best dentistry personal statement examples

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10 Dental School Personal Statement Examples

Including key tips for a strong dental school personal statement.

Before you start crafting your own stellar dental school personal statement, you must review some dental school personal statement examples. Why? These sample essays can help you brainstorm and reflect on what you would like to include in your essay. This blog dives into some dental school personal statement examples from our own past successful students, and then our dental school advisors will go over our proven strategies to help you create your own from scratch! As you review these examples keep in mind that these are final works and the result of multiple rounds of reviews by our admissions experts as part of our application review programs. Writing fantastic statements for dental school requires patience and multiple rounds of revisions before a perfect statement can be written.

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Article Contents 15 min read

Dental school personal statement example #1.

In the final moments of a key game in a hockey tournament, I jumped over the boards and onto the ice without putting my mouth guard back in place. It was attached to my helmet, but I had a chance for the puck, and I took it. Moments later, an opponent’s stick caught me in the face, knocking out my front tooth. Play stopped, and my team found my tooth on the ice. I looked to the bleachers. My mom was already on the phone getting initial instructions from our dentist for saving the tooth. Within 15 minutes, we were outside the clinic as my dentist unlocked the door, despite it being a Saturday night. As I was treated within half an hour, my tooth could be saved by stabilizing it as it healed. Until that moment, I thought of my dentist as someone I only saw every six months; I hadn’t seen her as a critical part of my healthcare team.

I realized from this experience that time is a factor in dental care, and thus a career in dentistry. My tooth was saved because I lived in an urban centre and had immediate access to care, not to mention the continuity of care I’ve had since I was a child. My mother is employed and has good dental coverage, but this is not the case for many. Without timely check-ups, both oral and medical issues that could be detected and prevented can become more serious conditions.

With this awareness, I have for the last 6 years volunteered in two ways. In the time since my hockey accident, I’ve worked with my dentist on a safety awareness campaign for young hockey players and their families, teaching about the necessity of mouth guards, as well as how a quick response to such injuries may help in recovery. I’ve also worked alongside dentists for the Smiling Children Foundation in vulnerable neighborhoods, where dental neglect is not uncommon, and continuity of care is rare. Recently, we set up a mobile clinic in a school, where I record personal information and take a medical history for each child. A young boy, 10 years old, complained of constant headaches and pain in his body. Upon examination, the dentist noticed his gums were dark purple in places and bled easily. Our team alerted a community doctor of a potential immune disorder, and the young boy was diagnosed and treated, returning to good health within months. That day, I learned that oral healthcare is holistic healthcare, and that it is a privilege to support those who may not have time, resources, or access to oral healthcare.

I have had this privilege in what began as dental shadowing and is now part-time employment, where I liaise between patients and insurance companies, manage team schedules, and comfort anxious patients. This might be as simple as holding a hand while the dentist performs the procedure. Or, I might hold a baby while the father sees the hygienist. I’ve learned to read an X-ray accurately, prepare the instruments needed for a procedure, and balance the books. I have been mentored by both a medical and business professional, and I have borne witness to our patients’ high and low points. I have worked hard to understand what goes into growing and maintaining a successful dental practice and feel capable to meet the challenge of the multiple roles required in this dynamic vocation.

It bears mentioning why my first-year grades are not what I’d hoped they would be. I joined a good number of co-curricular clubs with the intention of participating in our campus community and developing my professional skills. By midterm, I realized I had oversubscribed myself. Unfortunately, willpower and desire were not enough. My grades suffered as I tried to manage my responsibilities. By attending time management seminars and learning to manage time rather than be managed by time, I was able retrieve my grades. From 2nd year forward, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA while moving up the ranks of student organizations and taking an active role in a research project. Resilience is like a muscle that needs time, exercise, and perseverance to build.

From a sports accident, to volunteer work in an underserved community, to employment in a dental office and an academic career that shows both mistakes and recovery, I have thought carefully about what dentistry is. A dentist is part of a larger healthcare team, and a dentist can often treat not only a single patient over decades, but provide intergenerational care to a family. I aspire to dentistry to accompany my patients through life, 6 months at a time, offering compassionate, whole-person healthcare. (4,497 characters, including spaces)

Inciting incident: the moment that influenced the student’s outlook on dentistry as a career is highlighted in spades. Seeing the structure here as almost like a story, you’re taking the reader on a journey from point A to point B. For the personal statement, your opening should hook in the reader. This writer does this well.
Addresses weaknesses: the student mentions how their first-year grades weren’t what they’d hoped for. They acknowledge their faults and briefly outline the circumstances without making excuses before getting into the most important part: what they did to improve or learn from their mistakes. If you’re in a position to use your personal statement as a way to address gaps or inconsistencies, then you can follow the same rule.
Major experiences are detailed: you need to show the admissions committee that dentistry is the right career for you. The best way to do this is to describe clinical experiences, ideally in a dental setting. The student who wrote this sample described their experiences shadowing, being a part-time employee, and volunteering at a foundation. If you have many experiences like these, don’t simply list them off, but select a few to describe in more depth.

Want some tips for writing a dental school personal statement? Check out this video:

"Ready, Set, Bake,” shouted the host of Bake-Off. I was 16 and a contestant of a televised baking show. Our 6th challenge gave us 3 hours to perfectly bake the most decadent and timing consuming dessert: the mille-feuille – layers of puff pastry, filled with whipped cream and custard, and glazed on top. Despite being the only teenager in a field of contestants ranging from 20-70 years of age, I’d made it through several days of cuts for one of the spots on the show. I wish I could say that my dessert was a masterpiece, but as the timer counted down and I plated it, the filling oozed, and the pastry crumbled. I’d made to the Top Six, but the mille-feuille defeated me and I was asked to hang up my apron. As I reflect on this experience, the solo and team challenges, the practice to get on the show, the mastery needed to gain a top spot, I realize that I’m grateful even for the defeat, because I learned valuable lessons that helped me develop key qualities and skills that are in-line with the core competencies necessary for dentistry, my chosen profession. Both dentistry and competitive baking require innovation and excellence, communication and accountability, and the necessity of precision, focus, and a steady hand.

Both of my parents are dentists. While the influence of their careers on my own access to knowledge cannot be underestimated, I have been deeply cognizant of making an autonomous career decision. That decision is my own, but my parents have admittedly opened unique conversations around ethics, technology, and patient care to me. My earliest memories include attending dental conferences with them and being encouraged to explore the Exhibits Floor, where I learned about the newest dental products and treatments and “test drove” the latest innovations in dentistry. I developed an aptitude for predicting which products and technologies were gimmicks and which would effectively support excellence in patient care. This knack has made me something of an informal consultant for my parents and their colleagues, who value my insights on innovation and efficacy of new treatments.

While technology is at the forefront of change, what remains consistent over time is the importance of communication and accountability to provide excellent patient care. I’ve had the privilege to shadow Dr. Ann Lee, an oral surgeon, over the past 3 years. Among many things, she showed me that inherent in communication is accountability. Many of her patients are children and teens having teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. The son of a family who had been Dr. Lee’s patients for over a decade arrived for a complicated wisdom tooth extraction. Despite familiarity with the family, the doctor painstakingly reviewed the extraction process to prepare them effectively. The procedure went well in the office; however, on the way home, the boy began haemorrhaging. An artery had been compromised during the surgery. I watched as Dr. Lee packed bone wax around the artery to stem the bleeding. What struck me about this experience was the standard of accountability to which the surgeon held herself, as she communicated with the family by phone, made a house call later that evening on her way home, and remained on-call over the weekend to ensure the safety and healing of the child. The family maintained their trust in Dr. Lee because of her open communication and sense of accountability. I also learned just how fragile and technical dental work is, requiring both dexterity and precision.

Volunteering in a dental brigade in Haiti, Mirlande, 6, taught me about vulnerability and trust. Mirlande was scared and reluctant to open her mouth for her first dental exam. I took her aside and, as she watched, I carved a perfect tooth from soap using dental instruments. I carved slowly and precisely, and then presented her with the gift. She put the tooth in her pocket and then allowed me to clean her teeth. I was immediately struck by the vulnerability of not only soft tissue, but of hearts, as she leaned back and opened her mouth in trust. This moment solidified my decision to become a dentist.

Though the earlier comparison between baking and dentistry is merely an analogy, it is one that suggests I have developed key skills and am aware of the core competencies a dentist must hold to best serve their patients professionally and ethically. Dentistry is my vocation, baking a hobby, but both speak to my investment in excellence, precision, and doing for others. (4,500 characters, including spaces)

A dental school personal statement is your opportunity to show admissions committees who you are as a person and aspiring dental professional, aside from your CV, GPA, Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) score, and other quantitative data. As any personal statement essay, the dental school personal essay should be a narrative account that gives the admissions committee the opportunity to learn more about you than what can be conveyed in a dry document like a CV or transcript.

