example personal statement for dental school

Your guide to getting into dental schools [email protected]

• $ 0.00 0 items

Sample Dental Personal Statement — AADSAS

Got accepted to penn, ucsf, nyu, nova, umich, maryland, uf.

A terrified girl with a swollen upper lip trudges into the endodontic clinic. She needs an emergency retreat of her root canal due to a poor previous obturation. As the needle pierces her gums, childhood memories of getting root canals without anesthesia flood her body with even greater pain and fear. Her student dentist wipes away her tears and holds her hand tighter. “The worst part is over,” remarks the soothing voice of the resident as she puts away the syringe. She is amazed by how fast the pain goes away. This girl was me three years ago, and it was this moment that I first envisioned dentistry as my career. [MZ1]  

I was born and raised Uyghur, a Turkic ethnic minority in Central Asia. Growing up in a mixture of Turkish, Middle-Eastern, and Asian cultures helped me appreciate cultural diversity and collaborative environments later in life. Shortly after my high school graduation, I made the biggest decision of my life: to pursue an undergraduate degree in the United States, where I would be able to blossom in a free academic environment. I packed my ambitious heart and dreams into a suitcase and headed for the U.S.

Being away from home for the first time, I was thrilled to explore the world on my own. Determined to overcome the language barrier, I took every possible opportunity to practice my English skills while attending a language institute. Within six months, I passed the placement test and started taking college-level courses. Small victories like this strengthened my determination, and prepared me to overcome future obstacles that I faced while pursuing undergraduate studies and finding my career path.

[MZ2]  

Dealing with frequent illnesses as a child led me to spend a lot of time in the care of others. Nurses, doctors, and dentists became my heroes, and I dreamed of being like them one day. In order to gain more experience in the healthcare field while pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, I became a Certified Nursing Assistant and began working in an assisted-living facility caring for residents with Alzheimer’s disease. The bonds I built with these kind people and their families helped me realize how much I love caring for others and making positive impacts on their lives. [MZ3]  

Around the same time, I became a patient at the University of Florida College of Dentistry team clinics. A long history of poor dental care led me to undergo an extensive amount of dental work at the clinic. This is where I first met Magda, my student dentist from the root canal story. As soon as I expressed my interest in the healthcare field, Magda enthusiastically began explaining dental procedures to me, teaching me to recognize dental instruments and even how to interpret x-rays. Her proficient skills, professionalism, and concerns for patients truly inspired me to further explore dentistry as my prospective profession.

I subsequently started shadowing at the team clinic, which enabled me to gain a closer look at dentistry. From various types of periodontal therapies, restorations, and extractions – every procedure I assisted with, pumped my body full of adrenaline. I fell in love with how much creativity is utilized in dentistry and relished every bit of patient interaction.

The knowledge from the team clinic further inspired me to pursue a community-based dental experience. I began to shadow Dr. XXXX, a general dentist at ABC Dental Clinic. ABC is a community for people with developmental disabilities. Volunteering at the clinic has been the most eye-opening and rewarding experience I have had in my limited exposure to dentistry. Most of the patients are not verbally responsive and are very challenging to work with. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Garvey’s patience and empathy makes everything possible. His unwavering commitment to serve the underserved population is inspiring me to become a dentist like him. From there, I started working at the UFCD Pediatric Dental Clinic as a dental assistant. [MZ4]  

Luckily, I never had to return to the endodontic clinic again as a patient, but my unflinching determination in pursuing a dental career has only grown stronger since. Utilizing both creativity and discipline in caring for patients, serving the underserved, and relieving pain is what I have found I love doing the most. If that can become a lifelong career, then I am confident that dentistry is, absolutely, my future vocation. Even better, I will be the first Uyghur dentist in the U.S., now wouldn’t that be something? [MZ5]  

Got accepted to Midwestern University (IL) (Re-applicant with a 2.9 GPA and 19 DAT; Got 5 interviews)

My grandfather made me fall in love with the quote: “Use your smile to change the world, don’t let the world change your smile.” I grew up without my parents, and faced adversity and bullying throughout my childhood. It took a toll on my confidence, made me shy, and discouraged me from smiling. Whenever I feel discouraged, my grandfather’s words always comfort me and push me toward my goals. Last year, I found it incredibly painful to deal with his passing after he battled nasal cavity cancer for eight years. He persevered through harsh medical treatments and never stopped smiling in front of me. Even after his dentures stopped fitting him, he would still smile. He gradually lost his appetite and without dentures, he became nutrient deficient since he could not consume the range of food that he needed. This was when I learned about the importance of dentures and their impact on a person’s health.  Watching how strong he was, I yearned to make him a perfect set of dentures as a special gift one day. My ambition was to watch my grandfather enjoy a wide variety of food and to see his old smile again. Since then, I began to see the power behind my grandfather’s smile. His smile speaks for the positivity, courage, and strength that taught me to embrace obstacles and challenges because they will help me thrive as an independent and a mature adult. Although I lost my grandfather, the pain of losing him strengthened my character and pushed me to pursue my dream to become a successful dentist.  [MZ6]  

During my last quarter at UC San Diego, my grandfather’s condition worsened. I constantly worried about him, as he was the only close family I had. There were times when I struggled to balance family responsibilities with academics, and I had felt mentally and physically exhausted every day. Every time I went to see him in the hospital, he told me not to worry about him and to focus on my academics. My anxiety took a toll on my grades and I realized that it helped neither my dream nor his health. Gradually, I learned to manage my time and my stress, and improved my grades later on through more coursework in post-baccalaureate program . Luckily, my aunt is capable of taking care of my grandmother now, so I can further my studies and work as a dental assistant during my free time. [MZ7]  

As a dental assistant, I channeled my desire of taking care of my grandfather into taking care of patients. [MZ8]  During the preparation for an implant case, I noticed a patient was clenching her fists anxiously. I offered her with a cup of water and started a conversation to ease her worries. Later, she calmed down and was ready for the procedure. She was cooperative when I took a periapical x-ray on the difficult position of tooth #15.  Fortunately, the picture turned out clear and the dentist was able to see the depth of the post and the distance between her sinus. When I greeted the patient during her next visit for abutment, she said “thank you” and gave me the most heartwarming hug that I could ever ask for. Her expression of gratitude kindled my desire to serve more patients as an aspiring dentist. [MZ9]  

Knowing that my grandfather lacked oral health education and had limited dental care during his lifetime, I felt a sense of duty to help those who lack access to dental care [MZ10]  . I helped serve the underprivileged by volunteering at the California Dental Association Free Clinic. In particular, I remember a forty-year old Hispanic immigrant named Julio, who was also a low-income immigrant and a father of four. Majority of his teeth was decayed and in need of urgent restoration. After talking to him, I learned that his condition was the result of a lack of access to quality dental care. Due to financial constraints, he could not afford to visit a dentist for a long time. He was grateful that the Free Clinic had given him this opportunity to restore his teeth. Talking to Julio was eye opening, as it inspired me to reach out to the disadvantaged population and educate them about oral health. One day, I wish to provide equitable access to dental care to all. [MZ11]  

After my grandfather’s death, I wrote a letter to him that ended with this passage: “Thank you, Grandpa, for helping me find my passion and for making me realize the power that genuine smiles can bring. Although you are no longer with us, your wisdom continues to motivate me to spread beautiful smiles and to improve the lives of others. As a tribute to you, I am ready to dedicate myself to the career of dentistry.” [MZ12]  

Got accepted to Penn, UCSF, NYU, Pitt, and Rutgers

‘ Shri Ramajeyam!’ chanted the village magician back in Bangladesh, as he tried to heal my grandmother’s toothache for 40 Taka (equivalent to $0.50 in the US). The cheap hocus pocus failed and ultimately, an oral screening at a local hospital diagnosed an oral lesion in her mouth. However, it remained untreated because of my family’s limited finances. [MZ13]  

These financial challenges that have continually haunted my family have helped ingrain the value of patience within the very essence of my personality. Our patience in reapplying for the Diversity Visa Lottery over and over finally paid off the 9 th time, when we won. We thought our financial distress would improve, so we happily left for America. But, surprises ensued. Extreme poverty, accompanied by a sudden cut in Medicaid forced me to curtail my visits to the orthodontist, but I continued to wait, as I had always been, for a change in fortune. [MZ14]  

That change came when my orthodontist halved my fee after sympathizing with my situation. This drew me to a dentist’s prerogative to demonstrate compassion. The importance of a good patient-doctor relationship stood out even more when I shadowed Dr. Pinto, an oral surgeon. During his interaction with a medically compromised patient, who was suffering from a prior iatrogenic procedure, I saw how dentists not just treat the local symptoms of pain, but also address it in a systemic way. This interactive process reminded me of my time leading mentoring program as an International Youth Scholar, in which I mentored a Somali refugee named Abdi. Being psychologically vulnerable as a result of having faced a civil war, initially, he appeared reserved. With my consisted efforts, I built rapport with him as he slowly opened up about his struggle in the refugee camp, his love for soccer, and his dream to study in the U.S. With my encouragement, he applied and received a scholarship at Syracuse University. I will never forget his smile when he gave me the news.  It reaffirmed the holistic nature of a dentist’s influence on an individual’s systemic as well as psychological health.  [MZ15]  

In addition to treating individuals, I want to expand the influence of dental awareness on a community-wide scale and I began this by targeting my local Philadelphia community. I co-founded the Community Dental Disease Prevention Society aiming to reduce the prevalence of dental diseases. We conducted workshops at low-income schools in the city. Despite the initial lack of interest among students, gradually the number of workshop participants grew as they could relate the workshops to their real life experiences. Here Tagita, a first grader shared her story of waiting for a dental appointment due to her family’s financial incapacity, reiterating the inaccessibility of the dental care provision. Meanwhile, high school students expressed concerns about the increasing prevalence of dental malpractice. This made me extend our goals to educate dental providers of iatrogenic dentistry. Additionally, we also set about spreading scientifically based awareness in dispelling damaging propagandas such as those spread by the Fluoride Action Network about the harmful effects of water fluoridation. [MZ16]  

Aside from my involvement with the community, I found personal gratification and further enhancement of my endurance while I was taking a sculpture course.  After the caffeinated nights and clay-stained hands at the studio, looking at my first project – a clay bust of Abraham Lincoln, an unprecedented sense of pride flooded through me. Right then, I knew that in order to be fulfilled I would need manual involvement in my future profession. [MZ17]  

The unique opportunity offered by dentistry to integrate my manual dexterity with my love for science further drew me in. My passion for science grew in a crowded lab-hood at my organic synthesis lab, where I endured repeated tedious phases of optimization of the reaction conditions. Ultimately, I experienced a deep sense of satisfaction as I produced newer molecules in high yield culminating in a co-authorship of a paper in Organic Letters. [MZ18]  

Perseverance gained throughout my life and from my involvement in science, arts and community activism makes dentistry a perfect match for me. Be it campaigning against iatrogenic dentistry via CDDPS, or making someone like Abdi smile confidently, dentistry has allowed me to consolidate my ideals. As I continue to advocate for increased accessibility to dental care for financially disadvantaged patients, I understand that progress will be slow; for now, I vow to stay focused, stay patient. [MZ19]  

  [MZ1] Terrific hook. The story is engaging and vivid. She also amazingly ends the paragraph with her interest in dentistry. Perfect first paragraph.

  [MZ2] Author provides sufficient background and talks about her personal journey to depict her personalities. She shows us a glimpse into her world and provides a subtle glimpse at her personalities

  [MZ3] Explains what she has done during college. It falls under extra-curricular/leadership bucket. But definitely shows her career interest progression. This paragraph does not employ any vivid story, but at this point it’s not needed anymore because she already earned your trust and you’re reading this.

