I need to be real with you about something I've never fully shared. Becoming a dentist in India felt like it meant nothing. No respect, no real pay, no future. I was making more money from one Instagram reel than in a month of clinical practice. I dreamed of the U.S., but the obstacles felt insurmountable: money, family support, visa concerns, fear. It all felt impossible.
So I moved to the States and worked as a dental assistant—already a dentist, holding suction instead of the drill. I cried every night. My hands weren't made for that work. I was meant to lead cases, not assist them. I had been a topper my entire life. Until I wasn't. I lost my rank, my confidence, my sense of direction. Would I ever actually make it?
Clearing the INBDE on my first attempt felt like a miracle. But here's what scared me most: I started mentoring students before I even got my results. What if I failed? What if I let everyone down? But my students believed in me before I believed in myself. And when I passed, they simply said: "We knew you would."
This journey has been painful, lonely, and terrifying. But I've learned something that changed everything: if I can do this, you can too. Your struggles are real, and they matter. I want to hear your story. Drop a comment or send me a message—let's talk about your journey.