For dental school ADEA AADSAS applications, the American Dental Education Association requires an essay of no more than 4,500 characters (including spaces), which must demonstrate your key personal qualities, aspirations, and reasons for pursuing a career in dentistry to the schools to which you are applying. This process isn’t as standardized in Canadian programs, so you’ll need to check the application requirements for the programs and schools to which you are applying to see if a personal statement is required. In doing so, you can also learn whether there are any specific requirements regarding the length of the essay, whether there is a specific prompt to which you must respond in your dental school personal statement, and whether there are any other application requirements.

Want some more personal statement examples? Watch this video:

Writing a Strong Dental School Personal Statement

If you're applying to dental schools in Canada or the US, a personal statement, or similar essay, is often required as part of your application package, regardless of whether you're applying through AADSAS or TMDSAS . It’s important to craft a statement that draws from your experiences, such as your dental school extracurriculars. You can also refer to your dental school application experience examples , or even your dental school letter of recommendation for help. This blog will help you understand the key things you must do (and that you must avoid) in composing your essay, with dental school personal statement examples that demonstrate these strategies, so that you can draft the strongest, most compelling dental school personal statement possible.

1. Tell a story

Ideally, you will craft a story or detail a defining moment that helped you realize why this is the profession you want to pursue. Providing an anecdote or vignette – perhaps an experience you’ve had as a dental patient, an interaction you’ve witnessed as a volunteer or while shadowing a dental care professional, a story about someone you know, etc., – is often a useful way of giving the evaluators a window into your life and motivations.

2. Demonstrate why you’re a “good fit”

Your dental school personal statement should also express why you are a strong candidate and a "good fit" for the school and program, while stirring the interest of your reader. Review our blog, dental school acceptance rates to find out which schools are best suited for you. Admissions committees will review hundreds of these personal statements, so draw on the values of the profession and the mission of the institution to highlight your alignment with the vision and goals of this vocation, and do so in a way that is engaging and enjoyable to read. Again, narrative is a great way of doing this – people love stories and are often naturally drawn in by them. Bear this in mind as you begin drafting your essay.

Here are some more tips for writing a dental school personal statement:

3. Be authentic and readable

In your personal statement, you want to present your very best self, emphasizing your genuine passion for the field and your enthusiasm for working in a healthcare profession like dentistry. Don’t try to cram in complicated terminology or jargon, thinking it will make you sound smarter (it won’t – true experts know how to explain their ideas effectively to an audience of non-specialists), and don’t rely on clichés (e.g., “I want to help people” – this is a lovely desire, but it’s over-used and too generic). Use polished prose that represents your genuine voice and reasons for pursuing the profession, and write in a way that will be comprehensible even to those outside this particular specialization. This can take practice. You might go through multiple drafts of your essay before you’re confident in submitting it. If you’re having trouble getting to this point, consider dental school admissions consulting .

4. Express your desired contributions to the field

Quite simply, you need to explain why you will be a good dentist, in both practical terms and in terms of devoting yourself to patient care. You need to show that you know how to become a dentist in terms of skills and experience; there will be other opportunities to address other aspects of your candidacy through things like the dental school manual dexterity question or the multiple mini interview (MMI) collaboration station . For now, answer the following questions: what does it mean to you to dedicate yourself to the profession and to patients? What experiences have you had with the dental profession so far, and how have these impacted you? What are your priorities as an aspiring dentist? Thinking through these questions, while also pointing to concrete experiences or accomplishments that support your responses, will help the committee see not just who you are now, but who you are working to become as you pursue the goal of becoming a dental professional.

Need help with your dental school application? Learn what our students say about our services:

Things to Avoid in a Dental School Personal Statement

Here are some key “don’ts” in composing your dental school personal statement:

1. Don’t summarize your CV

Your personal statement shouldn’t simply repeat information available elsewhere in your application materials. Referring to experiences discussed in those materials, for the purpose of expanding on them or contextualizing them, is fine. Just ensure that you’re actually doing that work and demonstrating the significance of the experience(s) you describe. For example, if your CV indicates that you’ve done volunteer work at a dental clinic or with an organization, it’s totally fine to discuss this volunteer work in your personal statement; however, that discussion must go beyond what is offered in your other application materials. Your dental school personal statement shouldn't be a dry recitation of events in your CV. It should be a persuasive and engaging work that draws on just a few select experiences that epitomize your interests, priorities, and the work you've done so far in working toward becoming a dentist. For example, instead of giving names, dates, and general facts about your experience as a volunteer, you can tell a story of a particularly meaningful accomplishment or interaction, reflecting on how it helped solidify your desire to pursue this career.

2. Don’t dwell on negative experiences

If you’ve overcome challenges or if there are less-than-ideal aspects of your educational experience so far (such as a term where your GPA took a dip), it’s fine to address these in a personal statement essay. However, it is crucial that you reflect on this from a perspective of growth, resiliency, and capacity for improvement, rather than focusing on the negatives. If your grades took a hit one term because of extenuating circumstances, by all means, take some time to explain this, if you think it will be helpful (and it often is). However, the discussion around the circumstances should be minimal – just a set-up for a more substantial discussion of what you learned, how you grew, etc. – and you shouldn’t use this as an opportunity to make excuses. Rather, briefly describe the event, own up to your mistake or misstep (if applicable), and then spend the most time explaining how you addressed the issue, how you moved past it, and why you will be a better future professional for having gone through it.

Probably the biggest mistake students make is to not take the personal statement seriously enough, waiting until just a few days before it’s due to even begin. You must begin early – a strong personal statement essay can take months and numerous revisions to be the best it can possibly be. You need to put a lot of thought into this document, as it is a very important component of your application. This is your chance – and often your only chance – to address the evaluators on a human level, prior to answering dental school interview questions , including MMI questions . So, rather than thinking of this as a chore, think of it as an opportunity to demonstrate your best self to the admissions committee.

4. Don’t submit your dental school personal statement without getting expert feedback

The personal statement isn’t just about what you’ve done, it’s about who you are – what your values are, what your priorities are, what your reasons for pursuing this profession are, and how all of these things align with the discipline and school you are approaching with your application package. Getting expert feedback from those on the “other side” of such applications, those who have gone through the process successfully or those who have been part of admissions committees, will give you incredibly valuable insights into how to make your own personal experiences stand out and work for you most effectively. At this stage of your professional development, you face a wealth of “unknown-unknowns”; i.e., things that you don’t even know to look for or consider, because it's likely that you simply haven’t been exposed to the field or the process long enough or in an official capacity. This can be a considerable hindrance, so don’t try to take on this task alone. Seek out expert feedback, and do so early enough that you can review, revise, and implement any necessary changes to make your dental school personal statement the best it can possibly be.

8 Dental School Personal Statement Examples

Dental school personal statement example #3, dental school personal statement example #4, dental school personal statement example #5, dental school personal statement example #6, dental school personal statement example #7, dental school personal statement example #8, dental school personal statement example #9, dental school personal statement example #10.

Starting too late. Getting your personal statement right requires multiple edits and revisions. If you start working on your statement too late, you risk running out of time for proper revisions and edits, leaving a rushed, sub-par statement. Remember, your personal statement is a direct reflection of who you are as a person, and who you'll become as a dentist. It's not something that can be, nor should be rushed.
Showing instead of telling, for example, saying “I'm a great listener” instead of demonstrating that you're a great listener through real examples in your essay.
Focusing on too many experiences. In general, it's best to discuss 2-3 experiences in your personal statement. You should be able to discuss each experience in-depth, and reflect on what you learned from a particular experience. Too many experiences crammed in doesn't allow you to really expand on each experience and doesn't provide an in-depth analysis of how this experience was transformative on your path to becoming a dentist.
Listing information that's already found in your application materials. Your personal statement is not a list, instead, it should be a story of your journey to dentistry.
Jumping around in time. Your personal statement should be in chronological order, beginning with your initial interest in dentistry and evolving to your absolution that dentistry is the right career path for you. Jumping around in time makes for a disjointed essay that will come across as confusing to admissions committee members. In addition, you want to ensure that you utilize strong transitional sentences, as these tie together paragraphs and aid in the overall flow of your essay.
Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Mistakes and errors in your personal statement are harmful because they tell admissions committees that you're not detail-oriented, you rushed your statement and because of that, you don't really care about it, or their program. Ensure your statement is reviewed multiple times, ideally with a professional's help, to ensure your essay puts your best foot forward and is free from any spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
Boasting. While you can certainly highlight a few key accomplishments in your statement, such as finishing at the top of your class or raising money for a good cause, it's important that you are tactful in how you phrase your accomplishments. You always want to be humble, and think about what an achievement means to you and why. Lastly, it's a good idea to reflect on what you learned from your achievements and how that can translate in your career as a dentist.

While the majority of your personal statement should be about you - your experiences and how they relate to your decision to pursue dentistry, you can certainly include information relating to another person. For example, you could mention a family member's struggle with a disease, a patient's story, or a conversation with a dentist. As long as you circle back to why this story is significant in your pursuit of dentistry, what you learned from the experience or even how an experience changed your point of view.

Your personal statement must adhere to the ADEA's character count of 4500 characters, including spaces. However, this doesn't mean that you must include this many characters. As long as your essay is below the count, it's most important that you focus on creating a powerful, in-depth essay that proves to the admissions committee why you want to be a dentist and why you would be suitable for a career in this field, then it's perfectly acceptable.

Your personal statement is one of the most important aspects of your entire dental school application. It will serve as your introduction to admissions committees – letting them know who you are a person, who you are as a candidate, and essentially, that you're suitable for a career in dentistry. A poorly crafted personal statement can result in rejection from dental school, so it's essential that your statement is both engaging and memorable to secure you an invitation to interview.

No, remember, this information will be included elsewhere in your application, so it's not suitable to include this in your personal statement.

Brainstorm ideas.
Create an outline.
Focus on body paragraphs first using a maximum of 3 experiences.
Ensure you SHOW what you learned (don’t tell) by using examples.
Write your conclusion.
Write your introduction last.
Attention-grabbing introduction: Not just a thesis statement, but something interesting to draw the reader in, like a quote or a story.
Transitions: These should lead from one paragraph to the next, creating flow. Use linking words such as however, additionally, also, next, etc.
Strong examples: This way you are showing, not telling.
Clear and direct language: Your language does not have to be fancy, what's most important is that it's easy to read and follow. For example, “utilize” is one of the most over-used words in academic essays and “use” works just as well.
Conclusion: This should summarize your main points, but also leave the reader with a compelling closing sentence that makes them want to find out more about you. For example, include a call back to your opening anecdote and highlight how far you have come.

Dental school personal statement editing, just like medical school personal statement editing , is very important. Begin by writing the BEST first draft you can and then begin your edit. Don’t write something of average quality, half-done, or way over the character limit. Trying to work from these copies will only create confusion and delays. Next, you should read your essay out loud to yourself sentence by sentence to ensure it flows well and to catch any grammatical errors. Each sentence should be contributing to the overall point. If you find yourself repeating your thoughts in multiple forms, think about paring your sentences down. Quality is more important than quantity.

Next, repeat this process 2-3 times. Resist the urge to keep tinkering over and over again. There are multiple strong ways to word sentences and express your thoughts. There are probably even multiple experiences you could highlight and have an equally strong personal statement. However, obsessing over each sentence and word once you have written a strong statement will just lead to changing too many things, delays, you feeling nervous, and sometimes even a weaker essay than you started with!

Yes, you can definitely mention experiences in your personal statement that are non-academic or not related to dentistry. A strong experience to mention should be one that taught you important skills and that influenced your decision to pursue dentistry. Personal experiences can also have a strong influence on which profession you pursue, so you can definitely mention non-academic experiences.

It’s certainly normal to want input from others when we are crafting personal statements. A strong reviewer is one who has experience and expertise with professional school applications and has helped other students before. For example, someone with an advanced degree like a practicing dentist or other professional. Even though you may feel tempted to ask friends and family, you may want to refrain from this, as they are often invested in your success and may find it hard to be objective.

Try to find someone who does not know you so well so they can give objective guidance. The other thing you want to avoid is having “too many chefs in the kitchen.” Too many different people reviewing your statement is only going to pull it in too many different directions, ultimately leading to confusion and even more delays. And again, some students might feel more comfortable using a dental school admissions consulting service for this aspect of their application.

Just like you would address this during an interview, your statement can address areas of concern by following these steps:

Take responsibility.
Explain mitigating factors.
Don't make excuses.
Share strategies for what you learned and how you would avoid a situation like this in the future.
Make sure you end on a positive or proactive note.

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Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions.

Yutika Maharaj

Hi there Do you have any sample personal statements for a foreign trained dentist applying to ADEA PASS and ADEA CAAPID. Thanks

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hi Yutika! Thanks for your comment. As an international applicant, your personal statement should follow the same structure and contain pertinent info about yourself and your application. Use these samples to construct your own, unique narrative!

It is remarkable, very good information

Thanks, Code!

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Personal statement

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.

Although there is no set of rules mandating what a strong personal statement should include, here are a few tips to help you successfully craft a winning personal statement:

Explain a defining moment that helped steer you toward a career in dentistry. Consider using that moment as the focal point of your essay.
Be colorful, positive, imaginative and personal when discussing why you’re a good candidate for dental school. Ask yourself—in a pile of 100 applications, would I enjoy reading my statement? Be sure to convey your passion for dentistry in your statement.
Be yourself. Don’t use jargon, clichés or big phrases that you would not use in daily conversation. Remember, dental schools want to know about the real you.
Be original and thoughtful: Discuss how you would contribute to the profession and patient care, all of which will help you stand out from other applicants.
Tell your story—make sure the essay is your story, not someone else’s.
Recruit a friend. Ask a friend, relative or faculty advisor to read your essay and provide constructive criticism. Ask them to think about whether the essay is a good representation of your character, and what they know of your ideals and aspirations.
Give yourself time to organize your thoughts, write well and edit as necessary. And don’t forget to proofread, proofread, proofread!

Here are a few things to avoid when writing your personal statement:

Writing what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.
Using a gimmicky style or format.
Summarizing your resume or repeating information directly from your transcripts or recommendation letters.
Emphasizing the negative.
Waiting until the last minute to get started on your statement.

Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

Last updated: 05/10/2022

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What Our "Plan B" Looked Like

Writing a dentistry personal statement that you’re proud of is hard.

Many students struggle to boil down their skills and experiences to just 4,000 characters and it is tricky to know where to focus.

Example statements are a great way to gain this insight.

In this article, we cover the following:

Strong and weak dentistry personal statements
A breakdown of other peoples’ successes and mistakes
Ideas for what to include in your own personal statement

Once you've read this, check out dental interview questions to build on what you've learnt.

For an overview of personal statement writing, read our Personal Statement Guide for Medical and Dental Schools . This is essential reading and goes further than just examples!

Strong personal statement example

“I first became interested in studying dentistry between the ages of 12 and 15, when I visited my local dentist frequently to get my braces checked and tightened.

I talked with her at length about the nature of her job and was struck by the huge impact she could have on the people she met daily.

She actively improved the quality of life of every patient she encountered, and had to astutely apply scientific principles in a social setting in order to make patients feel at ease and achieve the best results. I was truly inspired by this experience and decided to investigate dentistry as a career.

In order to deepen my insight into the profession I carried out a week’s work experience in a local dental hospital. I saw how dentists of every stage were keen to learn, constantly assessing their performance and striving to improve.

This drove home the importance of self-awareness and constant reflection, but also introduced me to the idea of lifelong learning which is something I find particularly attractive.

During this placement I also took my first look inside a patient’s mouth and observed dentists constructing bridges, veneers and crowns. This exposed me to the aesthetic side of dentistry - a dentist not only aims to alleviate pain but can engage with the more cosmetic aspect of healthcare, something that most medical specialties cannot match.

I organised a number of work experience placements in local dental surgeries, and throughout my shadowing was struck by the bonds dentists formed with their patients. They often had to utilise great communication skills and empathy to calm down or reassure anxious patients, and they worked hard to build up a rapport with everyone who entered the surgery. This encouraged patients to attend checkups more frequently and be more open about their worries, thereby improving the quality of care they received.

As a result of my reflection on these experiences, I took up weekly volunteering in a local care home and reading to children in the dental hospital. These opportunities helped me become a far better communicator, as many of the residents of the care home were elderly or suffered from dementia meaning I had to adopt different visual or verbal strategies to get my message across. Many of the young patients in the dental hospital felt lonely and nervous, and by empathising with them I was able to help them relax and focus on the positives.