  [MZ4] The last three paragraph provides the picture of how the author pursued her interest further. It’s a logical continuation of her journey.

  [MZ5] Great concluding sentence! Super-catchy. Creates an unique identity for the author.

  [MZ6] Absolutely great introduction. Author takes you into her world and tells you about her personal life. She provides a nice story to back up why she wants to be a dentist. Great introduction, although a bit too long.

The essay revolves around her grandfather and she continually ties back to this theme.

  [MZ7] She explains her situation but reassures the reader that she will be able to handle the tough workload at dental school.

  [MZ8] Great topic sentence brings back the theme of her grandfather.

  [MZ9] Through telling us a story she provides a glimpse into her personality. From this story, we can make assumptions about what kind of dentist she will become – a compassionate, kind hearted one.

  [MZ10] Again, tying back to the theme

  [MZ11] This is called future pacing. She’s basically telling you her dream as a dentist.

  [MZ12] Slightly unconventional ending, but worked really well for her.

  [MZ13] Unique beginning, proven to be quite effective for the author. The story also hooks you right away. You feel a certain level of sympathy for the author’s family.

  [MZ14] Author is using life story to focus our attention on his personality. It’s very subtle and crafty.

  [MZ15] This paragraph is AMAZING because it talks not only about the things that author admires in his dentist, but he also demonstrate how he implemented those qualities into his extra-curricular activities. This is an advance concept and hard to implement, but if you can do it successfully, you have a great shot at getting into many dental schools (just like the author)

  [MZ16] Tells us a STORY about his community service involvement.

  [MZ17] Manual dexterity can be part of your personal statement but add it such that your essay does not lose flow. This is a strong example of how to talk about your manual dexterity.

  [MZ18] Most people don’t have publication as an undergraduate; if you do, talk about it! It will 20X your chances at getting into a dental school. You should not shy away from talking about your accomplishments.

  [MZ19] Great ending. Author used a catch phrase at the end. Quite cliché, but it is executed properly and makes you remember the author.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your Trusted Advisors for Admissions Success

Admissions and test prep resources to help you get into your dream schools

Dental School Personal Statement: The Ultimate Guide (Examples Included)

Learn step-by-step how to write a unique dental school personal statement, including full length examples.

your dental school personal statement can mean the difference between and acceptance and a rejection

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: how to write a dental school personal statement, part 3: common dental school personal statement errors to avoid, part 4: full length dental school personal statement examples.

If you’re applying to dental school and beginning to contemplate your dental school personal statement, you likely fall into one of two categories:

You aced the DAT, have an excellent GPA, and after all of the work you put in for those scores you’re thinking, “I have no energy left… Does the personal statement even matter?”

Your DAT and/or GPA are good or average, and you’re stressed about how you can improve your overall application by writing an absolutely amazing personal statement.

Whatever position you find yourself in, this guide will address your concerns. We’ll explain the importance of the dental school personal statement and why it can make or break even the best application. We’ll also provide detailed, step-by-step guidance on how to write an excellent personal statement, along with multiple full-length dental school personal statement examples so you can see for yourself how it’s done. 

How much does your dental school personal statement matter?

If you’ve got a good score on the DAT and a high GPA, this question has likely crossed your mind. It is true that admissions committees can and do use these scores to quickly sift through the thousands of applications they receive each year. That said, these scores are not on their own sufficient to get you accepted to the dental school of your dreams.

There are plenty of stories of applicants who had a strong GPA and an unbelievable DAT score but were not accepted to their top choice dental school (or any dental school at all). Often, the personal statement is the distinguishing element that can ruin a great application or significantly enhance an average application.

The good news is that there are predictable strategies for writing an excellent dental school personal statement—more on those momentarily.

(Suggested reading: How Hard Is It to Get Into Dental School? )

What is the goal of a dental school personal statement?

With both your GPA and your DAT score, the goal is quite obvious—the higher the better. It may be tempting to assume that the applicant with a 22 DAT and 3.8 GPA will be accepted over the candidate with a 20 DAT and 3.6 GPA, however the admissions process is not nearly this cut and dry, and it is often the personal statement that can separate these two candidates in the minds of an admissions committee.

So, what is the goal of a personal statement? The answer is remarkably simple: the goal of the personal statement is to get the admissions committee interested in you as a person, and to make them want to meet you. 

The entire goal of your application is to land an interview at as many dental schools as possible (or at least at your dream school), and the personal statement is your opportunity to demonstrate your unique and interesting characteristics.

Think of your application as building a house. 

Your GPA and DAT scores are like the blueprints. They are mathematically based and must meet specific structural and engineering requirements in order to support the eventual home. While there is certainly variation in blueprints between different homes, there are specific benchmarks and requirements that must be met for blueprints to meet city building codes and be approved. 

Your personal statement, however, is a much more creative process similar to the interior and exterior design of the home. What color of paint will you choose? What type of windows do you want? Will you select a specific theme for the furniture, drapes, and paintings? After all of these creative decisions have been made, two homes with identical blueprints could have a drastically different appearance. 

While the creative and subjective aspects of writing an excellent personal statement may feel overwhelming to the more analytical students who make up a large portion of dental school applicants, the good news is that there are very clear strategies that can help guide you in this creative process.

According to the ADEA , “ Your personal statement is a one-page essay (not to exceed 4,500 characters, including spaces, carriages, numbers, letters, etc.) that gives dental schools a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in dentistry .”

That doesn’t quite convey the real goal of your statement, which is to convince the admissions committee that you, as a person, are interesting and unique, and to compel them to want to meet you off the page. 

Just as understanding the goal of your personal statement is critical, starting the brainstorming process with a general roadmap can help simplify an otherwise overwhelming process.

Fortunately, there is a simple and well-tested format that has been followed by many successful dental school applicants. 

Outlining your dental school personal statement

We’re fans of knowing exactly where you’re going before you even begin writing. Here’s the general format that we recommend using for your personal statement:

Intro : Engage the reader immediately with an interesting introductory paragraph

Body : Illustrate your unique dental journey in 3–5 paragraphs

Conclusion : Reinforce your passion for dentistry and tie back to the introduction

But how do you fill these in paragraphs with information that’s engaging and, most importantly, conveys what’s unique about you? What should you include? Next, we’ll go over five steps that will help you draw out the best topics for your dental school personal statement.

Step 1: Brainstorming

Begin by brainstorming possible topics or areas for your personal statement. Our recommendation is to come up with far more than you’ll actually end up writing about—even as many as 30. 

We know what you’re thinking: Why would I brainstorm 20+ ideas and experiences when only 3–5 will actually make it into my personal statement?

The answer: Often a bad personal statement comes about because an applicant has chosen the wrong topic. Sometimes applicants choose clichéd material, or material that isn’t personally meaningful. Then they feel locked into the essay they’ve begun. But, by brainstorming strategically, and working with someone whose opinion you trust on subject matter, you can position yourself to enter the writing phase confident that you’ve got a subject you can write about fluently and passionately.

To get there, we like an exercise called “ the Rule of 5s ” that provides a systematic approach to guide the brainstorming process.

While we’re calling this the Rule of 5s, it could just as easily be the Guideline of 5s—the number five is simply a good target to help you stretch. However, don’t get too caught up on it. If you have three or four examples in one category and seven in another, that is fine. 

Here’s the Rule of 5s: Brainstorm five good examples in each of the five categories listed below:

Five significant life experiences

Five unique and interesting accomplishments

Five unique and interesting hobbies or interests

Five failures and five lessons you learned from them

Five challenges or setbacks you have faced and had to overcome

Step 2: Your personal journey to dentistry

After completing the Rule of 5s brainstorming activity, your next step is to outline your personal journey to dentistry in a way that clearly answers the question of why you want to be a dentist. This outline should be concise and can even be in bulletpoint form. That said, be detailed and try to think of any key experience, interaction, person, class, conversation, or “aha!” moment that influenced you to ultimately choose a career in dentistry. 

When your outline is finished, review it and identify 3–5 of the most interesting and unique aspects of your journey. If you are having difficulty narrowing it down, consider reviewing the other areas of the ADEA AADSAS application (Dental Experience, Employment, Extracurricular Activities, Research, Volunteer) and see if some of your experiences can be included in sections other than your personal statement.  

Step 3: Choose a memorable opening

Admissions committees will be reading thousands of statements every application cycle, and many applicants will have similar stories about why they want to become dentists. Perhaps they had a good experience in dentistry early on. Perhaps they like science and want to help people. Those aren’t unique attributes in dental school applicants. You’re going to have to begin with something that’s more particular, interesting, and specific to you. 

Let’s look at two different openings to see how they work and why.

Here’s June’s first attempt at an opening paragraph:

Growing up in a middle-class community I had the opportunity to go to my family dentist every six months. For most of my childhood, these visits were fairly routine as I had good oral hygiene and no major dental issues. However, when I was 16 years old, I chipped my two front teeth in an accident. My dentist was able to repair them and they looked even better than before the accident. At that point, I knew I wanted to be a dentist. I attended college and selected biology as my major as I have always enjoyed the sciences. I view dentistry as the perfect combination of art and science that will allow me to help other people the way my dentist helped me.  

What aspect of herself is June emphasizing here? It’s hard to tell. She’s beginning with a story of wanting to become a dentist, but the writing is noncommittal and generic. It doesn’t give us something memorable about her to hold onto, and this paragraph is in no way unique to her experience or dental journey.

Let’s take a look at Marissa’s opening:

As I looked down, I couldn’t believe what I saw. One of my central incisors had been knocked completely out of its socket and sat in a small but noticeable circle of blood near the free-throw line on the basketball court. Just seconds before, I had taken an elbow to the face at the start of the fourth quarter of our state championship high school basketball game. As any high school senior would do, I picked up the tooth, put it in a cup and handed it to my coach. I finished the game with only one central incisor. My parents still have a picture of me on their fridge, hoisting the state championship trophy with an awkward, closed-mouth smile as I tried to hide the missing tooth. Little did I know that six months later, after a failed attempt to save the tooth and the eventual decision to get an implant, the determination and effort I had previously put into basketball would be transferred into my passion of becoming a dentist.

What works here? It’s simple. Marissa tells a story. She gives us images, characters, and a scene. Then she immediately ties that scene into her long-term narrative: becoming a dentist .

By opening with an anecdote and setting the scene the way a movie director might, you draw us into your story and stand out from the pack.

As you think about what anecdote you might use to open your personal statement, remember that it does not have to be directly related to dentistry. Ultimately, however, you will want to tie the anecdote into your dental journey.

Step 4: Connect your opening with your personal journey to dentistry

With your memorable opening created (step 3) and your unique journey to dentistry outlined (step 2), you are most of the way to completing your personal statement.  

The key to an excellent personal statement is finding a creative yet smooth way to connect your personal experiences with your professional journey into dentistry, with a clear and concise answer to the question of why you want to be a dentist.

Let’s take one example from Yasmin: 

I can still remember my heart pounding before my first “major” performance. I was six years old and had been asked to sing “Happy Birthday” in front of the entire family for my grandma’s 80th birthday. I love singing, and in high school and college I sang in a folk band with three of my friends. At times, singing has been my life, providing an escape from the day-to-day stresses and difficulties that we all face. And oddly enough, there’s something we don’t think of when we think about singing: teeth. They’re critical to singing. My desire to pursue a career in dentistry stems from a chance encounter with a singer in Argentina who taught me about the significance of our dentition.

