Sample Dentistry Personal Statement
My ambition to become a Dentist has its inspiration in my enjoyment of the sciences, combined with a strong desire apply my skills and knowledge to dentistry, to alleviate pain and to improve the quality of people’s lives. My first degree in Biochemistry has given me an excellent grounding in scientific method. I acquired good lab skills, achieved first class grades in the modules dealing with Pharmacology and Neuroscience, and undertook a research project to investigate how far science education allows people to understand science reports in the media. The extreme relevance here is to the role of patient education in modern Dentistry, where the incidence of gum disease is rapidly becoming the major concern, particularly in an aging population. Interacting with other people is important for me and one of the great attractions of Dentistry. My considerable work experience in the field has made it very clear to me that understanding and empathising with the patient, as well as communicating clearly, are central to successful treatment. My volunteering and caring roles have also helped me to develop skills in the handling of people and responding to their needs. I enjoy the practical aspects of the subject, largely because I like to use my hands. I sew and make jewellery, some of which I have made for African charity sales, and I have good hand-eye coordination and dexterity, important for a Dentist, who works on such sensitive parts of the body with great precision.
I have been observing Dentistry since 2006, when I had a three week placement at a surgery in Doncaster. I spent two weeks in reception and one week shadowing Dentists, which first convinced me that I should like to join the profession. At another practice I watched Dentists carrying out routine procedures, such as root-canal treatment, extractions, fillings, general check-ups and dental hygiene services, as well as fitting crowns and bridges. I spent some time observing methods in a Dental laboratory in Cairo, where technicians made orthodontic appliances, crowns and dentures. I have had two placements in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery departments in hospitals. In one I saw the more intensive work of hospital Dentists, who treated people for severe pain, and became aware of the importance of the multidisciplinary team in Dental care. Later I saw surgeons carrying out minor surgery, such as extractions under sedation, plate insertion in children and removal of wisdom teeth, and I observed the orthodontist at work. I spent a week at a small dental practise, learning that if the dentist is confident, the patient will trust him or her, and I spent a day in a practise in Kenya, watching the work of the single Dentist in the hospital. All of these placements have given me a clear insight into the demands of the profession and the day-to-day life of a Dentist.
Most of my other work experiences have involved caring or mentoring. I am at present employed as a Caregiver for an organisation which provides care for the elderly in their homes. I offer companionship and support to a range of patients, including cancer sufferers, those with dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as some who are convalescing and need special services. It is immensely challenging and demanding of my time, but very satisfying. I have also worked on the Exploration Summer Junior Program, teaching emergency medicine to students in grades 4 to 6, and was a student associate at university, visiting secondary schools to mentor students between 14 and 18.
I am bilingual, with fluent English and Arabic. I relax by playing tennis and enjoy the piano. I am hard-working, determined and entirely reliable, love being part of a team, but can also lead with confidence. I believe that my knowledge and experience have equipped me well for the career I have chosen and that I have the necessary personal qualities to become a very successful Dental Student.
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