EIOH Resident Spotlight - Dr. Abdallah Michail
Graduating from Eastman Institute for Oral Health with a master’s in Dental Sciences and a certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Abdallah Michail is committed to advancing patient care and research. His clinical case won first place in the highly competitive Resident Case Display at the American Association of Orthodontists meeting in April 2025. Entries are judged on uniqueness, treatment quality, records quality and manuscript.
Before pursuing orthodontics, Dr. Michail completed a fellowship in Community Dentistry in 2021 and an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency in 2023, where he was recognized with the Gerald Graser Award for a collaborative case presentation under the mentorship of Dr. Konstantina Tzouma. His research contributions also include co-authoring a paper exploring the association between anticholinergic medications and dry mouth.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I am Jordanian but was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates. I recently became a U.S. citizen, which has been a meaningful milestone in my journey.
Q: Why did you choose Eastman?
A: I first learned about EIOH during my dental internship in UAE in 2011-2012. I even visited EIOH back in 2012 for an interview. I was impressed by the comprehensive training offered across multiple specialties, all under one roof. Ever since, I had a feeling that one day I will be connected to this institute in one way or another or hope to be a part of its community. Fast forward to today; here I am, soon to be graduating from the Orthodontics residency program.
Q: Best memory of your EIOH residency?
A: All in all, I will carry away many positive memories that will make me smile when I think about them. But one memory that will hold a special meaning is that I received a phone call from the Orthodontics department that I got accepted into the program while I was at urgent care to treat an eye condition. The nurses in urgent care were so thrilled for me!
Q: In what way did your Eastman experience allow you to grow?
A: It started with being exposed to multiple fields of dentistry in extreme depth. I further honed my clinical skills and was exposed to the field of research. After that, I was fortunate to be accepted into the Orthodontics program, which was a pivotal moment. And WOW, what a specialty. I am so fortunate to learn daily from exceptional mentors. Their expertise and humility continue to inspire me, and the Master’s program will open doors for me nationally and internationally. There is always more to learn.
Q: Favorite thing about EIOH?
A: The faculty in the Orthodontics Department are so dedicated to providing exceptional mentorship. They truly lead with knowledge and kindness. Also, I’ve enjoyed meeting residents from different parts of the world and being exposed to other cultures.
Q: What are your next steps after graduation?
A: I plan to take a short break to travel and recharge. After that, I will be working in a private practice. I also hope to teach part-time, both as a way to stay connected to education and to give back to academia by contributing to resident training.
Q: If you could give advice to a new resident coming to Eastman, what would you say?
A: Approach every day with humility and openness. There is always something to learn from your faculty and your co-residents. Be receptive to constructive feedback and embrace every opportunity for growth. MAKE THE MOST OF IT.
Q: Best advice you ever received?
A: Live in the present, and try not to worry too much about the future.
Q: Favorite place you’ve traveled?
A: Vancouver, British Columbia. It has a special natural beauty, especially when I visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: Teleportation, especially to somewhere warm during winter.
Q: If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: If it carries all the necessary nutritional value, then it would be FRENCH FRIES.
Author
