From Asylum Seeker to Practising Dentist: Hussni's Journey

How determination, community support and opportunity helped one dentist rebuild his life and career in Liverpool.

When Hussni arrived in Liverpool in 2022, his life looked very different from the one he had known before.

A qualified dentist, Hussni had built a successful career in Qatar, where he worked under a sponsorship arrangement and enjoyed a stable life. But when conflict broke out in Sudan, his sponsorship came to an end and he was forced to return home.

As the situation in Sudan deteriorated and war escalated, Hussni found himself unable to return to Qatar and facing growing instability in his home country. Like many others, he was forced to flee and seek safety in the UK.

"I went from being financially stable and working as a dentist to sitting in a hotel in the UK trying to process what was happening to my life."

Arriving alone and living in asylum accommodation, Hussni faced an uncertain future. Far from home, he struggled with the loss of independence, routine and purpose that had once defined his life.

A Chance Meeting

Everything began to change when Hussni met Farida, Brownlow Health's Lead Care Coordinator for Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

Having rebuilt her own life in the UK as a refugee, Farida understood many of the challenges faced by people arriving in a new country. During an outreach visit to a hotel accommodating asylum seekers, she noticed Hussni sitting quietly by himself.

"When I spoke to him, I discovered he was a dentist from Sudan. I immediately thought, 'We need to support this person.'"

Farida introduced Hussni to Brownlow Health's Refugee and Asylum Seeker (RAAS) Clinic. Initially attending as a patient, Hussni quickly became inspired by the work being done to support some of Liverpool's most vulnerable communities.

Giving Something Back

As he became more familiar with the clinic, Hussni began looking for ways to help others.

"When I saw what the clinic was doing for asylum seekers and refugees, I wanted to be part of it."

He started volunteering with the service, helping patients navigate healthcare systems and providing language support to Arabic-speaking communities.

For Hussni, volunteering offered more than practical experience. It provided a renewed sense of purpose.

"Every day I left feeling like I'd done something good, even if it was just showing someone how to get to the hospital."

The experience helped him rebuild confidence, develop new connections and regain the sense of belonging that had been lost after leaving Sudan.

A New Opportunity

While waiting for his asylum claim to be resolved, Hussni faced the possibility of being relocated away from Liverpool and the support network he had built.

Farida advocated on his behalf, helping him remain in the city.

At the same time, Brownlow Health was developing a volunteer programme designed to create opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers to contribute their skills and experience. Hussni became one of the programme's first volunteers.

As his confidence grew, he applied for a Patient Care Advisor role at Brownlow Health.

"I wasn't sure because I was a dentist, but Farida encouraged me to see it as a starting point."

Working at Brownlow Health's Marybone site provided financial stability, valuable experience and the flexibility needed to pursue his long-term goal of returning to dentistry.

The Road Back to Dentistry

Returning to professional practice in the UK was far from straightforward.

Like all internationally qualified dentists, Hussni was required to complete a series of examinations before being allowed to practise. While working, he personally funded every stage of the process, including examination fees, training courses, study materials, travel and accommodation costs.

The financial commitment was significant. The final practical examination alone cost several thousand pounds, with further training and preparation adding considerably more. Every stage represented a major investment, and any failed examination would have required the costs to be paid again.

"There was always the pressure that one exam could mean losing both the money and years of effort invested in reaching that point."

Throughout the process, Brownlow colleagues supported him with flexibility, encouragement and understanding.

"Everyone treated me like family. They understood what I was trying to achieve."

A New Beginning

After years of studying, working and rebuilding his life, Hussni passed his final dental licensing examination in 2026.

What began as a story of displacement and uncertainty became one of resilience, determination and opportunity.

Today, Hussni's journey stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when people are given the support needed to rebuild their lives and fulfil their potential.

For Brownlow Health, it is also a reminder that behind every referral, appointment and conversation is a person with skills, ambitions and a story worth investing in.