5 questions with dental medicine’s Fouad Ahmed, Class of 2026

When students arrive at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, they each bring their own motivations and aspirations to the journey. No matter how these differ, each student approaches graduation equipped with the same things: not just the clinical skills required of the profession, but the adaptability, empathy and innovative drive that will shape their dental careers. 

As they prepare to take their next steps—whether entering practice, pursuing advanced education, or serving communities in other ways—we sat down with several graduates from the School of Dental Medicine’s Class of 2026. 

Read on to learn about Fouad Ahmed, a Clevelander and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) candidate originally from Latakia, Syria. 

Answers have been lightly edited.

1. What initially drew you to CWRU?

What drew me to CWRU was the mindset of the individuals and collectives it produces. Every year, CWRU graduates a new class of dentists that are always happy to pass down their knowledge to the future generations.

2. What course or campus experience shaped your education most?

Fixed Prosthodontics III with Dr. Scott Pelok was a course that had a great impact on me. I was able to broadcast my creativity through creating videos of my work. Although it took a long time to create, seeing a finished product that I was happy with at my level at the time was worth every hour.

3. What is your favorite memory as a student at CWRU?

My favorite memory at CWRU was completing my first ever filling under the guidance of Dr. Pamela Martin. Everyone remembers how stressful their first filling was!

4. What’s next for you after graduation?

The next step after graduation is pursuing pediatric dental residency at CWRU/University Hospitals.

5. What advice would you give to new students in your program?

My advice to new students in the program is to take advantage of every opportunity presented. Once you find what you like, be the best you can be at it.