like home to me. Having completed my undergraduate studies here, I knew first-hand the strength of Rutgers community and the wealth of opportunities available to students.

What was one of your favorite memories from dental school?

One of my favorite memories from dental school was the opportunity to represent Rutgers alongside Daniel Brigham ’26 at the American Institute of Dental Public Health’s Federal Service Immersion. We visited various federal agencies in Washington, DC, where we engaged with leaders in dental public health and health policy. It was an incredible opportunity to gain first-hand insight into how different federal agencies operate and contribute to oral health initiatives on a national level.

What shaped your interest in public health?

Growing up, I was encouraged to find ways to make a meaningful impact, and my older sister first introduced me to the concept of public health when she pursued it as a major before attending medical school. Our conversations, combined with my upbringing, sparked my initial interest in the field. As I explored public health further in college, I had the opportunity to shadow at the Veterans Hospital in East Orange, where I witnessed the gaps in dental care. … My experiences shadowing in other dental settings exposed me to broader disparities in oral health education and access to care. … Whether it’s improving access to care, shaping policy, or addressing disparities in oral health literacy, I see public health as an essential component of dentistry that extends beyond the operatory to create lasting change on a broader scale.

Do you have plans for after graduation?

I’ll be doing a general practice residency at JFK Medical Center in Edison. … The program knows how passionate I am about this field and is giving me the chance to work on initiatives that align with my interests, which I really appreciate. After my GPR, I plan to pursue a residency in dental public health. I am also looking forward to serving as one of the initial board members of the New Jersey Dental Foundation, helping shape its mission and work toward increasing access to oral healthcare in New Jersey for years to come.

What do you enjoy doing outside of school?

I love both playing and watching sports, especially basketball, soccer, boxing, football, and MMA—they help me stay active and unwind. I actually play in the New Jersey Shia Sports League, which my friends started to bring our religious community together through sports. Beyond sports, my faith and community are a big part of my life.

What are you going to miss about RSDM?

The people—the faculty, staff, and students who have made this journey so meaningful. The supportive environment has played a huge role in my growth, both professionally and personally. There are too many faculty members to name individually, but so many have had a lasting impact on me. … The staff has also been an integral part of my experience at RSDM. I’ll especially miss our “Preclinic Moms,” Loida and Audi, who were there from day one. … Most of all, I’ll miss my classmates and the friendships we’ve built over the years. From late nights studying to celebrating our achievements together, the sense of camaraderie has made the challenges of dental school much more manageable.