Philanthropy from afar
How dentistry alumni around the world are supporting the Faculty
By Rachel Boutet
The connections made at the Faculty of Dentistry withstand the test of time – and distance. From China to Kuwait, two dentistry alumni have committed to supporting the Faculty from across the globe.
Heman Tsang 9T7, who resides in Hong Kong, has been an annual leadership donor to the Faculty since 2019, and has been a leadership donor since 2022. Tsang knows the importance of gifts like his for future generations.
“My intention to give back is very simple – I enjoy being a dentist here in Hong Kong – it is a very rewarding and privileged career,” he says. “It is very natural for me to give back to the ones that helped me to be who I am now. My hope is that the dental education experience I had will carry on so we can continue to nurture high calibre dentists, the best among the best in our field.”
Tsang reflects on his time at U of T fondly, recalling his first summer mentorship with Paul Santerre, whom at the time, was new to the Faculty.
“I had no idea who he was other than the material science professor, a specialist in polymer,” he says. “Time has proven our Faculty knows how to cherry pick excellent researchers. I am very blessed to be educated at the U of T Faculty of Dentistry with Academic professors and teaching staff who were very experienced and devoted to students.”
Mariam Baghdady, who currently lives in Kuwait City, graduated with a Masters of Oral Radiology in 2008, and a PhD in 2013, shares a similar sentiment when she thinks back to her time at U of T Dentistry.
“It’s difficult to pinpoint a single fond memory from my studies because I cherished every moment,” she says. “My experience at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry has been transformative. The diversity of my education was truly unique, and the connections I made with teachers, mentors, and colleagues are among the most cherished aspects of my time at U of T.”
Baghdady’s donations have been essential for infrastructure updates that support student learning and patient care, such as the Faculty’s upcoming planned renovation of Clinic 2.
“I feel compelled to make a donation to the Faculty annually because of a valuable lesson I learned from my mentors and professors at U of T: the importance of paying it forward,” she says. “The education and support I received have been instrumental in my success. By giving back, I hope to contribute to the ongoing excellence and innovation at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry.”
Both Tsang and Baghdady note the importance of the act of giving, regardless of the amount.
“Start off with a gift you are comfortable with,” says Tsang. “If you don’t know the exact amount, maybe you can consider donating a dental service yearly, like a crown, a root canal treatment or an implant. Begin small but make it consistent, and as your career matures over time, consider donating more dental procedures.”
As someone who stays connected with the university from abroad, Baghdady can attest to the far-reaching effects of such generosity.
“Donating is a meaningful way to give back and ensure that the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry continues to be a leader in dental education and research, benefiting local and international communities.”
If you are interested in learning about how you can support the Faculty annually, please reach out to Hannah Koschanow, Development Officer at the Advancement Office at h.koschanow@dentistry.utoronto.ca or at 416-978-3455.