Dr. Sharib Manzoor, a General Dentist based in Kitchener, Ontario, spoke with SDN about his experiences as a dental student and running a private dental practice.
Tell us about yourself.
Dr. Sharib Manzoor: Hello, my name is Sharib Manzoor and I am a general dentist based out of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. I have been in the dental field for over 30 years and I am a proud graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry (Go Blue!). Currently I am running MI Dental, where we combine cutting-edge care with a warm, personal touch.
I am on a mission to show that dentistry does not have to be a pain. I love building relationships with my patients and creating a calm, respectful environment where they feel heard and cared for. Outside of dentistry, I am a lifelong learner, a mentor and a bit of a motorcycle enthusiast.
When did you first decide to become a dentist? What inspired your decision?
It was not one defining moment, it was a gradual realization. I have always been drawn to the intersection of science and art and dentistry offered a unique balance of both. Beyond that, I saw the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, helping them feel better, smile more confidently and take control of their health.
How did you choose the dental school you attended?
After completing my BDS, I wanted a program that emphasized both academic excellence and hands-on experience. The University of Michigan stood out for its stellar reputation and its supportive, forward-thinking culture. It turned out to be a perfect fit.
What surprised you the most about dental school?
How humbling it was. I thought I had a solid foundation going in but I quickly realized how much more there was to learn, not just about dentistry but about teamwork, time management and clinical empathy. Dental school does not just shape your skills, it shapes your mindset.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during dental school?
Balancing precision with efficiency. It takes time to develop the skill of working quickly without compromising quality. Learning how to manage the clock while maintaining patient comfort and clinical excellence was a key challenge and a lifelong lesson.
Why did you decide to focus on general dentistry?
General dentistry offers a beautiful variety. From restorative work to aesthetics, surgery to prevention, no two days are ever the same. It also allows me to form lasting relationships with patients over time which is something I deeply value.
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose dentistry?
Absolutely. Dentistry has given me everything I was looking for in a profession, challenge, creativity, fulfillment and connection.
Has being a dentist met your expectations? Why or why not?
It has not just met them, it has exceeded them. I genuinely love what I do. I get to solve problems, improve lives and stay on the cutting edge of medical technology. It’s a profession that gives back as much as you put in.
What do you enjoy most—and least—about being a dentist?
What I enjoy most is the human connection. Every day I get to meet people from all walks of life and I learn something from each one. Those conversations make the work so much richer.
What do I enjoy least? Probably the paperwork and administrative tasks that come with running a practice. Necessary but not nearly as fun as talking teeth.
Describe a typical day in your practice.
Each day is a mix. I start with consultations, diagnosing concerns, exploring options and guiding patients through their choices. From there, I shift into procedures: fillings, root canals, extractions with Nitrous sedation, cosmetic work such as veneers or crowns, even fitting night guards for grinders.
We also see new moms with teething babies and seniors receiving partial dentures. In between patients, I am leading the team, checking in with staff and making sure the office stays positive, energized and patient-focused. There never is a dull moment.
How much of your work involves research, mentorship, or teaching? Are you happy with that balance?
I am quite involved in mentorship and teaching. I serve as an examiner for Medix College’s Intra Oral Dental Assisting Program. I assess students in their clinical exams, I also host externs in my practice for their 150-hour placements, giving them hands-on experience in both clinical assisting and office management.
Additionally, we mentor high school students from Huron Heights Secondary School who are interested in dentistry. They join us for part of the school term and get early exposure to the field. I love this aspect of my work, it is energizing and rewarding.
On average, how many hours a week do you work? How much sleep do you get? How much vacation do you take?
I typically work about 40 hours a week, get around six hours of sleep per night and take about two weeks of vacation each year. It’s a good balance, though I am always open to finding more time to rest and recharge.
Are you satisfied with your income as a dentist?
Yes, I am. Dentistry provides financial stability and freedom, which allows me to pursue not only professional growth but personal passions, such as my love for motorcycles! Of course, there are financial responsibilities but overall, it is a career that supports a fulfilling life.
If you took out educational loans, has repayment been a financial challenge?
I did take out loans and at the time it felt like a mountain. Once I started practicing, repayment became manageable. With automatic monthly deductions, it quietly ran in the background and I had the option to accelerate payments when I wanted. It is a challenge but far from impossible.
In your position now, knowing what you do – what would you say to yourself 10 years from now?
Don’t lose the joy. Keep growing, keep listening and keep finding meaning in the small moments with patients. Keep learning, embrace the changes and never forget why you chose this path in the first place.
What do you wish you knew before starting dental school?
Honestly, I felt well-informed going in. I knew it would be intense and demanding and it was. However I believe anyone serious about medicine or dentistry understands the level of commitment required. If you are prepared to work hard, it is entirely worth it.
From your perspective, what is the biggest challenge in dentistry today?
Accessibility. In underdeveloped countries, the challenge is infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and qualified professionals. In developed countries such as Canada, it is affordability. Many people cannot pay out-of-pocket and rely heavily on dental benefits or state coverage.
That said, I am encouraged by the Canadian Dental Care Benefit Plan rollout, which is helping more families access care. It is a step in the right direction.
Where do you see dentistry evolving in the next 10 years?
The future is exciting. Vaccines for tooth decay are being researched, it could revolutionize prevention, however dentistry goes beyond cavities, cosmetic, surgical and rehabilitative care will continue to thrive.
AI will play a bigger role in diagnostics and treatment planning and I can even envision robotic arms assisting with precision procedures. We are heading toward a more high-tech, personalized model of care.
Are you involved in any community outreach or volunteer dental work?
Yes. I have provided care to underserved populations at Michigan Community Dental Center in Charlotte and at Cherry Street Health Services in Grand Rapids.
Both experiences reminded me of the privilege of practicing dentistry and the importance of using that privilege to help those in need.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Any hobbies or passions outside of dentistry?
When I am not in the office, I am usually out on two wheels. I am a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, dentist by day, rider by… well, also by day (and night, and weekend).
There is something incredibly freeing about being on the road, just you and your machine. It is how I unwind, reflect and sometimes even get my best ideas. Turns out, a lot of patients are fellow riders too, which makes for great conversation!
Laura Turner, MS, is the Executive Director of the Health Professional Student Association (HPSA), which publishes the Student Doctor Network (SDN). Prior to working with HPSA, she served for eight years as the Executive Director of SDN. At HPSA and SDN, Laura has been instrumental in providing students with tools and resources to pursue their aspirations in healthcare. Her previous roles include business analyst positions at The Capital Group and product management and marketing roles at software companies Paciolan, Adexa, and MSC Software.
In her current role at HPSA, Laura continues to drive innovation and forge partnerships to better support aspiring healthcare professionals. She is grateful for the opportunity to help countless individuals to achieve their dreams.