Hussein Salem’s Story
In 2025, the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation awarded 7 new dental scholarships. Hussein Salem is one of our latest scholarship winners who really exemplified the talent we’re looking to see in the dental world. Currently a dental student at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, we can’t wait to follow his career post-graduation.
Get to know Hussein through his winning application, where he explains why he decided to pursue dentistry as his life’s calling.
As a twelve-year-old visiting Yemen, I found myself sitting on a burgundy Arabian-style sofa, enveloped by the musky scent of frankincense and the soft haze of hookah smoke. The lively chatter of Yemeni men and the melancholic strumming of the oud filled the room. Everything about the scene felt new, yet captivating. Among the many surprises, one detail stood out—grown men chewing khat leaves, a common cultural practice said to be relaxing. Curious, I delved into researching khat and discovered its harmful effects on oral health—knowledge that was largely absent in my community. This early encounter with oral diseases and preventive care planted a seed of curiosity that would later blossom into my passion for dentistry.
Throughout high school, I wrestled with the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” My father, a skilled builder who constructed much of our village in Yemen, encouraged me to follow in his footsteps. To honor his suggestion, I enrolled in woodshop and spent three years mastering the art of craftsmanship, creating everything from intricately designed pens to amber-toned desks. My work was displayed in the school gallery, and I was invited to join SkillsUSA, where I thrived. The precision and creativity required in woodworking resonated with me, but I couldn’t see it as my life’s work. However, I discovered that the attention to detail and hands-on skills I developed could serve another purpose—dentistry.
My mother, a former farmer in Yemen, introduced me to a different passion: plants. Her encouragement led me to join Dr. Katherine Warpeha’s research team at UIC, where I helped create the university’s first plant database. Immersing myself in the study of medicinal properties and the cultural significance of plants deepened my connection to my heritage. It also revealed how plants, like khat, contribute to oral health issues. This experience bridged my love for science, culture, and community, further aligning my interests with a future in dentistry.
These formative experiences prepared me for a pivotal moment during my volunteer work at the Bridgeview Health Fair. Representing UIC Pre-Dental, I educated attendees about the oral health risks of vaping. It was there that I met Dr. Akhras, who invited me to shadow him at his clinic. One day, a 60-year-old Yemeni patient arrived, visibly anxious about her procedures. She spoke only Arabic—specifically, the Yemeni dialect that I grew up speaking—making it difficult for the staff to communicate with her. I stepped in to translate, easing her fears by explaining each step and offering words of reassurance. When she asked to hold my hand during the procedure, I gladly obliged. Afterward, she thanked me, saying, “We need someone like you—a Yemeni dentist who understands us.” Her words solidified my calling.
Many in my community avoid seeking dental care due to language barriers or fear of judgment. Currently, there are no Yemeni dentists in our area, and I am determined to fill that void. Through my work with the Aden Center in Bridgeview,I have already begun to bridge this gap. Leading oral health workshops and community education initiatives has shown me the profound impact culturally sensitive care can have on underserved populations. Each interaction strengthens my resolve to serve as a trusted provider for my community.
My path to dentistry has been anything but linear. Along the way, I explored construction with my father, discovered the medicinal wonders of plants through my mother, and immersed myself in community service. Each experience shaped my skills, deepened my passions, and guided me toward my true calling. Dentistry is more than a career—it is the perfect fusion of my cultural roots, hands-on expertise, and desire to give back. As I pursue this journey, my ultimate goal is to become the first Yemeni dentist in my community, offering care, understanding, and inspiration to those who need it most.
Watch Hussein’s application video: https://youtube.com/shorts/V9rLUvcgH8w
Learn more about DTA Foundation scholarships: https://dtafoundation.org/apply/scholarships/