While the transition from singing to dentistry is somewhat abrupt, this candidate has effectively and concisely described a unique personal characteristic, singing, that transitions smoothly into telling the story of her journey into dentistry, which started in Argentina. After reading this paragraph you immediately know something unique about the candidate—she sings—and you are interested to learn more about how her interest in dentistry developed. 

Step 5: The conclusion

In most high school and college writing classes, you are taught that the conclusion should simply summarize your essay. However, in a one-page, 4,500-character personal statement, there is no room to repeat yourself. Rather than summarizing , consider using your concluding paragraph to reinforce two things in the mind of the admissions committee:

Why you want to be a dentist

Your personal and unique story

Your conclusion might refer back to one of your experiences, pulling through a message of how you hope to make an impact in the field of dentistry in the future.

Let’s look at two quick examples.

Here’s Eveline’s first attempt:

I have had several experiences that have all led me to pursue a career in dentistry. The opportunities I have had to shadow dentists have taught me that dentistry is much more than restoring individual teeth, as it incorporates a much larger scope including both oral health and systemic health. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to dental school and I look forward to completing my studies and becoming an oral health professional focused on both the preventive aspects and restorative aspects of dentistry.

This concluding paragraph is full of buzzwords like “oral health,” “systemic health,” and “prevention,” however it ultimately does not leave the reader with any strong sense of the unique characteristics of this applicant. A paragraph like this could be found in almost anyone’s personal statement. It fails to reinforce the applicant’s specific and unique passion for dentistry, and it does not refer back to any personal experience or unique story. Eveline’s personal statement will blend in with all the rest and she will be less likely to get an on-site interview.

Here’s the conclusion that Yasmin, the folk singer, wrote: 

Much has changed since my “performance” as a scared, six-year-old singing at my grandmother’s birthday. I never would have guessed that my passion for singing would have led me on a 16-year journey: to Argentina and, eventually, to dentistry. But I know I’ve found the path for me.

This concluding paragraph is quite brief at only three sentences, but it effectively reinforces both the unique origins of this applicant’s interest in dentistry as well as the applicant’s memorable history as a singer. The reader is left thinking about the unique aspects of this applicant and will be much more inclined to want to meet them in person by extending an interview.

While there is no perfect formula that encompasses all excellent personal statements, there are some fairly common errors that can quickly transform a good statement into a poor one, drastically decreasing your chances of getting an interview. Below we will discuss six common errors to avoid.

Error #1: Writing a dental school personal statement that reads like a medical school personal statement

It’s no secret that medical school and dental school applicants have many shared characteristics. The prerequisite courses are almost identical, the overall undergraduate experiences mirror each other, and the extracurricular, leadership, research and clinical shadowing experiences have significant overlap. That said, dental admissions committees don’t want lukewarm applicants who appear to have been on a premedical route their entire undergraduate career, as this brings up questions of whether the applicant is truly dedicated to a career in dentistry or merely views dentistry as a backup plan to medicine.

Of course, many students are “pre-health" during their freshman and sophomore years as they take prerequisite science coursework and explore various health professionals including dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, PA, etc. It’s normal to have had experiences in research, leadership, direct patient care, or other extracurriculars that span various health professions and which you may want to include either in your application or your personal statement.

The secret is tailoring all of the experiences you include in such a way as to leave no doubt about your interest in dentistry. 

Let’s look at some example sentences that show how pre-health or premedical experiences can be described in a way that reinforces an applicant’s interest in dentistry.

Here’s what not to do: 

While conducting research on the production of insulin in pancreatic beta cells, I became fascinated with the human body which sparked an interest in pursuing a career that would enable me to help other people. 

An interest in the sciences and a desire to help people are two common characteristics found in nearly every applicant to any healthcare-related profession. While these are important characteristics, it is essential to take them a step further and make sure you connect them directly to dentistry. 

 It can sometimes be difficult to make that connection to dentistry if the experience occurred while you were either investigating all healthcare professions or perhaps were focused on a profession other than dentistry (i.e. medicine or pharmacy).

One tip is to realize that the connection does not have to be synchronous, meaning that even though you were not thinking about dentistry at the time of the experience, you now see how that experience connects to dentistry and enhances your interest in the field. 

We can easily imagine that the candidate who wrote the previous example was conducting research regarding diabetes during their sophomore year as a premedical student. A year later, during their junior year, they decided to switch to pre-dental. While there is a year-long gap between the research and the eventual interest in dentistry, the link between the experience and their desire to pursue a career in dentistry is easily made in an honest and genuine way as follows:

While conducting research on the production of insulin in pancreatic beta cells, I gained an appreciation for the systemic effects of diabetes. I have subsequently become fascinated with the oral manifestations of this disease, which can allow dentists to recognize the oral signs of pre-diabetes, sometimes even before a physician.  

This example takes what could be viewed as a very medical experience (research on pancreatic beta cells) and seamlessly connects it to the applicant’s interest in dentistry. Sometimes you may need to do additional research—for instance, learning about the oral manifestations of diabetes—in order to make these connections.

Taking the time to focus any story or experience in your personal statement on dentistry will transform your essay from average to excellent. As you write your statement, continually ask yourself whether the examples and descriptions you have included could just as easily be found in a personal statement for medical school or pharmacy school or any other health profession. If the answer is yes, go back and find a way to make it hyper-focused on dentistry. 

Error #2: Telling rather than showing, or using clichéd statements rather than specific examples

It is a common pitfall to tell rather than show the reader what you are trying to say.

For example, most students choose to pursue a career in dentistry for their shared interests in science, art, and helping people. It is completely appropriate if these are your reasons as well. The secret, however, is avoiding these clichéd statements by diving in-depth into the experiences and journey you have had that has ultimately led you to a career in dentistry. Rather than telling the reader that you enjoy science, art, and helping people, show them through your unique stories and examples. 

As you write your statement, make sure to frequently ask yourself whether each paragraph and story uniquely describes you or could just as easily apply to someone else. Be sure to include details such as your hometown, family, culture, heritage, creative hobbies, physical characteristics, and anything else that is distinct to you.

Let’s look at a quick example of how you can add personalized elements and descriptions to a clichéd statement to transform it into something that is uniquely you.

What not to do: 

Growing up, I was always interested in artistic and hands-on activities. The opportunity to pursue a career in dentistry, which is a perfect blend of both artistic freedom and working with your hands, is therefore particularly appealing.

What works:

As the only child of two working parents in a rural part of Oklahoma, I often had time alone and gravitated towards hands-on, artistic pursuits, eventually developing a passion for building model airplanes. Visualizing how each small piece would eventually come together to form an airplane actually has many similarities to the field of dentistry.

Notice how the first, clichéd example tells very little about the applicant. We have no details about what makes them unique, and the sentence “tells” us that the applicant enjoys artistic and hands-on activities; however, it does not “show” this through an example.

The second example, on the other hand, provides details that likely only apply to this candidate regarding two working parents and growing up in a rural part of Oklahoma. Additionally, rather than simply telling us about their interest in hands-on, artistic pursuits, they provide a specific example of building model airplanes. 

Putting yourself in the shoes of the admissions committee, which of these two candidates would you rather meet? 

Also, take heart: the second example isn’t telling some dramatic, flashy story. It begins with something simple—being an only child in rural Oklahoma—but ties it to the larger point of the applicant’s interest in hands-on activities as well as art. You do not need to have a life-changing or dramatic story to paint a unique picture of who you are as an applicant.

Error #3: Trying to convince the admissions committee that you are smart

The hypercompetitive nature of dental school admissions can lead applicants to use the 4,500 characters of their personal statement to try to demonstrate their superior intelligence. 

This can be evident in either the specific examples and stories an applicant chooses to use or in the language the applicant employs to write their statement. Either way, this approach is rarely effective.

Here is an example of what not to do: 

As valedictorian of my high school, my teenage years were occupied by hours of studying and homework each night in order to maintain my 4.0 GPA. When I entered college, I increased my level of discipline and dedication to my studies allowing me to maintain that same level of academic excellence throughout my collegiate career, finishing my undergraduate studies with another perfect 4.0 GPA. 

Having a 4.0 GPA and being valedictorian of your high school are certainly accomplishments that should be included in your application. However, trying to convince the admissions committee of your intellectual abilities by including them in your personal statement is not wise. 

Your GPA will be apparent from your transcripts, and the “achievements” section of the AADSAS application is a perfect place to include the distinction of being valedictorian. Neither your GPA nor your high school class standing are directly related to your desire to be a dentist and therefore need not be included in your personal statement.

Personal stories and unique experiences that relate to why you want to be a dentist or that help the admissions committee get to know you on a more human level should comprise the majority of your statement.  

Remember, the goals of your personal statement are to convince the admissions committee that they want to meet you in an interview and to demonstrate that you’re personable enough to be in this patient-facing field. Sounding pompous, self-satisfied, or unrelatable will work against you.

Error #4: Repeating or summarizing what you have already described elsewhere in your application

Another common mistake is simply telling a chronological story that includes or repeats information from the rest of your application. This type of personal statement often reads like a resumé in prose form.

While it is certainly appropriate to use the personal statement to expand upon something mentioned elsewhere in your application, make sure that you are providing additional, specific information that cannot be gleaned from other parts of your application. 

For example, if you have mentioned your shadowing experience in your application, it can be appropriate to include a story in your personal statement that occurred while shadowing a dentist . Make sure, however, that you focus your personal statement on a very specific event—remember, a story or an anecdote—rather than just mentioning your overall shadowing experience.

Here are two examples that illustrate the difference between simply summarizing what you have already described elsewhere in your application and providing additional, specific information. 

What not to do:

My shadowing experience at the Jamestown Public Health Clinic taught me the importance of oral health education and prevention, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

The above sentence provides little information beyond what can already be assumed by this applicant listing their shadowing experience at a public health clinic. Stacking sentences like these one after another wastes valuable space in your personal statement. 

One day, while shadowing at the Jamestown Public Health Clinic, a three-year-old patient named Alice came in with her parents. Nearly all of her teeth were black and carious and she was crying because of the pain. Unfortunately, this situation of early childhood caries is not uncommon, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. It was sobering to realize that, while the treatment options available for Alice were now limited, the entire situation could have been avoided by providing her parents meaningful oral health education and prevention techniques a mere one to two years earlier.

This example dives into the applicant’s shadowing experience in detail by describing a very specific patient encounter. The story brings to life this applicant’s shadowing experience and highlights the applicant’s ability to think critically and observe specific patient encounters with empathy while making broader connections to oral health education at a population level. This type of critical thinking will certainly be noticed by an admissions committee.  

Error #5: Including too much information rather than focusing on a handful of meaningful experiences

With only 4,500 characters, and your chances of being admitted to dental school on the line, it is understandably tempting to attempt to fit as much as possible into your personal statement. Fight this temptation!

With a personal statement, depth is more important than breadth. You can offer an angle on yourself, a story about why you want to be a dentist, and 3–5 compelling details from your personal and professional history. Don’t try to do more.

Remember, the personal statement is only one portion of your application. There are several other sections that allow you to include many experiences and achievements beyond what you discuss in your statement (i.e. Academic Enrichment, Dental Experience, Employment, Extracurricular Activities, Research, and Volunteer). 

Additionally, you will also be asked to write secondary essays for most schools, which provide additional opportunities to bring in other experiences to your application. 

And remember: this work will help you in your interviews!

The personal statement can initially appear daunting. Following the process outlined above and avoiding the five common errors can help you craft a unique and genuine statement that catches the eye of the admissions committee and secures an invitation for an on-site interview.

