Riddhi Jani is one of twenty-four students in the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry’s International Dentist Program’s Class of 2026 cohort representing a program-high of 18 countries. In this quick interview, she describes her journey to the states, what led her to UAB for dental school, and how she feels about being part of the UAB SOD family.
1. What is your name and country of origin? Describe your journey that led you here.
My name is Riddhi Jani. I am originally from India but have spent most of my childhood in Bahrain. My journey is peculiar as my family’s jewelry business stirred up curiosity and passion for dentistry in me. They have played a pivotal role in shaping my personality and dreams. My innate inclination towards healthcare and serving communities closely, alongside art running in family, opened doors of dentistry for me. On completing high school in Bahrain, I moved to India to pursue dentistry. I graduated from Ahmedabad Dental College and Hospital in 2020, followed by Master’s in Public Health, UAB in 2022.
2. Why did you choose UAB? How long have you been here, and what has it been like so far? What has surprised you so far?
Initially, as I was applying for MPH, I learned about UAB being on top of the list. Soon, I also learned about the School of Dentistry from my professors. I met various dental students and got to learn about
patients, quality of education, and most importantly, the utmost support and cheering that student received from their professors. The UAB SOD had everything that I was looking for to learning dentistry. I am extremely thankful to Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Chavali for supporting me through this precious opportunity and being there for me always. Over time, I have found that Birmingham is a perfect place for outdoor activities in nature as I enjoy hiking, reading and spending time with friends. The surprising thing about my time in Birmingham is how people I’d never met before became family and made me fall in love with Birmingham.
3. What are your thoughts about being in Birmingham, AL? What has made your time here special?
Birmingham, AL is my first place in the USA, and after 3 years, this place has been my home, for sure. Birmingham will hold a special place in my heart as this is where I’ve built myself over time to be what I am today and all that I am meant to be in the future. I came here with a dream, and it was Birmingham, where I found the road map to achieve my dream.
4. What advice would you give a prospective applicant considering applying to UAB School of Dentistry’s International Dentist Program?
To me, UAB is my second home, and I am grateful to be a part of UAB Blazer Family. International Dentist Program can get hectic, and sometimes would be a lot on one’s plate, but the faculty at UAB is always there to help you navigate through it. They are willing to walk an extra mile to make sure that students are comfortable and can reap the maximum out of the 5-month prep-term. We get to learn from faculty members who have been phenomenal in their fields for over decades. My advice to every prospective student is to believe in themselves, be consistent, and to sit and think about the purpose that has pushed them so far. Lastly, I wish them Good Luck and great success for their future.