Outside academia, I play water polo and run in my school’s athletic team. Both of these sports have helped me become a better team player and I’ve learned that you can always achieve the best results by working efficiently in a team rather than going it alone.

I am a particularly ambitious sportsperson and I’ve received the Most Valuable Player award in my waterpolo league for three years running, and have been a captain for four.

As a captain, I am a decisive leader; In the heat of a match it’s important for me to make snap decisions and for my teammates to trust me. However, out of the pool I take every view into account and try to make sure that everyone has been heard and feels involved.

I also try to identify the strengths and weaknesses of everyone in the team - myself included - so that we can play to our strengths in matches and work on our weaknesses in training.

I think that the ambition, teamwork and leadership I’ve demonstrated through my sports will serve me well as a dentist, allowing me to work efficiently with others while constantly striving to improve personally. My participation in these sports has also allowed me to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Becoming a dentist would allow me to have a truly positive effect on the people I work with, while also challenging me and ensuring I’m always learning and improving. I believe that my work experience, volunteering and extracurricular activities have provided me with the skills and insight necessary to become an empathetic and effective dentist.”

Strong personal statement analysis

This example displays many characteristics of a good personal statement.

Well structured.
The candidate comes across as well-rounded and motivated, without appearing arrogant.
There are some minor areas that could be improved, but overall we think that this personal statement would impress university assessors.

Introduction

The introduction uses an anecdote to illustrate the candidate’s interest in dentistry. This is a good way to show how your interest in dentistry might have started, but it wouldn’t be suitable to write that you decided to apply to dentistry simply because you liked seeing your dentist as a child. The candidate doesn’t fall into this trap, and makes sure to highlight that this experience only inspired them to do further investigation into the career.
The candidate goes on to describe how they deepened their insight in the main body paragraph, adding cohesiveness.
The candidate also demonstrates some good insight into dentistry by discussing the unique blend of social skills and scientific knowhow required by dentists.

Main body paragraphs

Variety - the candidate’s three main body paragraphs discuss some of their work experience placements, volunteering roles and extracurricular interests.
Quality over quantity - they focus far more on individual experiences while going into more detail, and avoiding lists (although they witnessed a huge number of things during a week of work experience, they choose to focus on a couple of key experiences).
Insight - the statement demonstrates insight into the profession on multiple occasions. They talk about the prominence of lifelong learning, the aesthetic/cosmetic side of dentistry, and how building a rapport with patients can lead to better outcomes.

Re-read the example, consider how the candidate:

Reflects on their experiences
Built on their experience
Demonstrates relevant skills
Demonstrates that they are ready for the challenges inherent in dentistry

Conclusion

Short, brief, and succinct. It doesn’t introduce any new information.
The candidate doesn’t really speak enough about why they chose to study dentistry over medicine. They mention the dual focus on health and cosmetics, but could mention some other factors as well - for example, the fact that dentistry is more specialised from the start of the degree than medicine.
They could show some more awareness of current news in the dental world.
The candidate could also speak a little more about the challenges dentists face in the workplace and how they would cope.
Discussion of paid employment would also have been beneficial.

Find more in-depth advice, tips and examples in our Personal Statement Course .

Weak personal statement example

“Dentistry has fascinated me from a very early age, as to me it seems like the perfect combination of practical and mental challenges. This has become even stronger since my brother found work as a dentist, having recently graduated from manchester University.

For the past 4 years, I’ve been looking after a local elderly lady who sometimes struggles to go shopping or carry out her daily tasks. This has helped me appreciate the satisfaction one can gain from helping others, and inspired me to pursue a career which will allow me to improve the lives of those around me - like dentistry!

As a result of my interest in medicine, I studied biology, physics and maths at A-Level.

I’ve also carried out a variety of work experience placements over the years. During my GCSEs, I spent a week volunteering in a local NHS surgery, which exposed me to some of the challenges dentists face; they were often overworked, and had to deal with frustrated and anxious patients on a daily basis.

I really enjoyed this experience, so I decided to take on another two week block at a dental hospital . While I was there, I shadowed receptionists, helping them to book appointments and organise the dentists’ timetables. I also managed to see dentists make diagnoses and watch a huge range of different dental procedures, from regular checkups to fillings and root canals. I spent time in the in-house dental laboratory, and was taken through the construction of veneers, crowns and bridges. I was also able to shadow dentists over a whole day in their life, seeing the admin and meetings they had to trudge through on top of the more exciting clinical work.

In my free time I enjoy playing the violin and listening to music. I am also a dedicated member of a number of sports teams, including basketball, tennis and hockey. I am proficient at both individual and team sports, showing that I can work well with others, but also self-motivate and set my own targets.

I also enjoy watching films and socialising with my friends. More recently, I’ve really enjoyed keeping up with current dental news by reading the Journal of Dental Research and my brother’s old copies of the British Dental Journal.

Looking to the future, my great ambition is to work within the dentistry profession, where I believe I could have a really positive impact on the lives of the patients I work with.

My work experience has set me up well to succeed, and I feel I have the desire and commitment to stick the course and become a successful yet empathetic dentist”

Weak personal statement example analysis

Likely not to score well
It isn’t nearly long enough (2520 characters)
It hasn’t been proofread and contains errors
Did the candidate genuinely want to study dentistry from a young age? If it is true, it implies that they made this important decision based on an emotional impulse as a child.
Being inspired to go into dentistry just because your sibling did is also not recommended. Just because it was right for them doesn’t make it right for you.
The mention of helping an elderly neighbour is good, but too brief. This is a great experience to reflect on and use to demonstrate both your motivations to study dentistry and your suitability for a caring role.
At no point in the statement does the candidate explain why another caring profession wouldn’t be just as suitable for them.
There’s no mention of anything particularly specific to dentistry.

Main body paragraphs

The first paragraph follows a list, with the candidate demonstrating that they have a real range of work experience placements (which is good) but without going into sufficient detail.
There is very little reflection throughout these paragraphs. The candidate clearly has a good breadth of experience but can’t really explain anything they learned from it.
They demonstrate very few relevant skills throughout the statement. They should talk more about how each experience they’ve had has improved them, either by helping them develop or demonstrate key skills that dentists need. Then, they should explain why dentists need these skills in the first place.
Describing the dentist’s admin and meetings as a ‘trudge’ and clinics as ‘exciting’ isn’t wise. This may be the case, but the reality is that dentists do spend a lot of their time writing notes, filling out paperwork and liaising with other healthcare professionals. If you find this particularly boring you either won’t be able to handle the job in the first place, or you’ll cut corners and thereby put patients at risk.
There’s no mention of the importance of a work-life balance when talking about how they relax.
It is crucial not to lie in your personal statement. It is possible that they do 'really enjoy' reading dental journals, but it is likely that your interviewers will latch onto this and quiz you repeatedly on it.

However, it is worth mentioning the things these main body paragraphs do well:

There is some reflection on the challenges faced by dentists, which will reassure the assessors that the candidate does have some insight and can reflect on their experiences.
The candidate discusses the skills they demonstrated through their sports which is exactly the right thing to do. The only thing they’re missing is a linking of this to dentistry.

The Ultimate Guide to Studying Dentistry in the UK

Remains brief and concise while summarising the rest of the statement and finishing with a strong, confident claim.
It is better to show “desire and commitment” to the profession earlier in the statement before introducing it in the conclusion.
Saying that work experience will set you up well for a career in dentistry is simply not true. Watching a couple of weeks’ worth of dental procedures will not make you a better dentist later in life. It is the reflection on those experiences that assessors are looking for.

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College of Dentistry

How to craft a winning personal statement for dental school application.

Have you put some thought into how you will write your personal statement for application? How will you stand out among the hundreds of other applicants?

With over 11,000 potential candidates applying annually to US dental schools, competition has never been stronger. Above average DAT scores and GPAs aren’t good enough anymore to truly stand out.

That's why Helen Yang, DMD, a Harvard Dental School graduate and current endodontics resident at UIC, has written a new book to help applicants become more successful.

In her new book, Your Essential Guide to Dental School Admissions: 30 Successful Application Essays and Collective Wisdom from Young Dentists , Dr. Yang and collaborators offer a holistic strategy for a winning dental school application. The second half of the book focuses on the personal statement and consists of 30 essays written by dental students across the country.

With a background serving on Harvard Dental School’s admissions committee and working in admissions counseling, Yang offers an invaluable and highly beneficial perspective.

“I looked at what kind of books were already out there. They tended to be written by a single person, so just featuring one person’s experience. Also, they focused a lot on the statistics of getting into dental school, Yang explained, as her inspiration for writing this book.

