Each year, approximately 2,000 dentists from around the world apply to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine’s International Student Program (ISP). Fewer than 40 are admitted. Founded 69 years ago, the ISP is open to internationally trained dentists who wish to practice in the United States. Over 29 months, “we train them to be efficient, help them pass the boards, and obtain their U.S. dental licenses,” says Professor Ronald Perry, who has directed the ISP for eight years.

Recently, three ISP students were awarded the inaugural Dr. Amit Sachdeo Award for Clinical Excellence and Community Service: Enxhi Subashi, Karla Romo, and Jeries Kakish. Amit Sachdeo, an associate professor in prosthodontics at TUSDM, provided the initial donation for three scholarships. Beyond assisting with dental school expenses, the award highlights the importance of giving back, particularly to underserved communities, Perry says. The recipients have made community service a core aspect of their careers.

While Subashi, Romo, and Kakish have unique backgrounds, they share a commitment to helping others, often in their home countries. “When you give back, you're not only helping others, but you gain so much in return,” Perry says.

This year, the award was open to ISP students set to graduate in 2027. Perry hopes to expand the scholarships to all ISP students in the future.

Tufts Now spoke with Subashi, Kakish, and Romo about their journeys.

Enxhi Subashi, DI27

Enxhi Subashi comes from a family of doctors who frequently discussed their work. When considering her career, the women in her family encouraged her to pursue dentistry over medicine.

“They suggested that dentistry would allow me to have a fulfilling career while maintaining a work-life balance,” she says.

Growing up in Tirana, Albania, Subashi’s family regularly prepared meals for a local church soup kitchen, instilling in her a strong sense of service. She earned her dental degree from Albanian University in 2015 and a master’s in advanced endodontics from La Sapienza University in Rome in 2018. Throughout her studies and early career, she volunteered with the Albanian Red Cross and organizations supporting older adults and abused women.

“Albania doesn’t face extreme economic challenges overall, but the populations I worked with struggled significantly,” she says.

Subashi always dreamed of practicing dentistry in the U.S. “The U.S. offers unparalleled education, resources, and career opportunities,” she explains. That dream became a reality when she was accepted into Tufts’ ISP, arriving in Boston late last year.

In Albania, Subashi treated patients without access to advanced dental technology, relying on keen observation and listening skills. Now at Tufts, she is expanding her knowledge with cutting-edge technology. “At Tufts, I see things daily that I had only encountered in textbooks or videos before,” she says.

A particularly memorable patient was a 16-year-old girl who had never received dental care. Pregnant and striving for a better future, she left a lasting impact on Subashi. “It reinforced how transformative good healthcare can be, not just physically but emotionally and psychologically,” she says.

A former elite ballet dancer, Subashi still finds balance and discipline in dance. Looking ahead, she hopes to combine professional success with continued community service. “I want to provide free dental care to those in need while building a thriving career,” she says.

Jeries Kakish, DI27

Jeries Kakish, 25, has a passion for soccer and dentistry. Originally from Amman, Jordan, he volunteered at the Al Zaatari refugee camp, treating patients and playing soccer with the children.

“The camp is surrounded by four walls; residents can’t leave. So my colleague and I would bring soccer balls and play with the kids,” he recalls. “They had so much fun, and so did we.”

His interest in dentistry began at age 10 when his mother suffered severe tooth pain. A dentist provided emergency treatment, which seemed like “magic” to young Kakish.

After earning his dental degree from Jordan University of Science and Technology in 2022, he completed a one-year internship and worked in private practice for a year and a half while applying to Tufts' ISP. He was drawn to the U.S. not only for its advanced training but for its diversity. “Interacting with people from different backgrounds makes work more engaging and fulfilling,” he says.

In Jordan, Kakish volunteered through Atlantic Humanitarian Relief, treating refugees, and through Nahno.org, teaching children about oral hygiene. “Many people in Jordan have limited healthcare access,” he says. “Whenever I saw an opportunity to help, I couldn’t say no.”

At Tufts, Kakish is focused on his studies but envisions a future in academia. “I love teaching,” he says. “Explaining concepts in a way that makes sense to others brings me joy.” His dream is to pursue a residency and eventually join the Tufts faculty.

Karla Romo, DI27

Growing up in Cuenca, Ecuador, Karla Romo saw firsthand the impact of healthcare disparities. As a child, she and her sister accompanied their mother, a hospital social worker, on visits to underserved communities.

“I noticed many people with dental issues and wondered why there was no dentist with us,” she recalls. “I learned that Ecuador lacked resources, and I realized that being a dentist could be just as impactful as being a social worker.”

Romo earned her dental degree from the University of Cuenca in 2017. While working in private practice, she continued her mother’s legacy of service, leading a group that provided dental care to underserved communities.

In 2017, she married Juan Loja, DI26, a dental student two years ahead of her. During their honeymoon in New York, they met fellow dentists who highlighted the vast opportunities in the U.S. Inspired, they decided to pursue dentistry in the States. Juan was accepted into ISP and will graduate next year.

Since moving to the U.S., Romo has worked as a dental assistant and lab technician while continuing her volunteer work. She has participated in Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures; Hispanic International Mission; and the Greater Boston Food Bank.

During a 2024 trip to Cape Verde with Hispanic International Mission, Romo treated a girl suffering from a severe tooth infection. Speaking through an interpreter, the girl told her, “I can finally sleep for the first time since the pain started.” Romo reflects, “I may not change the world, but at that moment, I changed her life.”

Now settling into her studies at Tufts, Romo misses Ecuadorian food but is excited for the future. She remains committed to balancing her career with service, just as she has always done.