FJIDS seminar equips dental specialists for careers in Saudi Arabia

The seminar was led by Dr Muhammad Mudassar Saleem, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia. Drawing on his professional experience, Dr Saleem outlined the practical realities of working in the Saudi healthcare system, offering participants a clear roadmap from application to clinical practice.

A major component of the session focused on Saudi licensing requirements, professional categorisation, and regulatory approvals. Dr Saleem also provided step-by-step guidance on visa pathways and the often complex attestation process, including verification through NHSRC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Musaddaqa, and embassy channels. These insights helped clarify common challenges faced by applicants and how to avoid delays.

The interactive format allowed participants to raise specific questions related to timelines, documentation, eligibility, and transition strategies, making the discussion particularly relevant for both early-career specialists and experienced consultants.

Organised by the Department of Medical Education (DME), the seminar highlighted FJIDS’s emphasis on career readiness beyond national borders. Dean Prof Dr Armaghan Mirza, in his remarks, underscored the importance of informed guidance for dental professionals seeking international placements, noting the increasing demand for qualified specialists in the Gulf healthcare sector.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Director DME Dr Muhammad Azeem, who acknowledged Dr Saleem’s contribution and reiterated the institute’s commitment to supporting its faculty, alumni, and postgraduate trainees in achieving global professional mobility.