About half of the book is devoted to crafting a compelling personal statement, because “the personal statement of all the things in the application plays such a big role in making the applicant seem like a real human being.”

“I wanted it to have a strong emphasis on the human aspect of getting into dental school. How can I present myself as a more interesting applicant, and what are the admissions officers looking for?

"The book really focuses on how to make yourself seem more interesting, more human and more like a valuable member of the community. I think that’s what really makes people stand out.”

Four key components of getting into dental school.

Each of the four chapters covers a different key aspect of getting accepted into dental school. These aspects of the admissions process are explored in detail in Yang’s practical and inspiring guide for dental school admissions.

1. Assemble an Outstanding Application. Creating an application package that is so compelling that it can’t possibly be ignored. This means going beyond application prerequisites such as competitive GPA, required coursework, and dentist shadowing .

2. write a winning personal statement. retaining individuality and standing out from the deluge of applications with the personal statement. structuring it for success and individuality., 3. ace the interviews. successfully preparing for and dominating the dental school interview..

RELATED: How to Prepare for the Dental School Interview

4. Map Your Road to Dental School. Deciding on worthwhile extracurriculars and hobbies. Making a seamless and successful transition to dental school.

RELATED: Roadmap to Dental School

Succeeding with the Personal Statement

The personal statement is crucial in terms of presenting your individuality as part of the dental school application. It helps admissions representatives understand who you are, your unique experiences and why you chose to become a dentist. Despite it's importance, there is often great uncertainty regarding how it should be structured, what it should focus on, and how to make the best use of it to stand out.

From ADEA Go Dental: What is the personal statement for?

Available on Amazon Now

The book has received highly positive reviews since its recent release in 2018.

Your Essential Guide to Dental School Admissions is available in softcover for $14.99 and Kindle for $9.99 on Amazon .

Get ready for dental school, get the information you need to begin your journey into an outstanding career in dentistry today.

Writing a Winning Dental School Personal Statement

Learn the art of crafting an irresistible personal statement, a key element in the dental school application process. Discover the essential steps and techniques to create a captivating narrative that impresses admissions committees and showcases your unique qualities and aspirations.

Posted September 14, 2023

best dentistry personal statement examples

If you're planning on applying to dental school, then you'll need to have a strong and compelling personal statement. Not only is this statement your chance to highlight your unique qualities and experiences as they relate to dentistry, but it's also a way to demonstrate your passion for the field and your dedication to pursuing a career in dentistry. In this article, we'll be discussing what it takes to write a winning dental school personal statement and how to make your application stand out.

An Introduction to Crafting a Compelling Dental School Personal Statement

First things first, let's start with the basics. Your personal statement is a one-page essay in which you have the chance to tell the admissions committee who you are and why you want to pursue a career in dentistry. This essay is a critical part of your dental school application and will be evaluated alongside your academic record, letters of recommendation, and any other supplemental materials.

When crafting your personal statement, it's important to keep in mind that the admissions committee is looking for more than just a list of your accomplishments and experiences. They want to see your personality shine through and get a sense of your passion for dentistry. This is your opportunity to showcase your unique perspective and explain how your experiences have led you to pursue a career in dentistry.

It's also important to remember that your personal statement should be well-written and free of errors. Take the time to proofread and edit your essay, and consider having someone else read it over as well. A polished and professional personal statement can make a big difference in the eyes of the admissions committee.

Understanding Your Purpose

The purpose of your personal statement is to demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have the qualities and experiences necessary to succeed in dental school and in a career as a dentist. You should use this essay to showcase your personal attributes, your relevant experiences, and your passion for the field of dentistry.

It is important to note that your personal statement should not simply be a list of your achievements and experiences. Admissions committees are looking for applicants who can reflect on their experiences and demonstrate how they have grown and developed as a result. Your personal statement should tell a story about who you are and why you are passionate about pursuing a career in dentistry. It should also highlight any unique perspectives or experiences that you bring to the table, such as a background in a related field or a commitment to serving underserved communities.

Identifying Your Unique Qualities and Experiences to Highlight

To stand out in your application, you'll need to highlight your unique qualities and experiences. Think about what sets you apart from other applicants and consider how those qualities or experiences demonstrate your potential as a dental student and future dentist. Brainstorming these qualities can help you craft a more impactful and memorable essay.

One way to identify your unique qualities and experiences is to reflect on your personal and professional background. Consider your upbringing, cultural heritage, and life experiences that have shaped your values and perspectives. These can provide insight into your character and motivations for pursuing a career in dentistry.

Another approach is to think about your academic and extracurricular achievements. What have you accomplished that demonstrates your leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving skills? How have you contributed to your community or made a positive impact on others? These experiences can showcase your potential as a well-rounded and compassionate dental professional.

Tips for Crafting an Engaging Introduction to Your Personal Statement

Your introduction should be engaging and compelling enough to grab the attention of the admissions committee. You can begin with a story that shows your passion for dentistry, or you can start with a quote that resonates with you. A good introduction should make the reader feel interested in your story, and want to keep reading.

Another effective way to start your personal statement is by posing a thought-provoking question that relates to your field of study. This can help to immediately engage the reader and make them curious about your perspective on the topic. Additionally, you can use statistics or data to highlight the importance of your chosen field and why it matters to you.

It's important to remember that your introduction sets the tone for the rest of your personal statement. Therefore, it's crucial to avoid cliches and generic statements that don't add any value to your story. Instead, focus on showcasing your unique experiences and qualities that make you a strong candidate for the program. By doing so, you'll be able to capture the attention of the admissions committee and leave a lasting impression.

Key Elements to Include in the Body of Your Dental School Personal Statement

Your body should include information about your relevant experiences and how they helped you develop the skills that are essential for success in dentistry. You should also discuss your academic background, specifically any science courses that you have taken, as these are highly relevant to your dental education. It is also important to discuss any extracurricular activities that demonstrate your various skills and qualities.

In addition to discussing your experiences, academic background, and extracurricular activities, it is important to highlight your motivation for pursuing a career in dentistry. This can include personal experiences that sparked your interest in the field, as well as your long-term career goals and how dentistry fits into those goals.

Another important element to include in your personal statement is your understanding of the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a dentist. This can include discussing the importance of patient care, the need for strong communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. By demonstrating your understanding of these challenges, you can show admissions committees that you are prepared for the rigors of dental school and a career in dentistry.

The Importance of Authenticity

It is important to be authentic and honest in your personal statement. Do not try to create a persona or present any inaccurate information. Admissions committees are experts at gauging authenticity, and any deception can be highly detrimental to your application. Write from your heart and keep in mind that the purpose of your personal statement is to allow the committee to know you better.

One way to ensure authenticity in your personal statement is to reflect on your personal experiences and how they have shaped your desire to pursue dentistry. Share your unique story and highlight the qualities that make you a strong candidate for dental school. This can include your passion for helping others, your attention to detail, or your ability to work well under pressure.

Additionally, it is important to tailor your personal statement to the specific dental schools you are applying to. Research each school's mission statement and values, and incorporate them into your writing. This shows that you have done your homework and are genuinely interested in attending that particular school.

Examples of Effective Ways to Convey Your Passion for Dentistry

The admissions committee needs to see your passion for dentistry in your personal statement. You can begin by telling a story about a dental experience that inspired you, or you can describe your interest in a specific aspect of dentistry, such as orthodontics or oral surgery. You can also discuss how your past experiences or academic background has prepared you for your future in dentistry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Writing Your Dental School Personal Statement

There are some common mistakes that can significantly decrease the quality of your personal statement. One of these mistakes is writing in a generic way without discussing your unique experiences. Another is writing a statement that focuses solely on your academic background without demonstrating your qualities and experiences of relevance to dentistry. You should also avoid writing personal statements that are too long or too short, making sure to follow the specified guidelines.

How to Edit and Revise Your Dental School Personal Statement for Maximum Impact

After you have finished your first draft, it is highly recommended to take the time to edit and revise your personal statement. One essential tip is to take a break before starting to revise so that you can look at your personal statement with fresh eyes. As you revise, ensure that your statement is clear, concise, and effectively conveys your message. You may also want to get feedback from friends, family, or professors as well as use online resources such as grammar checking tools.

Tips for Tailoring Your Dental School Personal Statement to Specific Programs or Schools

An effective way to make your personal statement stand out is to tailor it to the specific dental school programs you are applying to. Research and find information about each school's curriculum, facilities, and mission statements, for example, and choose to include information that shows your interest and compatibility with the program specifically. This approach will show the committee that you are serious about attending their specific program and that you've done your homework.

