Helping patients who cannot afford treatment is his way of giving back to the UAE.
Dubai: For Dr. Osama Al Hashmi, the true reward of being a dentist is not defined by the number of patients he treats or the years he has spent in the profession. Instead, it comes from the moments when he is able to provide care to people who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
The Iraqi expatriate, who runs Osama Al Hashimi Dental Clinic in Deira, Dubai, offers discounted treatment to patients experiencing financial difficulties and, in certain cases, provides dental care completely free of charge.
“There are patients who postpone treatment because they cannot afford the cost. Some face financial struggles, health challenges, or personal situations that make accessing dental care difficult,” Al Hashmi told.
“Whenever I can support them, I offer discounted fees and, in some cases, provide treatment free of charge. I do not consider this something unusual; I see it as a natural responsibility that comes with being a healthcare professional.”
He understands that untreated dental issues can impact more than just a person’s oral health, and believes that even small gestures of support can have a lasting impact.
“Giving back does not always require a major initiative or a large organisation. Sometimes, it starts with listening to a patient, understanding their circumstances, and finding a way to help them access the treatment they need.”
For Al Hashmi, this is also a way of showing appreciation to the country he has called home for more than two decades.
“The UAE has provided me with many opportunities to grow and establish my career. Supporting members of the community is one of the ways I can express my gratitude and contribute something meaningful in return.”
A new beginning
Al Hashmi’s journey to the UAE began with a difficult choice.
Leaving Iraq in 2000 meant leaving behind his home, familiar surroundings, and the life he had built. However, growing uncertainty in the country made it increasingly challenging for him to plan for the future.
“As a dentist, I wanted to continue learning, enhance my skills, and gain broader professional experience. In an unstable environment, opportunities for education, career growth, and personal development can become limited,” Al Hashmi recalled.
The UAE provided him with the security, stability, and opportunities he had been seeking as he began a new chapter in his life.
“It gave me the chance to practise my profession in a safe and stable environment, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and continue growing both personally and professionally.”
Al Hashmi made the UAE his permanent home in 2003, a decision he now considers one of the most significant milestones of his life.
“Over the years, the UAE has become much more than just the place where I work. It has become the country where I built my career, gained confidence, and created a meaningful life.”
Never stop learning
Despite having spent decades in dentistry, Al Hashmi believes that continuous learning is essential. He continues to attend lectures, conferences, workshops, and professional events in the UAE and abroad to keep up with the latest developments and advancements in the field.
“These experiences have helped me learn from leading specialists, stay updated with the latest developments in dentistry, and provide better care for my patients,” Al Hashmi said.
Practising in the UAE has also allowed him to work with patients from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds, enriching both his professional expertise and personal perspective.
“The UAE has played a significant role in my growth. It has given me opportunities to attend international conferences, learn from renowned experts, and be part of a diverse professional community.”
More than professional success
For Al Hashmi, success is not measured only by career achievements. He believes it comes from continuous growth and improvement, both professionally and personally.
“The opportunities I found in the UAE helped me grow not only as a dentist but also as an individual,” Al Hashmi said.
“It taught me that success is not just about building a career. It is also about continuing to learn, helping others, and striving to become better through every experience.”
He also believes that achievements are rarely the result of individual effort alone.
“Success is seldom achieved by one person. It requires patience, commitment, and the collective efforts of people working together towards a shared goal.”
Advice to fellow expats
After more than two decades of building a life in the UAE, Al Hashmi has encouraged fellow expatriates to embrace the opportunities available to them.
“Living away from home can be challenging, but it can also bring opportunities for learning, personal growth, and new possibilities,” Al Hashmi said.
He urged people to remain patient when facing difficulties and to continue investing in their knowledge, skills, and personal development.
“The world is evolving rapidly, especially in science and professional fields, which makes continuous learning essential. No matter what your profession is, there is always something new to learn and an opportunity to become a better version of yourself.”
Al Hashmi also believes that success goes beyond professional achievements and career milestones.
“It is about the people who support you, the experiences that shape you, and how you use what you have learned to help others.”
His closing message reflects the values that have guided his professional journey and more than two decades of life in the UAE.
“The UAE provides countless opportunities, but it is up to each individual to recognise them, put in the effort, and create a life they can be proud of.”