Additionally, taking the time to write a thoughtful, introspective, and unique personal statement will not only help get you an interview, but will be some of the best time spent in preparation to set you up for success in your interviews.  

(Suggested reading: How to Ace Your Dental School Interview )

Error #6: Not leaving enough time to edit, revise, and get feedback from trusted readers

As one of the most important components of your entire dental school application, you’ll want to invest considerable time not only in writing your personal statement, but also in editing and revising it. Part of that process involves recruiting trusted readers, such as friends, mentors, and admissions consultants, to give you valuable feedback from an outside perspective.

For these reasons, it’s a good idea to begin the writing process well before you want to submit your application. We recommend beginning about six months before you plan to apply—so if you’re counting on submitting your application on June 1st, the earliest possible day, you’ll want to start brainstorming in December.

Aim to have a full-length first draft completed by no later than the end of April. This will give you at least one month to edit, revise, and solicit feedback before submitting your application in June or July.

(Suggested reading: The Ideal Dental School Application Timeline )

Part 4: Full-length dental school personal statement examples

Let’s now take a look at two full-length examples in order to put together everything we’ve discussed. Each of these essays successfully conveys who its writer is, what is unique about them, and why dentistry is their ideal career.

Dental school personal statement example #1

The summer after my freshman year, I studied abroad in Buenos Aires to learn about Argentinian culture and history, especially Argentinian folk music. I spent many evenings in town squares and restaurants listening to local folk bands. One evening, I introduced myself to an impressive lead singer after a concert. We connected, talking music and influences. I was shocked when he reached into his mouth and removed a “flipper,” which included prosthetic teeth for all four maxillary incisors. This Argentinian singer became emotional as he recounted the story of a serious motorcycle accident that had left him without his four front teeth, making it physically challenging and emotionally impossible to sing in front of a group. Unable to afford any dental treatment, he had to quit singing wholesale for several years. Fortunately, a friend eventually introduced him to a dentist who restored his pronunciation and his ability to sing in front of a crowd.   

Upon returning from Argentina, I began shadowing in dental offices. One afternoon, I observed Dr. Ashani, a general dentist, deliver a set of overdentures to a 36-year-old woman named Ashley. She had lost all her teeth due to xerostomia caused by radiation treatment for throat cancer. As Dr. Ashani placed the dentures in her mouth and handed her a mirror her entire face lit up. She had regained a sense of dignity and self-worth. I also noticed a change in Dr. Ashani. Later that day, we talked, and he said he’d been anxious about delivering the dentures as he understood both the responsibility and the opportunity he had to dramatically change this woman’s life. Those two words, “opportunity” and “responsibility,” seem to capture the essence of dentistry.

As I continued along this path, I sought a research assistant position in the lab of Dr. Delia Acosta where we focused on stem cell tooth regeneration. While we are several years away from re-growing teeth, the possibility of stem cell treatment in dentistry is fascinating at a scientific level and potentially life-changing at a human level. It is exciting to think that I might be able to provide stem cell treatments to people like Ashley or the Argentinian folk singer to restore not only dentition, but also function and confidence. And while stem cell tooth regeneration is an exciting possibility, even a traditional root canal on a painful molar or a class III filling on a maxillary incisor can have a significant impact on the life of a patient.

What this essay does well:

As mentioned earlier, this applicant does a fantastic job of opening with a personal anecdote that hooks the reader. This humanizes the applicant and gives some insight into their personality as well as their interests.

In the following paragraph, the applicant continues the anecdote with a direct connection between their personal experience and their journey to an interest in dentistry. We get a front-row seat to the encounter that sparked her passion.

The applicant does a great job of naturally peppering the essay with dental-related vocabulary—a signal to admissions committees that this person is not only interested in dentistry, they’ve done the work to learn about it individually. Additionally, they have highlighted their knowledge in the essay in such a way that avoids the trap of error #3; trying to convince the admissions committee that you are smart.

The essay continues accentuating key moments along their journey as they delve deeper into their interest in dentistry—showing instead of telling why they are determined to pursue dentistry as a lifelong career.

The applicant then concludes their personal statement organically, tying it back to the introduction and reiterating their enthusiasm for the field through a recap of their entire journey and stating clearly that they’ve found the path for them.

Dental school personal statement example #2

With spindly legs and frizzy hair, I backhanded the bright yellow tennis ball across the court to my opponent. She quickly ran up to the net, hit an overhead shot, and the ball zoomed towards me faster than I had expected. The next thing I knew, I was on the concrete court with a handful of blood gushing from my mouth. The ball had hit me in my face, knocking out my front tooth. I was horrified—our yearly school photographs were the next day. The first thought that raced through my mind was how I would have to smile with lips glued together, fearful of being teased by my classmates. It was in this moment that I recognized how my teeth and, specifically, my smile were so integral to who I was as a person. My teachers and friends described my smile as a contagious form of love, and the thought of losing this trait was terrifying. This experience laid the foundation for my keen interest in dentistry, a career that will afford me the opportunity to enable my patients to smile brightly and to feel like their most confident selves.

My interest in dentistry matured after I traveled to India to assist with a dental health mission in the rural town of Dwarka. Here, our team set up a clinic in several tents and offered free dental services to those in need. I assisted dental hygienists with cleanings, observed dentists fill cavities and fit dentures, and helped with dental hygiene education. I recall meeting Mona, an 8-year-old girl with a lopsided ponytail. She inquisitively wrapped the bubble gum flavored floss around her fingers and mirrored my motions guiding the tasty strings through her teeth. Her mother told me that she had received floss before, but no one had taken the time to explain how to correctly floss or the benefits of flossing. Though a simple exchange, I recognized the power of dental education.

Upon returning from India, I began volunteering at a general dentistry practice. My main duties involved welcoming patients to our practice, performing health screenings, and coordinating their follow-up care. Through this experience, I also had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Simon, a pediatric dentist who had a cabinet overflowing with yo-yos and an ability to put children at ease despite the painful procedures they were anticipating. I was frequently reminded of my own experience as a child, as many of our patients came in with broken front teeth secondary to various misadventures. Dr. Simon took the time to ask each of his patients about their favorite class in school and any new comic books that he should know about. As we developed a closer relationship, Dr. Simon told me that he was drawn to dentistry because it enabled him to both help kids live healthier lives and have beaming, confident smiles. He spoke with genuine conviction, and his words resonated deeply with me.

My experiences working with patients motivated me to pursue research related to dentistry. My main project observed various demographics and categorized which adult patients have increased access to dental care as classified by yearly cleanings and required fillings. Here, I saw a stark contrast in which patients have stable access to dental care and gained a deeper understanding of the disparities that contribute to the less reliable care of those from underserved communities. My research motivated me to institute an outreach program at the pediatric dental clinic I volunteered at. I described the problem and constructed a proposal for which I received community funding that I subsequently used to create educational brochures for patients. We also utilized this funding to offer patients free cleanings and screenings on Friday afternoons for over a year. Through this experience, I recognized that, as a dentist, I would be able to serve as a health advocate and restore smiles across several communities.

Although my experience of losing my front tooth occurred at a young age, it left a lasting impression, just as a smile does when you first meet someone. I have been fortunate to learn about dentistry through the lens of different practitioners and patients in a variety of environments. All of these experiences have culminated in my strong desire to pursue dentistry, a career that will empower me to deliver care ensuring that others can live healthier lives with confident smiles. I will carry my compassion for helping others and my desire to increase equal access to healthcare services with me forward as a future dentist.

The applicant opens their essay with a life-altering anecdote and one in which they realized the a healthy smile is important to one’s sense of self-worth as well as to their identity. The realization mentioned in this anecdote grants the reader a deeper insight into the writer’s sense of what it means to be a dentist and their motivations for pursuing the profession.

The writer then does an excellent job of developing this idea further, showing—as opposed to telling—how their interest in and passion for dentistry grows. Furthermore, the applicant naturally showcases their genuine motivation to help others by discussing their dental service to those less fortunate. This also opens up an opportunity to highlight leadership qualities when they institute an outreach program for the underserved population in their community.

The applicant then wraps everything up by reminding the reader of the lost tooth that kickstarted their journey and calling attention to the compassion they feel for others that inspires them to help patients achieve their best smiles.

About the Author

Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on dental school admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into dental school using his exclusive approach.

THERE'S NO REASON TO STRUGGLE THROUGH THE DENTAL SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PROCESS ALONE, ESPECIALLY WITH SO MUCH ON THE LINE. SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO ENSURE YOU LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE.

Dental School Personal Statement Examples

Applying to dental school can feel daunting enough, let alone when you need to start your statement, but we're here to help you every step of the way. Inspira’s dental school personal statement database gives you an inside scoop on what top statements look like and offers inspiration to create a personal statement that stands out to the admissions office!

How Does the Dental School Personal Statement Examples Database Work?

To access our database, all you have to do is provide your name and a valid email address. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have access to +15 unique and successful dental school personal statement samples from the country's top schools. Whether you’re just beginning or working on your conclusion and don’t know how to bring your story full circle, this resource will benefit you.

Tips for Ensuring Your Statement is Impactful

Simply provide your first and last names and a valid email address to access our database.

Once submitted, you'll gain access to our successful vet school personal statement samples—a valuable resource to guide you in writing your own statement.

Take a look through our database and use these examples to create a personal statement that stands out to the admissions office!

Tips for Ensuring Your Statement is Impactful 

1. show, don't just tell.

Rather than simply listing your strengths or great qualities, demonstrate them through concrete examples and anecdotes. Show how you've applied your skills in situations, how you’ve grown from an experience and how these experiences have shaped your journey toward dental school.

2. Emphasize Your Distinctive Perspective

Within your personal statement, highlight what makes you stand out. Your first step is identifying your special qualities, experiences, or perspectives that will differentiate you from other applicants. Allow the admissions committee to get to know you on a human level.

3. Explicitly Address “Why Dentistry”

You must clearly articulate to the admissions committee why you want to become a dentist. Speak to the specific aspects that inspire you. This could look like providing comprehensive patient care, advancing dental research, or even advocating for equitable access to oral health to an underserved community or group.

You can get additional support on your personal statement and any other part of your dental school application by working with one of Inspira Advantage 's admissions experts!

Here are frequently asked questions about dental school personal statements.

1. What Should Be Included In A Dental School Personal Statement?

A dental school personal statement should explain why you are passionate about dentistry. It should also highlight relevant experiences demonstrating your readiness, understanding of the profession, and personal qualities that make you a strong candidate.

2. How Do Personal Experiences Enhance A Dental School Application?

Your personal experiences enhance a dental school application by demonstrating your commitment, responsibility, and passion. They provide concrete, authentic examples of your skills, character, and readiness for the challenges of dental school.

3. How Long Should A Dental School Personal Statment Be?

Your dental school personal statement should be double-spaced, one page long, and not exceeding 4,500 characters. It should give dental schools a clear understanding of who you are outside of the numbers and statistics.

Wondering How We Can Help You?

Crafting a Winning Dental School Personal Statement Examples: Guide & Samples

Only 54.3% of dental school applicants get accepted each year. Nearly half face rejection. In this competitive field, your personal statement can set you apart. Let's explore standout examples to help you craft a winning essay.

A terrified girl with a swollen upper lip trudges into the endodontic clinic. She needs an emergency retreat of her root canal due to a poor previous obturation. As the needle pierces her gums, childhood memories of getting root canals without anesthesia flood her body with even greater pain and fear. Her student dentist wipes away her tears and holds her hand tighter. “The worst part is over,” remarks the soothing voice of the resident as she puts away the syringe. She is amazed by how fast the pain goes away. This girl was me three years ago, and it was this moment that I first envisioned dentistry as my career. I was born and raised Uyghur, a Turkic ethnic minority in Central Asia. Growing up in a mixture of Turkish, Middle-Eastern, and Asian cultures helped me appreciate cultural diversity and collaborative environments later in life. Shortly after my high school graduation, I made the biggest decision of my life: to pursue an undergraduate degree in the United States, where I would be able to blossom in a free academic environment. I packed my ambitious heart and dreams into a suitcase and headed for the U.S. Being away from home for the first time, I was thrilled to explore the world on my own. Determined to overcome the language barrier, I took every possible opportunity to practice my English skills while attending a language institute. Within six months, I passed the placement test and started taking college-level courses. Small victories like this strengthened my determination, and prepared me to overcome future obstacles that I faced while pursuing undergraduate studies and finding my career path. Dealing with frequent illnesses as a child led me to spend a lot of time in the care of others. Nurses, doctors, and dentists became my heroes, and I dreamed of being like them one day. In order to gain more experience in the healthcare field while pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, I became a Certified Nursing Assistant and began working in an assisted-living facility caring for residents with Alzheimer’s disease. The bonds I built with these kind people and their families helped me realize how much I love caring for others and making positive impacts on their lives. Around the same time, I became a patient at the University of Florida College of Dentistry team clinics. A long history of poor dental care led me to undergo an extensive amount of dental work at the clinic. This is where I first met Magda, my student dentist from the root canal story. As soon as I expressed my interest in the healthcare field, Magda enthusiastically began explaining dental procedures to me, teaching me to recognize dental instruments and even how to interpret x-rays. Her proficient skills, professionalism, and concerns for patients truly inspired me to further explore dentistry as my prospective profession. I subsequently started shadowing at the team clinic, which enabled me to gain a closer look at dentistry. From various types of periodontal therapies, restorations, and extractions – every procedure I assisted with, pumped my body full of adrenaline. I fell in love with how much creativity is utilized in dentistry and relished every bit of patient interaction. The knowledge from the team clinic further inspired me to pursue a community-based dental experience. I began to shadow Dr. XXXX, a general dentist at ABC Dental Clinic. ABC is a community for people with developmental disabilities. Volunteering at the clinic has been the most eye-opening and rewarding experience I have had in my limited exposure to dentistry. Most of the patients are not verbally responsive and are very challenging to work with. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Garvey’s patience and empathy makes everything possible. His unwavering commitment to serve the underserved population is inspiring me to become a dentist like him. From there, I started working at the UFCD Pediatric Dental Clinic as a dental assistant. Luckily, I never had to return to the endodontic clinic again as a patient, but my unflinching determination in pursuing a dental career has only grown stronger since. Utilizing both creativity and discipline in caring for patients, serving the underserved, and relieving pain is what I have found I love doing the most. If that can become a lifelong career, then I am confident that dentistry is, absolutely, my future vocation. Even better, I will be the first Uyghur dentist in the U.S., now wouldn’t that be something?

🎓 GradGPT Score: 92/100 🌟

Excellent Dental Personal Statement

What makes this essay great? The essay is well-structured and readable, with a readability score of 10, which is within the normal range for a personal statement. The structure is clear, and the coherence is good. There are no inconsistencies, clichés, or unnecessary flattery, and the writing style is engaging.

• Introduction: Strong and engaging start, drawing the reader in with a vivid personal experience.
• Cultural Background: Effectively highlights your unique background as an Uyghur and your adaptation to the U.S.
• Academic Journey: Clear narrative of overcoming challenges, particularly the language barrier, and achieving small victories.
• Healthcare Experience: Shows a genuine passion for caring for others, with specific examples of your work as a CNA.
• Exposure to Dentistry: Well-detailed experiences with the dental clinic, showcasing your growing interest and knowledge in the field.
• Community Involvement: The volunteering section is impactful, demonstrating your commitment to serving underserved populations.
• Conclusion: Strong and confident, reiterating your determination and the uniqueness of being the first Uyghur dentist in the U.S.

My grandfather made me fall in love with the quote: “Use your smile to change the world, don’t let the world change your smile.” I grew up without my parents, and faced adversity and bullying throughout my childhood. It took a toll on my confidence, made me shy, and discouraged me from smiling. Whenever I feel discouraged, my grandfather’s words always comfort me and push me toward my goals. Last year, I found it incredibly painful to deal with his passing after he battled nasal cavity cancer for eight years. He persevered through harsh medical treatments and never stopped smiling in front of me. Even after his dentures stopped fitting him, he would still smile. He gradually lost his appetite and without dentures, he became nutrient deficient since he could not consume the range of food that he needed. This was when I learned about the importance of dentures and their impact on a person’s health.  Watching how strong he was, I yearned to make him a perfect set of dentures as a special gift one day. My ambition was to watch my grandfather enjoy a wide variety of food and to see his old smile again. Since then, I began to see the power behind my grandfather’s smile. His smile speaks for the positivity, courage, and strength that taught me to embrace obstacles and challenges because they will help me thrive as an independent and a mature adult. Although I lost my grandfather, the pain of losing him strengthened my character and pushed me to pursue my dream to become a successful dentist. During my last quarter at UC San Diego, my grandfather’s condition worsened. I constantly worried about him, as he was the only close family I had. There were times when I struggled to balance family responsibilities with academics, and I had felt mentally and physically exhausted every day. Every time I went to see him in the hospital, he told me not to worry about him and to focus on my academics. My anxiety took a toll on my grades and I realized that it helped neither my dream nor his health. Gradually, I learned to manage my time and my stress, and improved my grades later on through more coursework in post-baccalaureate program. Luckily, my aunt is capable of taking care of my grandmother now, so I can further my studies and work as a dental assistant during my free time.  As a dental assistant, I channeled my desire of taking care of my grandfather into taking care of patients. During the preparation for an implant case, I noticed a patient was clenching her fists anxiously. I offered her with a cup of water and started a conversation to ease her worries. Later, she calmed down and was ready for the procedure. She was cooperative when I took a periapical x-ray on the difficult position of tooth #15.  Fortunately, the picture turned out clear and the dentist was able to see the depth of the post and the distance between her sinus. When I greeted the patient during her next visit for abutment, she said “thank you” and gave me the most heartwarming hug that I could ever ask for. Her expression of gratitude kindled my desire to serve more patients as an aspiring dentist. Knowing that my grandfather lacked oral health education and had limited dental care during his lifetime, I felt a sense of duty to help those who lack access to dental care . I helped serve the underprivileged by volunteering at the California Dental Association Free Clinic. In particular, I remember a forty-year old Hispanic immigrant named Julio, who was also a low-income immigrant and a father of four. Majority of his teeth was decayed and in need of urgent restoration. After talking to him, I learned that his condition was the result of a lack of access to quality dental care. Due to financial constraints, he could not afford to visit a dentist for a long time. He was grateful that the Free Clinic had given him this opportunity to restore his teeth. Talking to Julio was eye opening, as it inspired me to reach out to the disadvantaged population and educate them about oral health. One day, I wish to provide equitable access to dental care to all. After my grandfather’s death, I wrote a letter to him that ended with this passage: “Thank you, Grandpa, for helping me find my passion and for making me realize the power that genuine smiles can bring. Although you are no longer with us, your wisdom continues to motivate me to spread beautiful smiles and to improve the lives of others. As a tribute to you, I am ready to dedicate myself to the career of dentistry.”

🎓 GradGPT Score: 89/100 🌟

Great personal statement with room for improvement in structure

The essay tells the author's journey well but needs better structure and flow. Key areas for improvement are the transitions between discussing the grandfather's impact, the author's experiences as a dental assistant, and Julio's story. Also, cutting down on wordiness, avoiding repetition, and breaking up long sentences will make it clearer and more engaging.

Home » Resources » Dentistry Personal Statement Tips and Examples

Published on August 10, 2024

Reading Time: 10 min

Dentistry Personal Statement Tips and Examples

Personal statements are weighed very highly in your application to dental school. They give insight into you as a person and what else you have done to ensure you are the ideal candidate for the course. It is used alongside your academic achievements and UCAT score to give a more comprehensive overview of your candidacy. This guide will outline dentistry personal statement tips, highlight essential elements to include, and provide examples of well-crafted dentistry personal statements.

Structure of a Personal Statement

While each personal statement should reflect your unique experiences and motivations, following a structured approach can help ensure that you completely cover all the important points you wish to convey. Below is a suggested structure that you can refer to and customise to fit your personal preferences.

Introduction

Your introduction should convey your passion for dentistry and articulate the reasons behind your decision to pursue this career path. This section can be particularly effective if it includes a personal anecdote, whether from your own life or through a family member’s experience, that highlights how dentistry has made a significant impact. By sharing a story, you can illustrate the influence that these experiences have had on your choice to enter the field. An example of this type of introduction is provided below:

“From a young age, I was fascinated by the dentist and how they could transform your smile. I remember accompanying my sister to the dentist after she chipped her tooth in a bicycle accident. She was hugely nervous; however, the dentist was remarkably compassionate and kind. He restored her smile and ensured she was okay throughout the whole process. Witnessing this massive impact sparked my passion for dentistry and through further research, I saw the blend of artistry, science, and care for the patient that this career holds. This early encounter began my desire to become a dentist, committed to enhancing patient wellbeing and confidence.”

Motivations

If you don’t have a specific anecdote to share, you can focus on discussing your interest in the sciences, healthcare, and the intricacies of the human body. Expand on how these passions combined to make dentistry the ideal career choice for you. By highlighting your fascination with science and your commitment to the health and well-being of patients, you can effectively convey why dentistry is great for you. Additionally, you can showcase your appreciation for the detailed and hands-on nature of dental work,. An example of this type of introduction is provided below:

“From an early age, I have been fascinated by the balance between science and artistry that dentistry encompasses. The ability to transform a person’s smile and confidence is extremely rewarding. I am also hugely interested in the relationship between oral health and overall health, noting their close link and how they can impact each other is massively important. My academic journey and dental experiences have further solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in dentistry. I am intrigued by the constant advancements in dental treatment and the opportunity to provide overall holistic patient care. My goal is to contribute to this field, combining precision, knowledge, and empathy to improve my patient’s lives.”

Relevant experience in dentistry

This paragraph is important as it demonstrates your thorough understanding of the career and highlights your genuine enthusiasm for learning more about it. It should detail any practical or online experiences you have gained. Here are some examples of what you could include:

Clinical observations/shadowing

If you have had the opportunity to observe a dentist, be sure to include this experience. Discuss not only the specific procedures you observed but also the interactions between the dentist, the patients, and the dental team. Highlight the positive aspects of their teamwork and how it enhanced patient care. If any challenges arose, explain how the dentist addressed these issues to ensure the patient’s well-being. Describe how this experience reinforced your decision to pursue a career in dentistry.

Volunteer work

Any volunteer work related to dentistry or healthcare is extremely valuable. Describe your role and its importance to patient care. Highlight any specific events you witnessed or participated in, discussing their impact on both you and the patients. Additionally, detail the relevant skills you developed through these experiences.

Training or courses

If you have attended any in-person or online courses about dentistry, these can be important too. It shows that you have gone the extra mile to gain a baseline understanding of the career. This can make you stand out against other applicants as it highlights your commitment by partaking in a course on top of your studies.

When writing about any of these experiences, it is essential to reflect on them. Reflection is a fundamental practice in dentistry, consistently used to enhance professional development and patient care. For each dental-related experience, document what happened, what went well, and what did not go as planned. Consider how these experiences contributed to your understanding of dentistry and fuelled your passion for the field. Reflecting on these moments will not only demonstrate your commitment to learning and growth but also show how you apply your insights to improve.