Strategies for Standing Out Among a Pool of Competitive Applicants

Standing out in a pool of competitive applicants can be challenging, but it is vital to remember that if you stay authentic and communicate your passion for dentistry effectively, you have a good chance of making a lasting impression. Additionally, take the time to review what you wrote before making the final submission, use the appropriate formatting guidelines, and be certain you have represented yourself and your aspirations as holistically and accurately as possible.

Making the Most of Supplemental Essays and Interviews as Part of the Application Process

In addition to your personal statement, there may be supplemental essays or interviews that are included as part of the dental school application process. It is essential to take these components seriously as they can play a significant role in the final decision. Be sure to prepare for these essays and interviews carefully, using tips and tools online and even seeking advice from current dental students or former colleagues. Remember, by taking advantage of all aspects of the application process, you can make your candidacy stand out.

Navigating the Admissions Process and What Comes Next After Submitting Your Personal Statement

The admissions process can be stressful, but always remember why you're applying and what your end goal is. It is important to stay organized throughout the application process, keeping track of deadlines and all required documents. After submitting, you can breathe easy, awaiting a decision. However, if you're putting all your eggs in one basket, you may want to consider applying to multiple dental schools. Knowing what to expect and what you'll need to do can help put your mind at ease and prepare you for whatever may come next.

Writing a winning dental school personal statement takes time, effort, and commitment. By keeping the tips mentioned in this article in mind and staying true to yourself and your motivations, you will have an excellent chance of getting admitted to the dental school of your choice, and ultimately following the path you envisioned for your professional life. Good luck!

Want to learn more about the process for applying to dental school? Take a look at these resources to take your application to the next level:

How to Prepare for Your Dental School Interviews
Navigating Dental School Acceptance Rates: Strategies for Success
How to Get Into Dental School: Essential Tips and Guidelines
Letters of Evaluation for Dental School: Everything You Need to Know
How to Get Volunteer Hours for Dental School Applications
University of the Pacific Dental School: Application Requirements and How to Get In (2023-2024)

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Dentistry Personal Statement: 10 Top Tips to Write a Perfect Dentistry PS

When it comes to writing your dentistry personal statement , it can be very difficult to know where to start and what to include. Having a good dentistry personal statement is key to impressing the admissions officers at your chosen universities and securing yourself a place at the interview stage. So, to help you nail it first time, here are Dental Mind’s top 10 tips for writing a great dentistry personal statement!

Tip 1: Be honest

No matter what you say, always tell the truth. Don’t go saying you’ve done 10 weeks gaining work experience at your general dental practice when you’ve only done 2 because universities can check, and if they find out you’ve lied, you will be immediately removed from their list of applicants.

It is also important not to copy anyone else’s dentistry personal statement, whether this is an example you’ve found online, or your best friend’s. This is plagiarism and universities have systems in place to check that you haven’t plagiarised anyone else’s work. Again, if you’re found out you will immediately lose your place on their list.

Tip 2: Be enthusiastic about dentistry

Universities are looking for someone who is passionate about dentistry and someone who is enthusiastic about the subject – so show this! They are looking for someone who wants to learn and is dedicated to the degree.

Universities will always avoid anyone who doesn’t appear committed to dentistry, because they want someone who will be driven throughout the course. They don’t want to waste the money training a dentist who will drop out after 2 years because they’re bored. So make sure you show that you’re enthusiastic and driven to study dentistry.

Tip 3: Try to stand out

What is it about you that makes you different to the other applicants? Maybe you’ve represented your school at conferences all over the world, or you’ve represented the country in a sporting competition.

Even if it’s not dentistry specific, universities want to see that you’re not just the same as every other applicant, they want the people that go above and beyond to make themselves stand out. If you do mention something like a sporting achievement, you can still relate it back to dentistry, for example by saying something about how much dedication it takes to reach national level in your sport.

This shows your ability to commit time and effort towards something, therefore showing that you would be able to focus and work hard on achieving throughout the degree.

Tip 4: Talk about your dental work experience

Some universities will ask for a minimum amount of work experience, so make sure you say how long you have spent doing work experience and where you have done it. If you’ve undertaken work experience in a few different dental care settings, make sure you mention this, as it shows that you’ve seen some of the different aspects of dentistry, not just general practice.

It’s a good idea to talk about specific examples of the things you have seen during your work experience – maybe you saw a dentist overcome a problem in an interesting way, or saw the challenges of managing difficult patients and how the dentist overcame these.

Universities want to see that you didn’t just do work experience to rack up the hours required to get into dental school – they want to see that you’ve actually learned a lot from it and that it’s been a valuable experience for you as an insight into the job.

Be truthful when talking about your experiences as they may ask you about them during an interview so it is important that you can have a conversation about what you’ve actually seen. Remember, never include any confidential or identifying information about any patients you’ve observed.

Tip 5: Tailor it to dentistry

If you mention something, for example about a hobby you enjoy, always try to relate it back to dentistry and how it will help you with the degree and career. For example, if you play a musical instrument you could talk about how this helps you to develop manual dexterity skills and will therefore help you with the practical aspect of the course.

Also, when talking about your personal qualities you should again make sure that you relate them back to dentistry, for example saying that you have good time management skills could show that you will be able to prioritise and manage the demands of a challenging course effectively.

Tip 6: Only write a dentistry personal statement for one course

Don’t try to make your dentistry personal statement include your backup 5 th option, keep it focussed on dentistry. Your backup option will give you an offer regardless – they are used to people applying for dentistry and having them as a 5 th choice.

It is also really important never to write a dentistry personal statement for both medicine and dentistry. If you do this it will show that you aren’t committed to either course and universities are very unlikely to offer a place to someone who can’t make their mind up about what they want to study. The university will be investing a lot of money into training you to become a dentist, so they will only want to spend this money on those who are truly committed to the course.

Tip 7: Talk about the qualities required by a dentist and where you have shown them

Every time you mention a quality which you think is important for a dentist to have, make sure you give an example of where you have shown this quality, instead of just stating them as a list. A list could be copied from anywhere and the person reading your dentistry personal statement is unlikely to believe that you genuinely possess all of these qualities unless you can describe where you have shown them as proof.

For example, if you talk about how important it is for a dentist to be able to work well in a team because they will be working with a large group of people including the dental nurse, technician, receptionist, hygienist and more, you could then talk about how you have shown your ability to work well in a team, for example through holding a position on a committee organising events and activities for your school.

Tip 8: Don’t waffle

You only have 4000 characters to say everything you want to include, so make sure you use these characters wisely. Only include the most important information and keep it concise and to the point. The person reading your dentistry personal statement will be reading hundreds of these and if they keep seeing irrelevant information in yours then you won’t stand out above all the others that they will read that day. Dentistry is an incredibly competitive course and you will be competing against the best to get a place, so make every sentence count.

Tip 9: Get someone to check it for you

Don’t do this on your own. Ask your parents, teachers and friends to read through your dentistry personal statement and see what they think. If you know anyone who’s currently studying dentistry or has studied it in the past, it may be worth contacting them and seeing if they can have a read through your dentistry personal statement too.

They probably know more about what qualities make a good dentist and what dental schools are looking for than your parents will, having been through the process themselves, so seeking advice from current or past dental students may be incredibly useful for you.

Often other people will pick up on slight changes that can improve your dentistry personal statement which you might not see, and they can also help to spot spelling or grammatical errors that you might have missed.

Don’t be offended if people suggest changes – getting advice from those who have already been through the process is one of the best ways of avoiding any of the easy mistakes people often make.

Tip 10: Don’t leave it until the last minute

Whatever you do, don’t leave your dentistry personal statement until the last minute. It takes a lot of time to get it right, and you need to make sure you have time for other people to check it too. It may take ten or twenty drafts before you’re happy with it and this isn’t really something you can manage in a week.

Also, make sure you have time to arrange and carry out the work experience you need for the dental schools you are applying to – and don’t forget, the more experience you can get the better! Take your time when writing your dentistry personal statement, and check, check and recheck it. You’ve got one chance to get this dentistry personal statement right so don’t rush it!

Hopefully these tips will help you to write an amazing dentistry personal statement which will wow the admissions teams and get you invited back for an interview at all of your chosen universities. Now there’s just one last thing to say… good luck!

In short, very! Not only does it show colleges, schools and universities that you are committed to your chosen path, but it enables you to discover more about the profession. Your work experience allows you to draw on real-life scenarios and these will also be explored if you are invited for interview.

