What’s it like to work as a student at our practice? Fatima Zahra Skalli, a second-year Oral Health Science student in Amsterdam, shares her experiences. She talks about a warm welcome, growing in self-confidence, and the value of a team where you’re encouraged to ask questions. Her story also shows how learning, collaboration, and personal attention come together in daily practice.
Fatima Speaks
“My name is Fatima Zahra Skalli. I’m studying Dental Hygiene in Amsterdam and am currently in my second year. For this academic year, we had to find an internship. I had several internship interviews, but my interest quickly turned to De Delftse Tandartspraktijk. During the application process, I was contacted promptly and in an enthusiastic and friendly manner, which made me feel welcome right away.
I’m really enjoying my internship. The atmosphere within the team is pleasant, and I feel welcome among my coworkers. Everyone helps each other out, and we treat one another with both professionalism and friendliness. That makes it a pleasant and educational environment for an internship.
During this internship, I’ve learned how important teamwork and good communication are in a dental practice. My colleagues take the time to explain things clearly and give me the opportunity to learn new skills. This makes me feel more and more confident in my work.
As for myself, I would describe myself as calm, eager to learn, and helpful. I always try to work carefully, listen attentively, and be open to feedback. During my internship, I want to continue developing myself, gain more experience, and learn how to interact better with patients and colleagues. This internship will help me build more self-confidence and get a better sense of what it’s like to work in a dental practice.”
What makes the practice such a pleasant place for Fatima?
“Patients are treated with respect, and communication with them is clear.
I feel welcome as an intern, and there’s always an opportunity to ask questions, even during treatments. Sometimes patients also respond positively by saying, ‘That way, I learn too,’ which makes it even more enjoyable and educational.
”The practice is well-organized and hygienic. In addition, they offer a variety of treatments, so you can gain a wide range of experiences all in one place."
One question, two people learning something
The response ‘That’s how I learn, too’ This may well be the most telling moment in Fatima’s story. A question from an intern doesn’t just provide clarification for the student. In the situations she describes, the patient is also listening with interest.
For us, this touches on the meaning of transparency. Along with quality and flexibility, this is one of the core values of De Delftse Tandartspraktijk. We believe it is important that patients receive clear information and that we listen to them. The Delft Dental Practice
Fatima’s experience provides a concrete example of this. What may seem obvious to an experienced colleague can be new to both a student and a patient. A simple question brings this to light. We see this as a valuable reminder not to assume that everything is already clear, but to continue making room for explanation.
Different treatments, a shared responsibility
Fatima appreciates the variety of services offered at the practice. At De Delftse Tandartspraktijk, we offer general and preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, implantology, and periodontology, among other services. As a result, various aspects of oral care come together under one roof. The Delft Dental Practice
Behind this service is a team of dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, and front-desk staff. Teamwork and a personalized approach are key principles in this regard. The Delft Dental Practice
It is precisely the combination of variety and collaboration that makes Fatima’s observations interesting. She talks not only about new skills, but also about listening, working carefully, and interacting with patients and colleagues. For us, these things go hand in hand: getting to know the profession also means discovering how your attitude and communication contribute to the work of the entire team.
Room for growth, a focus on the future
The Delft Dental Practice contributes to the training of future oral health professionals and support staff. Mentoring students is therefore part of a broader commitment to the future of the profession. The Delft Dental Practice
Fatima describes what that guidance means to her personally: clear explanations, opportunities for feedback, and a growing sense of confidence in her work. Her story reminds us that learning isn’t just about what someone can do by the end of an internship. It’s also about having the space to ask questions along the way and to express what you still want to learn.
This focus on people is also reflected in other ways within our practice. For example, during Delft Dentists’ Day, we volunteer our services to help people who, due to financial circumstances, cannot afford necessary dental care. The Delft Dental Practice
Mentoring students and supporting accessible oral health care are different activities, but for us, they are underpinned by a shared belief: knowledge and experience become valuable when you use them to help others.
We’re delighted that Fatima brings her eagerness to learn, calm demeanor, and helpfulness to our practice. And we’re pleased that she’s not only gaining experience here but also developing the confidence to continue growing in her profession.
