A wave of grief is sweeping through the Indian expat community in the UAE after the sudden death of Dr Dhanalakshmi, a well-known general dentist. She was discovered in her Abu Dhabi apartment on Tuesday morning. Dr Dhanalakshmi, aged 54, worked at Lifecare Hospital in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi.

Her passing has sent shock and sadness through colleagues, friends, and the many patients whose lives she touched. Lifecare Hospital staff remember her as more than a skilled dentist—she was a kind-hearted soul who brought warmth and happiness to everyone she met.

Born in Kannur, Kerala, Dr Dhanalakshmi brought over 20 years of dental experience to her work. Known for her calm and caring demeanor, she built strong bonds with both patients and co-workers. She didn’t just treat teeth—she offered comfort and trust. Her clinic was a place of healing and hope.

Beyond her daily duties, Dr Dhanalakshmi was a passionate advocate for oral health. She led seminars and awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, teaching students and the public about good dental hygiene and the latest in dental science. Her goal was always to spread knowledge and prevent dental disease, not just fix it.

She was also a talented author and an inspiring public speaker. Her words moved and motivated listeners, reflecting her deep love for her roots and her profession. Her writings resonated with many, and her speeches encouraged people to take better care of their health.

This heartbreak comes just days after the unexpected death of another Indian expat doctor from Kerala. Dr Anwar Sadath, a 49-year-old orthopaedic surgeon at Medcare Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital in Dubai, passed away suddenly. Dr Sadath, who had 18 years of experience treating sports injuries and fractures, was also a respected and beloved member of the medical community.

In both cases, the causes of death were not immediately clear, adding to the collective shock felt across hospitals and communities in the UAE. Both doctors played vital roles in their fields and left behind memories of dedication, skill, and compassion.

Lifecare Hospital released a heartfelt message after Dr Dhanalakshmi’s passing: “We are deeply shocked and saddened. She was more than a colleague—she was family to us. She always brought positivity, warmth, and care. Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled.”

Her patients, too, are in mourning. Many have praised not just her dental skills but also her gentle manner and ability to make them feel safe. Lifecare remembered her as someone who truly cared for her community. She volunteered for public health sessions, giving her time freely to promote well‑being and harmony.

Her academic journey began at the College of Dental Sciences, MAHE University in Mangalore, Karnataka. She was an active member of the Indian Dental Association and had been a trusted general dentist at Lifecare for many years—until the sad news led to her profile being quietly removed from the hospital’s website.

Dr Dhanalakshmi is survived by her family in India and many friends and colleagues in the UAE. Both her hospital and the wider community are mourning deeply. Messages of condolence have poured in, and prayers are being offered on her behalf.

Her death is a profound reminder of the human side of medicine—a field driven not just by knowledge, but by empathy and solidarity. In their grief, many are remembering both Dr Dhanalakshmi and Dr Anwar Sadath as dedicated professionals and caring human beings who enriched the lives of everyone they met.

May both doctors rest in peace, and may their families find solace and strength in the outpouring of support from around the world. Their contributions to health, education, and the well-being of others will never be forgotten.