You could do, however, we don’t advise it! All dental school programmes will be different and admissions tutors are looking for you to have researched their course. This shows that you have thought about how the course will suit your learning style, your interests within dentistry and should match your previous work experience.

You can, but remember that your personal statement needs to be unique and ensure that you stand out from the competition. You cannot rush your personal statement and you may find that you write and rewrite it many times! If you would like support and feedback on what you have written, try Medic Mind’s personal statement service , where we take you through the process step-by-step!

You should include information about your academic and professional background, your motivation for pursuing dentistry, your relevant experiences and achievements, your strengths and qualifications, and your future goals as a dental professional.

You should structure your Dentistry Personal Statement with an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention, a body that explains why you are a good fit for dental school, and a conclusion that summarizes your key points and goals.

You should avoid clichés, exaggerations, and overly personal information. Stick to relevant experiences and achievements, and avoid using overly technical language that may be difficult for the reader to understand.

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How To Write A Dentistry Personal Statement

A dentistry personal statement is an essential part of the university application process for dental schools . It is your opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are and why you want to become a dentist.

In your personal statement for dental school , you should discuss your experiences, goals, and motivations that have led you to pursue a career in dentistry.

Read our full guide: How To Apply To Dentistry In The UK

What is a dentistry personal statement?

A dentistry personal statement is a written UCAS application document that outlines an individual’s qualifications, experiences, and goals related to pursuing a career in dentistry.

It should provide insight into the applicant’s motivations for wanting to become a dentist or to apply to dental school , as well as their commitment to the profession.

Additionally, it should highlight any unique skills or qualities that make them an ideal candidate for a university course in the UK.

How To Write A Personal Statement For Dentistry

Before you start, it’s important to understand how to write a personal statement for dentistry . We will guide you through some tips and steps to help you write a strong personal statement for dental school.

Start by brainstorming ideas . Before you begin writing, take some time to think about your experiences, goals, and motivations. Make a list of key points that you want to include in your personal statement.

Choose a compelling topic . Focus on a specific topic that is relevant to your experiences and goals. For example, you might choose to write about a specific experience that sparked your interest in dentistry, or your goals for the future and how dental school will help you achieve them.

Use specific examples . Instead of making general statements, use specific examples to illustrate your points. For example, if you want to discuss your passion for dentistry, you might talk about a specific patient you helped or a challenging case that you were able to successfully treat.

Be honest and genuine . Your dentistry personal statement should reflect who you are as a person, so it’s important, to be honest, and genuine in your writing. Avoid using cliches or trying to impress the admissions committee with over-the-top language. Instead, focus on telling your unique story and explaining why you are a good fit for dental school and course.

Edit and proofread carefully . Once you have finished writing, take the time to carefully edit and proofread it. Ask a friend or family member to read it over and provide feedback, and consider working with a professional editor to ensure that your document is error-free and polished – ready for application.

In conclusion , a good personal statement for dental school can make a big difference in the admissions process. By brainstorming ideas, choosing a compelling topic, using specific examples, being honest, and proofreading carefully, you can write a statement that will help you stand out from the competition and show the admissions why you are the right fit for the dentistry course.

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How Long Should My Dental Personal Statement Be?

A dental personal statement should be around 4000 characters in length or a maximum of 47 lines. It’s important to be concise and to the point, as the admissions staff will likely have many applications to read. With a limited word count, you’ll need to carefully consider what to write in a personal statement and what to leave out.

How To Structure A Dentistry Personal Statement In 2023?

The structure of a dentistry personal statement in 2023 will likely be similar to that of a statement for other medical fields. In general, the document should be well-written, concise, and focused on your specific goals and experiences.

Read our tips for structuring your dentistry personal statement in 2023:

Start with an introduction that briefly explains your motivation for pursuing a career in dentistry and why you are a good fit for the school programme.
In the main body, describe your relevant experiences , such as any clinical experience you have had, any research you have done, and any other activities that have prepared you for a career in dentistry.
Discuss any challenges you have faced and how you have overcome them, as well as any unique perspectives or qualities you bring to the programme.
In the conclusion , summarise your key points and restate your motivation for pursuing a career in dentistry.

You can also use the 80/20 rule . Where you can write 80% of a document about points 1. and 2, and for points 3. and 4 you can plan around 20% of the document.

What Makes A Good Dentistry Personal Statement?

A good dentistry personal statement should be well-written, straightforward, and interesting. It should highlight the applicant’s strengths , experiences , and goals in a way that makes them stand out from the competition . The statement should also demonstrate the applicant’s passion for dentistry and explain why they want to pursue a career in the field. Additionally, a good personal statement should be free of spelling and grammar errors and should be tailored to the specific programme or university to which the applicant is applying.

Skills And Attributes Of An Ideal Candidate For Dentistry

An ideal candidate for dentistry should have strong communication skills, as dentists need to be able to explain complex dental procedures to patients and listen to their concerns. They should also be detail-oriented, as dentistry requires precise and careful work.

In addition, an ideal candidate should have good problem-solving skills, as dentists often need to troubleshoot and find solutions to dental problems. They should also be compassionate and patient, as dentistry involves working with people who may be anxious or in pain. Finally, if the candidate is good at teamwork it’s a plus, as dentistry often involves collaborating with other dental professionals.

Skills that an ideal candidate for dentistry should have:

Strong communication skills
Detail-oriented
Good problem-solving skills
Compassionate and patient
Ability to work well in a team
Knowledge of dental procedures and techniques
Knowledge of dental terminology and anatomy
Knowledge of dental equipment and instruments
Knowledge of infection control and sterilization procedures
Knowledge of dental materials and their properties

Opening Sentences For A Dentistry Personal Statement

Use our examples of opening sentences for a dentistry personal statement as inspiration and guide. A strong introduction is essential , as you will have little time to catch the reader’s attention. Keep in mind that admission staff is dealing with thousands of documents in a short period. It’s important to stand out from the crowd to be accepted at the chosen course.

Opening Sentence 1

“As a child, I was fascinated by the intricate workings of the human mouth and the amazing transformations that dentistry could achieve. I remember watching in awe as my dentist repaired a chipped tooth and restored my smile, and I knew then that I wanted to pursue a career in dentistry.”

Opening Sentence 2

“From a young age, I have been drawn to the field of dentistry. Watching my parents struggle with dental issues taught me the importance of good oral health, and I have always been fascinated by how dentistry can improve people’s lives.”

Opening Sentence 3

“I have always been passionate about healthcare, and dentistry offers the perfect blend of science and art for me. The idea of helping people maintain their oral health and improve their smiles is incredibly rewarding, and I am excited about the opportunity to pursue a career in this field.”

Opening Sentence 4

“As a volunteer at a local clinic, I had the opportunity to assist with dental procedures and see firsthand the positive impact that dentistry can have on people’s lives. Watching the dentists work, I was struck by the precision and skill required, and I knew then that I wanted to pursue a career in this field.”

Dentistry Personal Statement Conclusion

Writing a personal statement without examples is not an easy task. So, we prepared a few examples of strong conclusions for a dentistry personal statement . Use it to inspire yourself to write a better document.

Conclusion example 1

“I am confident that my passion for dentistry, combined with my skills and experiences, make me a strong candidate for your program. I am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow as a dental professional at your institution, and I am committed to working hard to achieve my goals. Thank you for considering my application.”

Conclusion example 2

“I believe that dentistry is the perfect career for me, and I am eager to begin the next chapter of my education and training. I am confident that I have the skills, experiences, and drive to succeed in your program, and I am excited about the opportunity to learn from your distinguished faculty and work with your talented students. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your program and the field of dentistry.”

Conclusion example 3

“I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to your dentistry program, and I am excited about the possibility of joining your institution. I believe that my passion for dentistry, combined with my dedication to hard work and my commitment to excellence, make me a strong candidate for your program. I look forward to the opportunity to learn and grow as a dental professional, and I am committed to making the most of this incredible opportunity.”

Things To Avoid In A Personal Statement For Dental School

In addition to all the advice, we have told you, make sure to avoid some things. When writing a statement for dental school , it is vital to avoid the following:

Using clichés or overly general sentences
Making exaggerated claims or promises
Focusing too much on your academic achievements and not enough on your personal qualities
Making negative comments about other dentists or dental schools
Using overly technical language or jargon that the reader may not understand
Don’t copy any other work, UCAS have an automatic plagiarism tool that can detect authenticity
Don’t summarise your CV or resume

Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

Writing it’s much easier if you have in front yourself successful examples to use as a guide. Check our section for personal statement examples , especially for dentistry personal statement examples .