Personal Statement Tutoring

Craft a stellar personal statement using MedicHut’s tutors who can help you every step of the way – whether you’re just starting off, stuck somewhere in the middle, or just want a bit of time to discuss your finished personal statement. 

This section is where you can talk about the key abilities that are crucial for a dental professional to possess. You can give examples which show how you possess these and how you have developed them. Below are some skills and examples of what you can do to obtain these and the real-world examples to write in your statement.

Manual dexterity

Dentists are constantly working in small environments and must be able to work intricately. This skill can be developed through art, musical instruments, or needlework.

Teamwork and communication skills

In dentistry, you are part of a team and must be able to communicate with your colleagues in a way that is beneficial to your patients. It is also necessary to have the ability to communicate effectively with your patients so that they understand their treatment and can give informed consent. You can demonstrate and develop these skills through a wide variety of life experiences including a part-time job, sports, hobbies, or volunteering.

Time management

Being in dental school and working as a dentist can be very busy and hectic, you must be able to show that you are efficient in balancing all areas of your life and maintaining a good work-life balance to allow you to complete tasks and treatment to the highest standard. This skill can be shown through balancing part-time jobs, hobbies, and studies. You can also use more in-depth specific experiences if there have been times when you have required excellent time management skills.

Compassion, empathy, and patience

While a very technical career, it is still extremely important that you show your care and understanding for your patients. Going to the dentist can be a very anxiety-provoking experience for some people and others may require extensive treatment, they must know that you are there for them. You can demonstrate this skill through volunteering in a hospital or working with children. Again, if you have specific examples, you can draw on these to describe your skill.

Relevant academic achievements or interests

When applying for the course, you submit your grades separately from your personal statement, so you do not need to mention them. However, highlighting any additional academic achievements can significantly enhance your statement. Here are some examples to consider:

Research projects

If you have participated in any research projects, especially those related to healthcare or dentistry, you should discuss these experiences. Describe how these projects provided you with insights into specific aspects of the course or industry. Mention any skills you developed, such as critical thinking, data analysis, or teamwork, and explain how these will benefit your future studies and career in dentistry.

Presentations or publications

Any presentations or publications you have contributed to are highly valuable. Discuss the dedication and effort you put into these, detailing how they prepared you for dentistry. Highlighting your ability to contribute to and produce high-quality work demonstrates your commitment and preparedness for the field.

“In addition to coursework, I engaged in a research project focused on the oral microbiome, which investigated the impact of different dental practices on microbial diversity. My project aimed to analyse how various oral hygiene interventions, such as varying toothpaste formulas and mouthwashes, influence the composition of microbial communities in the oral cavity. This research project not only enhanced my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of the relationship between oral hygiene practices and microbial health. This experience has underscored the importance of evidence-based practices in dentistry and has fuelled my passion for combining scientific research and clinical practice. As I pursue my career in dentistry, I am excited to continue exploring the link between research and patient care, aiming to develop solutions that enhance patient wellbeing.”

Personal Statement Review

With our 48-hour turnaround, we ensure you get comprehensive feedback highlighting your strengths and weaknesses, constructive criticism, and help you maintain professionalism. Our review process aims to empower you to present your best self in your medical or dental school applications.

Extracurricular Activities

In this section, you can discuss aspects of your life beyond dentistry and academics. Highlighting these areas demonstrates that you are a well-rounded person with diverse interests, capable of managing your time effectively and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. You might mention your involvement in sports or hobbies, explaining how these activities have developed your skills and benefited you personally and professionally. By linking these experiences to a career in dentistry, you can demonstrate how your well-rounded background contributes to your effectiveness and resilience in the field.

Any Relevant Experience with Leadership

Dentists are leaders of a clinical team while working as part of that team is hugely important, it is also vital that you can demonstrate leadership when required. You can use examples such as school captaincy or being the leader of a club. If you volunteer or work, you can use examples of when you had to take control of certain situations. Discuss how you dealt with these and how your actions prove that you are an ideal candidate for the course.

Recent Dental Current Affairs That Have Interested You

in this section, you should aim to demonstrate your awareness of issues within the field, your enthusiasm for ongoing developments, and how these issues relate to your aspirations and values as a future dentist. You should begin by introducing the dental or medical current affair that has caught your attention. Make sure to give enough context so that its relevance is clear. Continue to add more detail and description to the issue and any key facts or figures. Continue to elaborate on why this is important to you. Connect it to your personal experiences, or values. This is an excellent opportunity to show genuine passion for the field. Finally, reflect on how this issue has influenced you and your future goals in dentistry. An example of this paragraph is shown below discussing the oral microbiome:

“A recent development in the field of dentistry which has caught my interest is the increasing focus on oral microbiome research and its implications for overall health. The oral microbiome is crucial for maintaining oral health and has links to systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. My fascination with this topic began during a research project for school, where I learned about the connections between oral and overall health. This research highlights the importance of preventative care and comprehensive treatment in dentistry. As I pursue my dental education, I am eager to contribute to this field, promoting overall health through informed, evidence-based practices.”

Personal Attributes

These qualities, while like skills, are more inherent traits that you naturally possess. They form the foundation of you as a dentist and significantly impact your performance in the field. These personal attributes are crucial as they influence how you interact with patients, handle the demands of the profession, and navigate complex situations. Demonstrating these attributes shows that you have a natural aptitude for a successful career in dentistry.

Resilience and patience

While a highly rewarding career, dentistry can sometimes be quite tough, it is important that you are able to describe and demonstrate how you manage stress and stay calm when dealing with challenging situations. You can use examples from your part-time job or volunteering, where there was a high-pressure situation and how you dealt with it appropriately.

Willing to continuously learn

Not only as a dental student but also as a dentist, you must be able to adapt to constantly evolving treatments and regulations. Emphasise how this appeals to you and how much you value education and continuous learning.

Ethical and professional behaviour

Dentists are always responsible for patients, and with that comes a certain level of ethical and professional responsibility to ensure the well-being of patients. Show your understanding of dental ethics and how you have demonstrated this in other areas of your life.

In this section, you should summarise all the key points you have discussed throughout your statement. Reflect on how your passion for dentistry, combined with your work experience, volunteering, and personal hobbies, collectively make you an excellent candidate for the course. Highlight your continuous commitment to pursuing a career in dentistry and discuss the motivation behind your choice of this field. Briefly revisit the most impactful experiences that have uniquely prepared you for dental school and a career in dentistry. Emphasise the specific skills and qualities you possess, and how they make you perfectly suited for this course and career.

Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

Seeing a patient try on a newly repaired denture revealed an immediate boost in confidence and clarity of speech, demonstrating how dentists can profoundly enhance a person’s everyday life. The patient’s appreciation underscored the deeply rewarding nature of dentistry and its profound physical and psychological impact on individuals. The ability of dentists to guide patients in rebuilding their smiles and relieving discomfort fueled my desire to pursue a career in dentistry.

While shadowing a dentist performing cavity fillings on an anxious patient, I realized the critical importance of empathetic communication. The dentist used the tell-show-do method to build trust, giving the patient control by allowing her to pause the procedure if she felt uneasy. This experience highlighted the importance of establishing trust within a dental practice, showing how such strategies can reassure nervous patients that the dental team is acting in their best interest. My four-month volunteer work at a local hospital allowed me to cultivate similar caring qualities, actively listening to patients’ concerns and helping them feel more comfortable.

Participating in an online course about technological advances in dentistry introduced me to innovative techniques that can significantly improve patients’ oral health. I was captivated by the way 3D printing technology can replicate the structure and colour gradient of teeth, enhancing both function and appearance. With the constant emergence of new techniques, I recognize the necessity for dentists to stay informed about the latest developments to provide the highest standard of care. My exploration of continuous professional development reinforced this understanding, emphasizing that patient-centred care is at the core of dentistry.

During my two-week work experience, I observed the intricacies involved in dental procedures, particularly during an extraction. The manual dexterity required was apparent when the dentist carefully sutured the flap. Engaging in mosaic design during GCSE art and taking a pottery course pushed me to work within fine margins, which honed my hand-eye coordination skills.

In several practices I observed, the concept of four-handed dentistry was prominent, with nurses assisting dentists by skillfully managing aspirators. This underscored the collaborative environment in which dentists operate, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual support. Serving as the science prefect at my school, I was part of a large team and developed a strong commitment to lifelong learning. This role involved leading scientific discussions and giving presentations on oral-systemic health links to younger students, promoting the importance of oral hygiene. These experiences bolstered my confidence and allowed me to advocate for preventive care, a key responsibility of dentists alongside restoring smiles.

It became clear that effective leadership is essential for dentists, who are responsible for both a patient’s oral health and the overall treatment process. My role as a cadet leader with St John Ambulance for a year helped me enhance my communication skills by guiding cadets of all ages in first aid training. This was particularly important when working with cadets who had special educational needs, where I had to balance clear instruction with compassion.

As a volunteer retail assistant at Barnardo’s charity for over a year, I adapted to working under pressure while maintaining composure, similar to how dentists must manage time constraints and stress. Regular swimming sessions have helped me develop a healthy work-life balance by providing an outlet for stress relief.

Through reflection and research, I have come to understand that dentistry is a challenging yet rewarding profession, comprising dedicated and dynamic professionals. I am eager to pursue my goal of improving people’s lives by enhancing their smiles and advocating for oral health.

Dentistry Personal Statement Review

Dentistry is an exceptionally competitive field in the UK, with many applicants competing for limited spots. A well-crafted personal statement is crucial to stand out, as it allows applicants to emphasize relevant experiences and showcase essential personal attributes that can make an applicant more appealing to admissions committees. Tailoring the statement to align with the specific values and criteria of each dental school further enhances the chances of admission. MedicHut can support candidates with their  personal statements , ensure that the statement meets the specific requirements of UK dental schools and help them get the most out of their experiences.

Speak to an admissions expert today!

Related posts.

How to Become a Dentist in the UK

Dentistry MMI Questions & Answers

Some of our partners.

• [email protected]
• +91 90618 64583

• Graduate School
• Medical School

January 20th, 2023

Dental School Personal Statement with Examples – A Comprehensive Guide 2023

Worried about your personal statement ?

Need to know how to write a personal statement for dental school?

Your dental school personal statement is an effective way to show your career goals in the field of dentistry.

Here, we analyze:

• Things to include
• Ways to write
• How to explain receiving lower marks
• Professional tips

What is Dental School Personal Statement?

The dental school personal statement is a document that applicants write themselves to highlight their interest in the course and their various relevant achievements. Typically, it contains 500–750 words in two pages.

Why Do You Need a Well Structured Personal Statement?

Of all the components of your dental school application, your personal statement is by far the most important.

Wondering why?

We’ll explain.

• To persuade the readers that you are a suitable candidate for the course.
• To increase the chances of acceptance.
• To make a sincere and honest impression on the admissions committee.
• To understand your personality and abilities.
• To prove your subject-matter expertise.
• To understand your passion and career goals.

What You Should Address

The format and style of personal statements for dentistry schools vary depending on the colleges.

However, most of the personal statements provide answers to the following questions:

What made you choose dentistry?

Your strong reasons for choosing dentistry should be discussed here.

It can be developed with any unique stories, incidents, etc.

What qualities do you possess that will allow you to succeed as a dentist?

Describe your dental skills and capabilities.

Try to relate them to tales or events so that they make sense.

What do you hope to accomplish in the field of dentistry?

Talk about the things you want to pursue following the course, including your career goals.

