Sura Hadad’s (DDS’03, BSc’98) fondest memory of her time at the Faculty of Dentistry was the moment she walked across the stage at graduation with her daughter by her side. Not only did she meet the demands of the rigorous academic program, but also the added challenges of becoming a new mom during her third year. “It wasn’t easy,” recalls Dr. Hadad. “My daughter had severe asthma, so I often spent the night with her at the IWK.”

While completing the dentistry program, Dr. Hadad’s mentor and fellow Malaysian student gave her much guidance and support. “I loved the dentistry program. It was challenging work, but it provided me with an exceptional education. The teaching and outreach opportunities were invaluable,” says Dr. Hadad. “I believe in paying it forward.”

Today, Dr. Hadad provides support to young refugees who are applying to dental school in Canada. She understands the struggles that these young people face in a new country, as she immigrated from Greece to Canada in 1991. Dr. Hadad is involved with the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), offering free dental services to Syrian refugees. “I want to help them, as they are starting a new life in a new country.”  She also provides aid abroad, sponsoring a family in her home country of Iraq.

Along with running her dental practice, Lozowski & Hadad Family Dental Centre, Dr. Hadad has been a part-time instructor in the Faculty of Dentistry at Dal since 2009. She enjoys teaching her students practical approaches that she has learned from her years in private practice. When Dr. Tom Boran, past-dean of the Faculty and proponent for the Dental Clinic Renewal project, asked Dr. Hadad to be a part of the campaign, she didn’t hesitate and generously made a pledge of $25,000.

“I want to give back to the place that got me to where I am today,” says Dr. Hadad. “It’s inspiring when you go into a new space. The simulation lab is amazing. I want students to experience this environment, as they will be motivated to learn.” The undergraduate clinic will be set up like a private practice, where students can gain experience in a real world setting prior to graduation. The new spaces will also support more patients in need of oral healthcare in the community.

Dr. Hadad tries to instill the value of philanthropy in her four children. They volunteer together as a family, often making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to take to local shelters. She also provides toothbrushes from her practice to Shelter Nova Scotia. Her passion for giving back has inspired her students as well, some of whom volunteer at her clinic on the weekends and teach patients about proper oral hygiene.

In addition to Dr. Hadad’s gift to the Dental Clinic Renewal project, she has generously given $25,000 to set up a scholarship fund to support second-year students in the DDS Qualifying Program. This program is for dentists from overseas who want to move to Canada and practice. Some candidates may have already worked in dentistry abroad, but need to gain the required prerequisites to practice here.

As a member of the admission committee, Dr. Hadad sees how expensive it can be for these students, often combined with the added financial pressures of supporting their families while in school. “I want to bring them some joy, as they are investing a lot to come to the program,” says Dr. Hadad with a smile.