Nureen Somani, DMD 2008, is a general dentist who owns a practice in Edmonton, Alberta. We spoke with Dr. Somani to learn about how she discovered the dental profession and what some of her favourite memories are from her time spent at UBC Dentistry.
You have a Master’s degree in anatomy and cell biology. How did you end up being a dentist?
I always wanted to be a pediatrician. I took the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) the summer before I started my Master’s, and it was around this time that I went out for lunch with a family friend. He was a physician, so I wanted to chat with him about medical school, but his wife came along, and she was a dentist. She asked if I’d ever considered a career in dentistry, and truth be told, I hadn’t! She started telling me all the great things about dentistry, like how it incorporates both healthcare and art, and how it’s a great career for balancing a family.
It was during this lunch that I seriously began contemplating a career in dentistry. I had started my Master’s at that point but shifted my focus to dentistry and applied to dental schools shortly after.
Why did you choose to study at UBC Dentistry?
I grew up in Calgary but always loved BC because I spent a lot of summers there growing up. I applied to several dental schools during my first year of my Master’s, and while I was giving a lecture, I received a call from the University of Saskatchewan saying a spot had opened in their DMD program. I called back but it was a first come, first served offer, so someone else took the spot.
I was devastated. But the year after, I got into UBC Dentistry, and I think that’s exactly how things were meant to be. I had such an amazing time in Vancouver and loved UBC Dentistry!
Do you have a favourite memory of your time spent at UBC Dentistry?
The Dental Undergraduate Society events were always a highlight. Our class choreographed a dance to the song “Call on Me” and we all wore 80’s aerobic attire. To this day, I break out in dance moves when I hear that song!
I also went to a small town in Brazil the summer before entering fourth year to do some volunteer dentistry. I learned so much and it was amazing to be fully immersed in Brazilian culture.
You and your husband Dr. Hussein Pirani own Donsdale Dental in Edmonton. What is it like working with your husband?
I always said I’d never marry another dentist, and here I am 15 years later, married to one! We met at the Pacific Dental Conference and reconnected years later at a wedding and the rest is history.
I can’t imagine practicing without him. We have three daughters, so it’s great for our family because we’re able to balance our schedules. It’s also nice to have him there when I’m having a tough clinic day because he truly understands what I’m going through. Plus, he shares in my joy—if I do a great veneer case no one really cares, but my husband does!
What advice would you give to current dentistry students?
Don’t sweat the small things. The early days can be challenging because you’re getting your feet wet, but I think the best way to learn is by making mistakes. I’ve been practicing dentistry for 16 years and I’m still learning all the time.
I would also say find a great mentor and support system. I’ve had many wonderful mentors throughout my career, and it makes a world of difference.