They should be able to tell how passionate you are.

What kind of dental experience do you have?

Talk about your professional experiences and the lessons you’ve learned from them.

Being sincere and authentic while describing experiences is important.

NEED EXPERTS HELP FOR WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT? CLICK HERE NOW!

What Length Should a Personal Statement for Dental School Be?

Depending on the institution you want to attend, the length of your dental school personal statement will vary.

You can follow the rules below if you don’t have any parameters.

No of pages –

Word count –, no. of characters –, best fonts –, font size –.

Read more here:

How Should I Explain My Poor Grades or Unfavorable Data?

You are not forced to explain to them if you choose not to!

But, a personal statement could be used as an opportunity that allows you to explain details on what you’ve learned or how you have overcome poor scores or experiences in your course.

If you plan to write it, succinctly summarize the experience and then explain what you learned and how you evolved as a result.

Avoid making any negative claims or justifications.

How to Write an Excellent Dental School Personal Statement in Six Easy Steps

The writing process is tough and challenging.

Therefore, we’ll briefly examine six steps to write a dental school personal statement that stands out.

Start by collecting information about various sections in your dental school personal statement. Get to know yourself as well as you can.

Find a way to structure your ideas once you’ve decided what to include in your personal statement. It calls for a fresh, creative approach.

Create an outline for your personal statement for dental school. It is a basic outline that allows you to see how the points should be organized.

Next, write your first draft of your personal statement for dental school. Once you’ve written it, you’ll know how to make it perfect.

Check your personal statement for any grammatical or syntactical problems.

Additionally, request the feedback of your friends on your dental school personal statement.

You will be able to create your final dental school personal statement after writing multiple drafts and editing. Submit it after careful proofreading.

How to Organize

Introduction.

The opening of your personal statement is indeed the finest place to communicate your passion and commitment to dentistry to the admissions committee, which is seeking applicants who can prove their drive to study dentistry.

Answer the following questions in your introduction.

What is your motivation to choose dentistry?

Your reasons for selecting dentistry should be explained using a storytelling narrative.

Any specific incident that has drawn you to the field?

If you have any particular events or incidents related to the field of dentistry,  explain them.

An example of an introduction;

“I had the opportunity to visit our family dentist every 6 months while growing up. Due to my excellent oral health and lack of any dental issues, these visits were part of my routine. But it changed when my two front teeth were broken in an accident. They were fixed by my dentist, and they appeared much better than before. My desire to become a dentist was clear at that point. I believe that dentistry is the ideal practice, which will help me to serve others in a similar way that my dentist served me.”

Depending on the material, you can break up your main body into many paragraphs.

You should explain here what experience, qualities, skills, etc. make you a dentist.

Do you have any remarkable academic accomplishments in dentistry?

Describe your honours, projects, and other achievements in the field of dentistry.

The conclusion, which serves as the final section of your personal statement, can help you summarise the important points you’ve presented.

• Your career objectives
• How taking this program will enable you to accomplish it

Dental Residency Personal Statement Examples

My personal encounters with dentists are what sparked my interest in dentistry. I have had crooked teeth since I was a child, but I never gave it a second thought. Once I started high school, however, things started to change. My smile and teeth caught people’s attention, and they picked on me. I initially avoided such bullies, but later I started to doubt whether or not that’s the truth. As a result, I cut off all interaction with others and became reclusive. When my mother noticed that I was concerned about my teeth, she referred me to a dentist. First off, I didn’t have any faith in my dentist. After getting braces, I really started to admire their job because now that I had good teeth, I kept getting compliments on them and I believe my dentist deserved the credit for it. I always had a feeling that my dentist had changed my life for the better. But after some reflection, I realised that making someone smile is not always easy. To do that, you must possess the necessary desire and goodness. In the dentist, I saw that. As a result, I finished my medical education and chose to pursue a dental specialization. I believe that there are many rewards for working in dental health care. One important satisfying reward is that dentists can help people to regain their confidence and smile.

My opportunity to ensure my future and pursue higher education depended on gaining the appropriate experiences and exposure to the field. I therefore found it really exciting to be working at the dental section at the Government Hospital Kottayam while I was studying. While I was there, I had the privilege to train with multiple dentists and see a broad variety of oral treatments, including fillings, fissure sealing, aligners, implants, root – end treatments, and more. I gained insight into the daily world of a dentist and realized that this career needs not just patient treatment skills but also good communication, connectedness, and coordination skills. I considered this to be a very intimate field and was intrigued with how everybody functioned in properly designed units .

In college, I had the opportunity to join a variety of clubs, including the Nature Club, the Community Club, the Book Club, and others. I also served as the Nature Club’s president. I value the work we undertake and honestly believe that attending these clubs has inspired me to become more involved in the college environment. They reflect both my leadership skills and my ability to work well in a team. For two years in college, I was the class representative. In my role as the class representative, I was able to handle disagreement and work with challenging students. Furthermore, I believe that it greatly helped in my capacity to effectively manage a variety of patients in the field of dentistry.

In the future, I want to run a private clinic in my birth country where I can help the community and people just like my dentist did. I aspire to become a socially conscious dentist with the best instruction and resources offered by your university. A grin can make someone feel confident, and doing everything in your power to make them smile is priceless.

Example 2 – Personal Statement for Pediatric Dentistry

The habits we form while young not only stick with us for the rest of our lives, but they can also have a long-term effect on our health. I have learned this from my experience. My parents continue to tell me how adamant I was about brushing my teeth when I was a child. I had terrible tooth stains, cavities, and other dental issues even at a young age. The state of my teeth startled my dentist. Such dental issues at such an early age were something he never anticipated. I have undergone therapies, yet my dental health issues persisted. My early habits, I suppose, are what led to this. They had an impact on me in one way or another, and it took me a long time to change my course. Years of experience made me realize that anything I needed to do should have been done when I was a child. Even if children aren’t concerned, teaching them proper dental hygiene habits is important for their development. I didn’t want my kids or other children to go through what I did. But it took some time for me to have that awareness. At that point, I began to consider starting my career by pursuing paediatric dentistry.

When I was volunteering at a dental facility close to my home, I discovered that many adults who came in had no proper access to dental health which many of us take for granted. What we see today is a result of their lack of oral hygiene knowledge and practices. Thus, I made the decision to make sure that young children in my community had access to resources and were aware of appropriate dental hygiene practices. I should help pave the way in dental care if I want to create a healthy future for the children. My time spent in the paediatric clinic at the dental school was pleasurable. Each dental procedure is done with utmost care since children are growing and developing. I had the opportunity to observe and participate in a number of dental treatments, including cleanings and root canals. After watching them, I understood that the profession doesn’t just concentrate on the cure. But, dentists also work with patients as well as family and provide support for families. I am excited to engage in this kind of work in the future as a paediatric dentist.

A paediatric dentist should possess not just effective medical abilities and knowledge but also great leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Given that dentistry involves working with children, communication is crucial. As a paediatric dentist, your success depends on your ability to interact and communicate with children. I had the opportunity to interact with children while volunteering at the dental clinic. One day, a young kid of seven visited the clinic complaining of severe dental ache. The tooth needed to be pulled because of a cavity, the dentist said. The dentist gave me the opportunity to explain these facts to the boy and persuade him to undergo treatment. Despite my anxiety and worry, I saw it as a challenge. Amal was his name, and he was terrified of the process and the dentist. I took a seat next to him and offered a mildly amusing explanation. He asked me what to do when he finally stopped crying. He thus decided to go forward with it and requested for my support throughout. I was glad to do that. Thus, I came to the realisation that a person in this field needs to have a pleasant personality and effective communication skills. I will be able to attain a more in-depth knowledge of the subject and increase my flexibility for functioning within small places due to the coursework and experiences I receive during the course.

After the course, I will open my own dental clinic where I can interact with children to not only cure their dental problems but also educate them on developing good habits. In India, eight out of ten children have various kinds of oral conditions, and as part of my initiative, I desire to do everything I can to improve the children’ dental health over time.

How to Use These Samples?

You’ve now finished reading the sample personal statements for dental school.

How should you apply these examples in your writing, though?

These samples show the way of writing.

So in a way, it serves as a reminder for you.

• Abide by the rules ( if specified)
• Maintain the word limit
• In your writing, be optimistic.
• Must be free of grammar mistakes.
• Create separate paragraphs.

How to Avoid Mistakes

• Spend time and effort planning your personal statement for dental school.
• Describe how you learned the abilities you have.
• Read continuously. You can detect flaws in your statement by reading it.
• Remember to proofread.
• Detail-oriented writing is necessary.

Tips From the Pros

To help you in drafting a powerful personal statement for dental residency, the most experienced writers have provided the following tips.

Let’s look at them!

Avoid using jargon, clichés, or complex phrases that you will not normally use in conversations.

Always keep in mind that dental institutions need to get to understand the real you.

Think creatively and uniquely

Describe how you would enhance the field and patient care, as this will set you apart from other competitors.

Share a narrative

In order to avoid plagiarism, make absolutely sure that your essay is a unique story. Use a narrative style when writing.

Review the document

Request feedback by asking a friend or expert to read your writing.

Ask them to evaluate the essay and provide comments on how to improve it.

Take your time

Allow yourself enough time to prepare your thoughts, write effectively, and proofread.

The more time you take, the more powerful your personal statement will be.

Let’s conclude!

You can create a strong and confident statement that understands the needs of the admissions committee by using the instructions given above. Thus, your chances of getting an interview will increase!

We sincerely hope that our description of the dental school personal statement was helpful to you .

Adding comments and sharing our blog with your friends are both appreciated if you find it informative.

Mrs Jizah M

Mrs Jizah M has always enjoyed writing down her thoughts since school days. What just started as a hobby slowly transformed into a passion. Her writing skills were first acknowledged by few of her professors when she wrote content for the college website; this was a turing. Slowly she started getting freelance works and later on, a series of events led her to specialize in academic and higher education related documentations. In additional to personal statements, she along with her team writes LORs, SOPs, college application essays, admission essays and all similar types of documents.

Get in touch

Fill in the form below, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Related posts

How to Write a Perfect Residency Personal Statement in 2023 | A Complete Guide

WE ALSO OFFER:

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Refund and Cancellation Policy

Copyright © 2022 Best Personal Statement Writer | All Rights Reserved

Code + Design by CreativeLeaves.com

Dental School Personal Statement Example: How to write a great Dental Personal Statement

Everybody here plans on taking the Dental Admission Test plans to enter a good dental school. The thing is that, as you may know by now, to get into your preferred school, you need more than just a good score on the DAT. You will also need a great persona statement letter. This is why we’re bringing to your attention a great dental school personal statement example.

You can think of a personal statement letter as a very short, one-sided, resume on what your biggest accomplishments are. This personal statement is fundamental for schools, as it tells them what kind of a person you are and why you want to enrol with them. We’re sure you can appreciate a great dental school personal statement example just for you.

Below we’ll be breaking down the actual example in different paragraphs. We will also address the most important points and you should transmit with your personal statement. Without further ado let’s dive right into the actual example. Remember that this is just a dental school personal statement example, you’re free to change the format if you want.

Dental School Personal Statement Example.

First two paragraphs..

“My natural curiosity for the way things work often got me in trouble as a child. Many remotes, toys, and even house phones became victims of my destructive tinkering. To keep my mind and more importantly, my hands occupied. My parents involved me in various community service projects through the church we attended weekly. In time I stopped taking things apart and started using my hands for more constructive purposes. From delivering hot meals to the elderly, to building and repairing homes for low-income families in the Appalachian Mountains. My hands have become the cornerstone of my efforts to help others. My involvement in MOUNT, a service and leadership-based scholar program at the University of Toledo, has provided me the avenue through which I have been able to continue my community involvement in college.

