For Dr. Bethanie Gris, dentistry is more than a career—it’s a unique blend of art and science that allows her to create, connect, and care for others. As a new graduate navigating the early stages of her career, Bethanie reflects on how her faith shapes her daily work, offers her strength in challenging times, and brings meaning to her life, especially during Christmas.
Discovering Christianity at University
Raised in the Netherlands and North Wales, Bethanie grew up in Christian traditions influenced by her Egyptian heritage. However, it wasn’t until she moved to Manchester to study dentistry that she began to turn back to faith and actively explore the claims of Christianity.
“Dental school was a huge education—not just academically, but personally,” she shares. “I arrived at university with an agnostic-atheistic outlook, and settling in a diverse and vast city introduced me to new schools of thought and cultures. My beliefs were challenged in a healthy and thought-provoking way—I became curious to explore Christianity more deeply, beyond the familial doctrines I was raised with.”
Bethanie naturally gravitated to people of different faiths, including Christians and Muslims. She formed deep friendships. “We facilitated open debates and conversations around faith, which helped me understand others’ viewpoints, assess my belief system, and seek the truth.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point.
“The pandemic instilled profound fear in me, as it did many others. It gave me a sense of urgency to know if God is real and live out this declaration. I became convinced through online Christian Union meetings, attending church, and deep reflection. Committing to Jesus, God incarnate, and experiencing His grace and mercy has uplifted and changed me. I’m grateful for the challenge Covid presented.”
From a dental student to a new Dentist
Transitioning from dental school to professional practice has been daunting for Bethanie, who describes it as lonelier than student life and certainly bearing more responsibility.
“Knowing that God is with me every moment and that everything is ultimately in His hands helps stave off feelings of isolation and anxiety,” she says.
Her faith also shapes how she approaches patient care.
“One of my core beliefs is that each person is made in God’s image and therefore intrinsically valuable. Jesus likens serving others to serving Him directly, which gives my work a special meaning. It’s a privilege to care for people.”
Creating space for faith in the workplace
Bethanie acknowledges that discussing faith in professional settings can be challenging. “At work, I sometimes feel filtered. Bringing up faith with colleagues or patients isn’t encouraged, which can make it difficult at times to connect authentically. In contrast, the Christian Dental Fellowship (CDF) offers a safe space where faith and dentistry align, and I can speak openly with others who prayerfully encourage and support me.”
Reflecting on how workplaces and universities can foster inclusivity for people of faith, Bethanie highlights the importance of open dialogue.
“University, though originally an institution that facilitates research and intellectual contemplation, has become quite like an echo chamber; discussion and acceptance of a variety of beliefs and values is, unfortunately, scarce. A culture of ongoing dialogue and acknowledging that challenge is imperative in the pursuit of truth is important. Creating spaces where people feel safe to talk about faith, ask questions, and share perspectives without fear of judgement or being politically incorrect would go a long way in fostering inclusivity.”
She also notes a common misconception about Christianity.
“Some people think Christians believe they’re better than others, but that couldn’t be further from the truth – and dare I say antithetical. Christianity is rooted in the idea that we all need God’s grace and mercy daily, and we are all equal in need of salvation.”
The meaning of Christmas
For Bethanie, Christmas is a time of profound reflection and joy. She observes both the Gregorian calendar date on 25th December, with its focus on gifts, and the Julian calendar date on 7th January, which holds deeper spiritual significance.
“Christmas is all about redemption and new beginnings. Christ’s birth 2,000 years ago is a spring of hope in a world filled with atrocity, war, and conflict—especially so close to my parental home in Egypt.”
Her faith provides a foundation of hope rooted in historical truth. “I eagerly await the new creation that Jesus spoke about—a renewed heaven and earth with no more suffering and where perfect justice becomes reality. Christmas reminds me of that promise and renews my spirit.”
Balancing work and faith
Bethanie is grateful for the time off her practice has granted her over Christmas this year.
“Starting as a Foundation Dentist has been difficult but rewarding. I’ve had to rest instead of socialising as I’m slowly building stamina to have a good work-life balance eventually—but seeing patients’ appreciation and the growth and learning I’ve tackled is fulfilling. All in all, having this time to spend with my family and slow down will be delightful.”
Looking ahead, she plans to carefully balance her work schedule with her faith commitments. “I’ll need to plan holidays around special occasions to allow myself the space to celebrate, reflect, and recharge.”
Faith in action
For Bethanie, faith is not a separate part of her life—it’s woven into every interaction, challenge, and triumph.
From her time as a curious student to her early days as a practising dentist, she exemplifies how faith can provide strength, purpose, and hope in all aspects of life.
“Christmas and Christianity remind us that restoration and reconciliation is always possible with the Creator God, who loves humankind so much that He stepped into this broken world to save us. It’s an honour and blessing to live out this truth every day.”
You can read about other’s experiences of Christianity and Dentistry in the articles below:
