Dentistry Model Personal Statement
This is a model personal statement of a successful university applicant for Dentistry.
My passion for dentistry stems from witnessing my uncle treating emergency patients at his dental clinic while on holiday two years ago. This has led me to pursue dentistry as I observed how dentists have the ability to provide great comfort and care to numerous people. This experience demonstrated to me how it is a career where "no one size fits all" and it is this unique drive that appeals to me the most.
To gain a deeper understanding of dentistry in the UK, I decided to shadow dentists at two different practices. I soon realised that there are many overlaps and differences between the distinct roles of the team members, from which I gathered interpersonal skills, manual dexterity and teamwork ethic to be a few of the major traits.
The importance of interpersonal skills was further highlighted when I watched the dentists calm their young patients down and diminish their anxiety, allowing them to proceed with the tooth extraction. The psychological skills a dentist requires were essential, especially when explaining complex procedures to children as it ensured the smooth running of the treatment. I volunteered at an education provider for a year where I tutored children. It revealed to me the different approaches that are required when communicating with people of different ages. I was able to interact confidently with people due to the fact I had also volunteered at Oxfam which had given me an opportunity to communicate with the public and allowed me to work in a team with the other volunteers. After watching the latest TedTalks by practicing dentists and psychologists who shared testimonials of boosting their patients' self-confidence through reinventing their smile, it was clear to me how the patient's mental well-being, regardless of age, is something dentists contribute to improving.
Throughout my work experience, I observed many treatments such as amalgam fillings, extractions and fixed restorations. The artistic flair shown while handling different handpieces, such as using the excavator around the sensitive nerves, underlined to me how valuable manual dexterity is in dentistry. My hobbies of sewing and playing the piano have helped me to polish my manual precision skills. I participated in a local charity campaign, where I contributed by sewing facemasks and drawstring bags to help the NHS, giving me an opportunity to help our community amidst the current pandemic.
By the end of my work experience, I learnt the importance of dentistry not to be limited to cure but also to prevent the development of diseases as dentists educated each patient on how they can improve their oral hygiene at the end of each check-up appointment. Although I understood how the practical side of dentistry was applied, I was eager to explore the theoretical side as well. To research further, I enrolled myself in a 'Discovery Dentistry' online course where I learnt about the theory, chemistry and history of dentistry. During the six-week course, I developed an interest in the role of fluoride in our potable water that led me to read the 'Complete Pre-Dental Guide to Modern Dentistry' which enlightened me about water fluoridation and other intriguing topics such as radiography in oral pathology.
I appreciate that dentistry is not an easy career as it demands great ethics, responsibility and liability due to nature of the profession. However, I believe that my skills and passion will enable me to overcome any hurdles and contribute to the welfare of the community.
