Shazeea Rawoot graduated with her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Cum Laude) in 2024. Image: Supplied

Her passion for painting and drawing put her on the path to becoming a celebrated artist, but she was inspired to study dentistry at the University of the Western Cape instead and thrived. So much so that Shazeea Rawoot has been recognised by the South African Dental Association for academic excellence. 

Rawoot is currently completing her community service at a health facility in Pretoria, but says Cape Town is where her home and her heart lie.

Studying dentistry was almost accidental for Rawoot, as it was never a focus for her in high school. 

“I was always interested in art. I even went to art school for a while. And then in matric, I went to the Open Day at UWC and I was so impressed by the faculty that I decided to apply to study dentistry. I must say for me there's actually a lot of art aspects in it and I'm really enjoying it,” said Rawoot. 

“I recall listening to the students' experiences and all the opportunities they got, such as an exchange programme with Norway, and they just really seemed so passionate about what they were doing. I then did my inquiries and spoke to a few practising dentists as well. That's how I decided to enroll.”

Dr Shazeea Rawoot is the SA Dental Association Top Student Achiever of the Year 2024. Image: Supplied

Her dedication to her studies matched her enjoyment of the dentistry modules, and throughout the five-year course, Rawoot maintained an A-average. Along the way, she said there were times that she doubted herself, because she approached lectures and her studies differently. 

“I’m a slow learner; I don't grasp information by sitting in lectures or studying in groups. At the end of the day, I would completely work through everything on my own to understand things better,” she said.

Her study approach worked, and last year she graduated with her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Cum Laude) and received the SA Dental Association Top Achiever Award for the most distinguished undergraduate academic career from the first year to the final year.

Rawoot has some wise words for those currently studying dentistry or anyone who plans to do so: “Take advantage of all your time in the early years of the degree as the workload and modules get progressively more demanding each year. Pace yourself, do your best, and above all else, prioritise your mental health!” 

The Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Prof Veerasamy Yengopal, extended his good wishes and congratulations to Rawoot on her fantastic achievement. 

“This is the level we want all our students to achieve both academically and socially, where their passion and commitment to service, self-improvement, and development contribute to the creation of a well-rounded dentist. Dr Rawoot has a bright future ahead, and I sincerely hope to see her back at the Faculty pursuing postgraduate studies,” he said.

Rawoot will complete her community service in Pretoria at the end of this year and says she is excited about the future. She is considering all options, including setting up a private practice and possibly doing her postgraduate studies. Her passion for art and dentistry is balanced in equal measure, although she admits that she has been very focused on her studies and community service; her drawing and painting remain a hobby for now.