The heart of dentistry: A daughter's devotion leads to a lifelong calling

Hanan Abdelgilil’s path to becoming a dentist started with her father’s second stroke. The stroke robbed him of the ability to speak and swallow, and he required a gastric feeding tube. Hanan, then an undergraduate biology student at the University of Houston, recalls her father’s treatment team explaining the importance of oral hygiene to his recovery.

“I took on that role, and I was amazed by what I discovered,” says Hanan, now a fourth-year dental student at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. “The instant I would brush and floss his teeth, he would feel refreshed and confidently try speaking. He was no longer ashamed of his dry mouth.”

Hanan’s diligence helped allow her father’s gastric feeding tube to be removed—leading him to regain his speech and make significant strides in physical therapy.

“That’s when I realized the importance of oral health, that it’s not disconnected from the rest of the body,” she says. “After giving my father back his smile and confidence, I knew I would spend the rest of my life doing the same for others.”

Throughout her time as a student at the School of Dentistry, Hanan has dedicated herself to caring for patients with the same kind of empathy, taking time to get to know them and having a genuine concern for their well-being.

“I’ve always had this mentality that whoever I treat, it will be as if I’m treating my own family,” she says.

Hanan found her calling in pediatric dentistry during a clinical rotation caring for children from low-income families. She remembers a young girl who refused to open her mouth for treatment—likely due to a bad experience—leading faculty to refer the girl to the school’s graduate pediatric clinic. While the graduate clinic has more experience with children requiring specialized care, it is also more expensive, something Hanan knew the girl’s mother could not afford.

“As she and her mom were leaving the clinic, I asked to have one more try,” she says.

Recognizing the girl’s love of superheroes, Hanan invoked Batman and rallied the other students to play a counting game. The visit ended with a successful treatment—and a hug from the girl’s mother.

“There are so many kids who deserve second chances,” Hanan says. “I was a horrible pediatric patient, but I had a dentist who never gave up on me.”

Hanan’s dedication extends beyond her coursework. As President of the Class of 2026, she represents her fellow students and works to address their concerns. She fondly recalls helping move the school’s White Coat Ceremony to a larger venue that could accommodate more of the students’ family members. She also volunteers with predental organizations and held a suture workshop for students at the University of Houston.

“I like giving back to places that poured into me,” she says.

Hanan has received two scholarships during her time at the School of Dentistry. In her first year, she was awarded the Ronald V. Glauser, DDS, Endowed Scholarship, and in her third year, she received the Iola B. and James R. Ballinger, DDS, Scholarship in General Dentistry.

Coming from modest means, Hanan greatly appreciates how the scholarships relieve financial pressure, helping with tuition, books, and research projects, while reducing the amount of debt she will carry after graduation.

“I’m super grateful for the thoughtfulness and generosity of the donors to these scholarships,” she says. “I look forward to doing the same someday.”

Hanan is eager to start her career as a dentist and to continue to give back to her community.

“Even as I’m approaching graduation, I realize I still learn so much every day,” she says. “I feel so lucky and privileged that I can pursue something I find challenging, and I’m excited to start this life I’ve always dreamed about.”