The first time I even considered dentistry as a career was during a weeklong service experience in Guachochi, Mexico. There I first assisted my father as he provided dental care in the rural mountain villages. Coming from people that rarely ever saw medical professionals of any kind, the wide smiles, and tears of joy that thanked us not only changed my understanding of dentistry. But more importantly, my understanding of serving others through the use of my hands. I began to see the dental profession as less of occupation and more as a life commitment to serve the community. It was in those remote mountains of Mexico that I decided I wanted to change the lives of people through dentistry. “

Mid paragraph.

“Following graduation from high school I began working in both private insurance and Medicaid practices to broaden my scope of the dental Field. While my experiences in Mexico made me keenly aware of the underserved populations globally. The hours I spent at the Medicaid office shadowing Dr. Michael Richards, highlighted the underserved in my own community. In addition to a lack of access, the population I began working with was also underserved through a lack of health education. In most cases, the people I encountered at the Medicaid office were either already in pain. Or suffering from serious dental disease that could have been avoided had they known about the many preventable measures available to them. I soon realized how critical it was to take the time to personally explain to each patient the importance of regular check-ups, proper hygiene techniques, and how oral health affects overall health.

Optional part.

In addition to learning the unique business model of a Medicaid office. I also learned how to treat and speak to patients in a manner sensitive to a variety of cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Dr. Richard’s interaction with patients, as well as his commitment to care and education. Continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for me as I pursue a career in dentistry.”

As a conclusion.

“Entering college, my work in the community and love of dentistry continued to flourish, however. The unfamiliar structure of college exposed a need to develop new study habits and time management skills. Although I did not perform poorly in my freshman year, it wasn’t until the middle of my sophomore year that I realized in order to achieve my goal of becoming a dentist I would need to excel. Starting with a regular sleep schedule and daily review after class. I began to hone the habits that I believed would be necessary for success in dental school.

A little more history.

"The following spring yielded better grades, affirming my improvement. In addition, I elected to attend the Summer Medicaid and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) at Case Western Reserve University. This served as the academic enrichment I needed as I focused on effective study habits. My time management and study skills were tested and proven successful by the 3.72 GPA of my science-intensive junior year. I am confident that with these acquired skills I will be successful in dental school.

By becoming a dentist, I can continue to use my hands for service and literally bring smiles to the faces of the people I encounter daily. My dream is to one day open my own Medicaid office where I can treat and educate the community in which I live. In addition, I hope to become a model of encouragement to other underrepresented minority students pursuing dentistry in the same manner that my father, Dr. Richards, and others were to me. “

A brief warning.

Remember that this is just a dental school personal statement example. You should, and must, change this letter in any way that you see fit. Names and places are not to be taken literally. Ideally, what you have to imitate here is the format of the letter and the overall message.

You should also be as honest as possible in your personal statement, you won’t be helping yourself faking motivation. I hope you make great use of this dental school personal statement example. Let’s move on to breaking down the most important points presented in the letter.

Points to consider.

As you may see from reading our dental school personal statement example, there are several major points to consider. We can break them down by order of importance in the following.

• Organization or flow.

Perception.

• Vocabulary.
• Persuasion.
• Uniqueness.
• Confidence.

Now let’s take a look at the major four points that will need to consider for your own personal statement.

Every single person that reads your statement will first and foremost evaluate your grammar. If there are any obvious errors that stand out like spelling, punctuation usage or formatting, this could be a problem for you. One or two mistakes are easy to pass, but a large number not so much. Your grammar reflects how much effort you’re willing to place on your application to dental school. At the very least that’s what the admission committee will think.

Take the time to fix simple and common errors, you can also make someone else read the personal statement to see if there are any other mistakes. Luckily fixing grammar errors and mistakes are much simpler than fixing your resume. Covering this you will have much less to worry about. In the event that you do have someone else read your statement, you should ask for their input on your message.

Organization or Flow.

The next factor the admission committee takes into consideration is the organization of your statement. You have to make sure that every idea you input has its proper place, otherwise, the flow of your statement might not be so good. This is very important for the committee since they will be evaluating part of your logical and cohesion skills. If you’re capable of proving a great flow for your personal statement, then they will be much more inclined towards accepting you.

You must always follow a logical timeline, referencing life experiences that have led you to where you are. Since your personal statement is your own, you will have to figure out how to do this yourself. The good news is that you can take full advantage of our dental school personal statement example above. Using it you can see how the train of thoughts works and follows a straight line. Be sure to make every comment where it would be the most suited, and pay extra attention to the thesis statement. The thesis statement must have a place at the beginning of your personal statement, as an example of one we would recommend the following.

“After having gone on a dental mission trip to Mexico and working in various dental clinics. I have learned that dentistry will allow me to combine my manual dexterity with my desire to treat the underprivileged while constantly being challenged to improve myself professionally and as a person.”

The thesis statement is used to give readers a general idea of what kind of person the applicant is.

Have you ever got tired of listening to someone when that person beats around the bush a lot? This is exactly why clarity in your personal statement is very important. You must be precise and clear when it comes to what you’re trying to say and get across to your readers. If you mention a trip to a different place, then make sure that the admission committee knows why that trip was important for your future in dentistry.

The admission committee can be very discouraged to finish reading a personal statement if the idea of it is not clear. Take our dental school personal statement example as a basis to follow in terms of clarity. Remember that every single applicant is there to get into dental school. So don’t be shy, be precise and clear when transmitting your ideas and why you want to get into dental school.

People reading a letter or some other piece of information will create a mental image of what they read. This is what we mean with perception. Perception is critical for your chances of getting into dental school. Your personal statement must portray you as a person that deserves and wants to get into dental school. Whenever you’re concerned about this particular point you can ask yourself the following questions.

• Does this personal statement portray a future dentist?
• Does it portray an intelligent and responsible dental student?
• Does it represent who I really am in a positive manner?

These questions are all fundamental to create a good perception of yourself in the minds of the admission committee. Take extra care to use the proper words and the right language, the way you write can also say a lot about you.

All in all, perception can vary drastically depending on the person reading the personal statement. The best thing to do is to be yourself and ask yourself the questions above to see if your statement is accurately representing who you are and who, or rather what, you want to be.

Concluding our dental school personal statement example analysis.

As always DAT Prep can serve as a good source of preparation for the Dental Admission Test. Yet once that part is done you must concern yourself with what comes next, your future as a dental school student, hence this article. Remember that the DAT is just one step in a longer process, once you get into dental school, you’ll see for yourself.

When you think about how to write a good personal statement just think about our dental school personal statement example. It will make your work a lot easier. Analyze the parts that we didn’t mention and make sure to write a great personal statement that really reflects who you are, why you should be in dental school and what kind of dental professional you’re going to become once you graduate from dental school.

Organic Chemistry Lab Techniques.

Crack the dat review: should you spend the money, the dat exam, why become a dentist, what is a good, great, perfect dat score, how to memorize organic chemistry reactions, [email protected], stay up to date.

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

Writing Dental School Personal Statements That Inspires

Table of Contents

A well-written personal statement can be the cherry on top of your dental school application. It’s the perfect opportunity to tell the admissions committee more about you and why you’re worth a spot in their program.

If you need an extra dose of inspiration for your statement, we’ve got the perfect  dental school personal statement samples  just for you.

Aside from these winning samples, we’ll also be sharing some quick tips that will guide you in the writing process. Unlike your resume or profile, your personal statement goes deeper into who you are, your goals, and your interests. So don’t be afraid to get real!

Why Your Personal Statement Matters

A personal statement allows the admissions committee to get to know the applicant beyond their academic record. It can be used to highlight any unique experiences or qualifications that the applicant has .

Maybe you’re fluent in multiple languages or have experience working with underserved populations. These are all great details that can make your application stand out.

Your statement is also an opportunity to discuss why you’re interested in pursuing a career in dentistry and what led you to this field. Bring a good dentist is more than just good grades and standardized test scores. It’s also about your motivation and how you will serve others and make a significant difference in the lives of our patients.

Dental School Personal Statement Samples

I have always been interested in the field of dentistry and how it can improve people’s lives. I am fascinated by how dental work can restore someone’s smile and confidence. Aside from that, I also love working with my hands, and dentistry would be a perfect fit.

In high school, I was involved in several extracurricular activities, including theatre and robotics club. My experience with robotics has taught me how to take things apart and put them back together again. I think this will come in handy as a dentist!

I’ve always known that I wanted to be a dentist. When I was younger, my parents would take me to the dentist’s office for checkups. I loved playing in the waiting room and watching the doctors work on their patient’s teeth. It seemed like such an interesting and important job. 

As I got older, I realized that being a dentist isn’t just about fixing teeth. It’s about helping people maintain their oral health so they can have healthy mouths for years to come. That’s why I want to be a dentist myself – to help others achieve good dental health and improve their overall quality of life. 

I’m confident that with my passion for dentistry and strong academic record, makes me a good fit for this program. And once I am accepted into dental school, nothing will stand in my way of becoming a successful dentist!

In pursuing dentistry, I have recognized a unique opportunity to help others while also developing my skills. Dentistry has always interested me because it is both analytical and creative, requiring the effective application of scientific principles and an appreciation for aesthetics. 

Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals, I was constantly exposed to the positive impact that medicine can have on people’s lives. My mother is a registered nurse, and my father is a pharmacist – both of whom inspired me with their dedication to helping others. Being someone who wants to make meaningful contributions in life, pursuing dentistry feels like the perfect choice. 

In addition to my clinical interest in dentistry, I am passionate about research and education. During my undergraduate study at McGill University, I worked extensively on campus researching new methods for diagnosing dental caries and periodontal disease. In addition, I taught oral health promotion programs to junior high school students throughout Montreal. These experiences confirmed my desire to provide treatment and educate patients about how they can improve their oral health outcomes. This combination of clinical experience and educational outreach makes me ideally suited for a career in dentistry .

Quick Tips For Writing a Winning Personal Statement

•  Start with an attention-grabbing opening sentence. 
• Be specific and personal in your statements about why you want to pursue dentistry as a career. 
• Demonstrate that you have done your research on dental schools and the profession of dentistry overall. 
• Highlight any relevant experience or volunteer work you have done in the field of dentistry or healthcare, generally speaking.
• Don’t forget to make sure your grammar, spelling, and punctuation are all correct. Nothing says sloppy than writing that’s full of errors!

Final Words

Your personal statement details your motivation for the field and your experiences that reflect your personal qualities. It can show a different side of you that they won’t be able to see in your application.

Hopefully, these winning  dental school personal statement samples  have given you the inspiration you need to make a stand-out statement. Good luck!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Write Personal Statement Articles

How to draft meaningful length of law school personal statement.

Are you confused on how to write a law school personal statement? One of the essential elements of your application…

• Write Personal Statement

Effective History and International Relations Personal Statement to Try

Are you considering studying history and international relations? Or you may be curious about what a degree in this field…

Guide to Quality Global Management Personal Statement

Are you applying for a global management program and want to stand out from the crowd? A well-written personal statement…

How to Draft Better Examples of Personal Statements for Residency

Achieving a residency can be a massive accomplishment for any aspiring medical professional. To secure your spot in one of…

Tips for Drafting a Free Example of Personal History Statement

A personal history statement can be crucial to many applications, from university admissions to job search processes. This blog will…

Writing Compelling Dietetic Internship Personal Statement

Applying for a dietetic internship is a rigorous process and requires submitting a personal statement, which is an essential part…