Hani Adlina binti Muhammad Hilal, a recent Bachelor of Dental Surgery graduate, radiates a quiet confidence that speaks volumes about her journey. But Hani’s story isn’t simply about completing dental school; it’s about stepping into a legacy of care, a path paved by her mother, Dr. Norzaini. Witnessing her mother’s dedication to both family and profession ignited a spark within Hani from a young age.
“My dream of becoming a dentist started in kindergarten,” Hani shares, “and it never wavered.” She vividly recalls her mother’s unwavering commitment, “She pursued her master’s in London while raising three kids,” Hani recounts with admiration. “She’s an incredibly intelligent woman, a great mother, and a dedicated doctor, seamlessly balancing her passion for dentistry with her love for her family.” This early exposure to her mother’s world instilled in Hani the belief that a fulfilling career and a rich personal life could co-exist.
Dr. Norzaini’s influence extended beyond her professional life. Hani observed her mother’s dedication to lifelong learning, a value that has deeply resonated with her. “My parents have an incredible mindset,” Hani shares. “Always positive, always striving to learn and grow.” This inherent curiosity and thirst for knowledge became a cornerstone of Hani’s own approach to dentistry.
Beyond providing a role model, Dr. Norzaini fostered an environment of support and encouragement. “My parents never pressured me to follow in their footsteps,” Hani emphasises. “Dentistry has always been my own interest. They simply inspired me to pursue it.” Their unwavering belief in her abilities, coupled with Hani’s innate passion, created the perfect foundation for her journey into dentistry.
This early exposure to her mother’s world instilled in Hani the belief that a fulfilling career and a rich personal life could co-exist. It’s a balance she actively cultivates today, finding time for her passions outside of dentistry. “People might assume that dental school consumes your entire life,” Hani reflects, “but I believe in working hard and playing hard.” And for Hani, “playing hard” involves indulging her love for Pilates and interior design. “Pilates keeps me fit and active,” she explains, her eyes lighting up, “while my love for classic Victorian design feeds my creative soul.” This dedication to balance, a trait she undoubtedly observed in her mother, is evident in Hani’s ability to effortlessly juggle academics with a fulfilling personal life that includes her artistic pursuits.
Dental school, however, has been more than just an academic pursuit for Hani. It’s been a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, mirroring her parents’ own commitment to lifelong learning. “I’ve always had strong values,” she shares, “but dentistry has amplified my empathy.” Understanding the vulnerability of patients experiencing pain and anxiety has deepened her connection to the human side of her profession.
Of course, the path wasn’t without its challenges. “My biggest fear was not providing the best care,” Hani admits. The weight of responsibility towards her patients fuelled a relentless pursuit of knowledge, a drive she likely inherited from her academically-driven mother. “I learned to overcome this fear by constantly learning and striving for a deeper understanding of every procedure,” she explains. “Mistakes happen, but negligence is never an option.”
This commitment to excellence is intertwined with Hani’s hopes for the future. “I dream of being a dentist who provides the best possible care,” she says, “someone who never compromises their values and always treats patients with compassion,” echoing the very qualities she admires in her parents. Her journey has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of continuous learning and the importance of human connection in the dental profession, values she witnessed firsthand in her mother’s career.
Hani Adlina’s story is a testament to the power of family influence and personal passion. It’s a reminder that a career in dentistry can be more than just “talking about teeth.” It’s a profession that fosters empathy, demands continuous learning, and allows for personal growth. As Hani embarks on her career, her passion for dentistry, nurtured by her parents’ legacy and combined with her dedication to compassionate patient care, promises a bright future filled with purpose and fulfilment.