Read Books About Dentistry

You can read books as inspiration for writing a dentistry personal statement . Reading books can help you gain insight into the field of dentistry and provide you with ideas for your statement. Additionally, reading books can help you develop your writing skills and give you a better understanding of how to structure and format your statement.

The UK dental courses are highly competitive, and it can be difficult to gain an offer with low grades or qualifications. Those who are considering studying Dentistry should be aware that low GCSE / A Level grades or UCAT / BMAT scores may prevent them from being accepted. It is important to ensure that you have the necessary qualifications and scores in order to stand a chance of gaining an offer.

Before the interview, research the school and its programmes to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm. Additionally, practice answering common questions so that you feel confident and prepared. During the interview, be sure to express your passion for dentistry and highlight any unique experiences or skills that set you apart from other applicants.

Successful Personal Statement For Dentistry At King’s College London

Last Updated: 8th April 2020

Author: Adi Sen

Getting started

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it.

Today, we are looking through a Dentistry applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at King’s College London, Birmingham and Aston University. The Dentistry Course at KCL combines the latest thinking in dental education with early clinical experience.

Read on to see how this candidate wrote a Personal Statement that demonstrates the qualities to work in a clinical environment.

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

KING’S

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With our Dentistry Premium Programme, your tutor will give you regular actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement top-quality for the best chances of success.

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Dentistry Personal Statement

Everyone has the right to a good smile. A smile can have a major effect on a person’s self-esteem, confidence and happiness. It would give me great satisfaction being able to have a positive effect on a patient’s quality of life by being able to influence these and many more factors. Dentistry as a prospective career path has always been a very appealing profession because I am interested in caring for people and also enjoy the creativity involved with the profession.

My work experience has further fuelled my desire to study dentistry, because it has shown me how rapidly expanding the dental sector which allows continuous learning. I have worked at Smiledent Dental Practice where I shadowed the dentists and the dental nurses. This experience has highlighted the importance between the balance of leadership and teamwork required to achieve the best treatment for the patients and the efficient running of a dental practice. Furthermore, I witnessed the need to gain the trust of the patient and build a patient-dentist relationship, to allow for a smooth successful treatment.

Apart from a dental practice, I have also volunteered at Haselbury Junior School organising activities for young children at an afterschool club for three months. Working with young children taught me to adapt my communication skills, using simple vocabulary and body language. During this time, it also gave me a sense of care and responsibility towards the children. This motivated me to work with people at the opposite end of the age spectrum. I therefore volunteered at The Haven Day Centre which was a humbling yet valuable experience. I enjoyed being a pillar of support to the elderly trying to entertain them and it was a warming experience to witness their joy.

Moreover, I have regularly attended St John Ambulance Cadets for the past three years. I am now a senior member in the division teaching younger peers first aid thoroughly enjoying the additional responsibility involved in nurturing others.

In addition, I have a keen academic interest. The transmission of diseases, prevention and immunology in Biology, has emphasised to me the significance of hygiene and how rapidly diseases can spread which is vital in the field of dentistry. In Chemistry, I have particularly enjoyed learning about molecular bonding enabling me to understand why particular materials have properties that make them suitable for their job. I have thoroughly enjoyed and flourished in the practical aspects of both subjects. The experiments have allowed me to put into practice/apply the knowledge I have acquired in lessons. Studying mathematics has improved my problem-solving ability acquiring practice to reach answers with a methodical yet flexible approach. In years 9 and 12, I was invited to attend lectures at the London Metropolitan University and the Royal Institution of Mathematics over a series of weekends. As a result, I had the opportunity to study branches of mathematics outside the syllabus which thoroughly challenged me. Additionally, geography has helped develop a creative aspect of academic life. In the human sector, I enjoyed the topic about smoking because it taught me the history and origins of smoking and the widespread effect it has on the body including the gums and teeth.

As part of my research, I have expanded my dental knowledge using several websites to gain extra information. I have been fascinated by crowns and root canal treatments because I am fond of the creativity involved such as choosing tooth colours, shape and material to ensure practicality for the patient and simultaneously rectify tooth damage.

Finally, from my work experience in a dental practice and I believe would thrive in such an environment.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

Clear structure and the student gives good insight into his/her motivation for the study of dentistry as well as providing evidence for his/her personal, professional, and academic development. It becomes very clear that the student is dedicated to the subject and disciplined in the pursuit of his/her goals. Having a good experience from work attachments is a further strong point, demonstrating the student’s enthusiasm for the subject. The student also shows a good range of other achievements and activities that contribute to the overall, very positive, impression of a dedicated and well-rounded individual.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

At times, the style of the statement is somewhat unclear. Particularly towards the end, one gets the impression that the student ran either out of space or out of ideas as the different aspects raised in the text are not discussed to their full effect, making them significantly less relevant for the overall quality of the statement. This is particularly a problem with the conclusion which makes little to no sense.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

An average statement that demonstrates some good and relevant work experience and patient exposure. Unfortunately, the statement is let down by some stylistic weaknesses that reduce the overall strength of the content, at least in some parts.

And there we have it – a King’s College London Dentistry Personal Statement with feedback from our expert tutors.

Remember, at KCL, the Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Our Free Personal Statement Resources page is filled with even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

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Dentistry is my passion. During a summer abroad, I had the chance to spend time with my uncle, a self-employed dentist, and this was the beginning of my commitment to study such a privileged degree with profound passion. Through this experience, I was able to perceive dentistry as a lifestyle that can enhance people’s lives rather than just a profession.

It also taught me that dentistry can be a rewarding and fulfilling path, especially when you see your patients’ faces light up with a beaming smile. Furthermore, I have seen the importance of forging relationships with patients, meeting new people and working with them on their diagnosis, which I find very invigorating.

Dentistry is about being able to take on a leadership role, working respectfully and diligently, while also being able to work within a team in a fast-paced environment. My love for dentistry is reinforced as it combines my passion for science and complex manual dexterity. Dentistry is a field that offers a wide range of scientific and technical applications, and it allows me to utilise my intricate manual skills to supply the best possible care to society. It also provides me with endless opportunities to pursue further studies and specialisations. At the same time, it offers a secure, beneficial, and gratifying career.

Because of my love for dentistry, I opted to study Biology and Chemistry at the advanced level. I also made the prompt decision to do work experience for three months at a dental practice in Preston. I was able to learn more about the different facets of working in a busy surgery and the dental profession in general thanks to this NHS single-handed practice. This covered topics like the crucial facets of tooth anatomy, morphology, development, and disease, dental specialties like dental pathology, radiography, paediatric dentistry, endodontics, and oral surgery, as well as—most importantly—the importance of dental public health and the morals and ethics of dental care.

I was also able to experience the firsthand diagnosis of a patient with oral cancer which was an eye-opening opportunity and highlighted the significance of detecting oral cancer early and the success rates of treating patients. Furthermore, following this experience I gained a deeper understanding of the various difficulties of the profession, and this allowed me to gain a sincere appreciation for the arduous work and dedication needed in such a demanding profession. I enjoyed interacting with a wide range of people and having a nurturing nature and self-motivation as my foundation are some of the many factors that attracted me to this field.

Additionally, working with the Blackburn-based charity IMO boosted my confidence by pushing me beyond my comfort zone and limits. Moreover, I adopted excellent interpersonal skills to engage with an audience of different abilities and used my multilingualism to engage with ethnic minorities. I proved integrity, accountability, and initiative by acting on the opinions of my school community as a lead student.

I enjoy doing sports as a hobby and have been becoming hafiz (the memorisation of the Qur’an) over the past 8 years. I gained a vast amount of dedication and resilience and had to put over 3 hours' worth of work daily to ensure I did not forget the 30 chapters of the Quran. This improved my time management skills and strengthened my confidence under pressure when I had to pray the Quran in front of large congregations in Ramadhan. Recreationally, becoming an avid participant in sports like tennis and football not only help me subjugate the stress that comes with dentistry’s demanding nature, but it will also help me improve my ability to work well individually, cultivate a positive outlook, and hone my coordination and teamwork skills.

I am eager to tackle the difficulties I know practicing dentistry will bring. I have the energy, motivation, enthusiasm, compassion, and self-assurance necessary to succeed in the field of dentistry. And as a dental student, it will enable me to fully contribute to my social and academic life. I am committed to changing people’s beliefs about dentists because I have personally and professionally seen patients’ vulnerability. I want to advance social welfare by supplying innovative healthcare and by taking part in pioneering studies that might influence the direction of the dentistry profession. Dentistry is my passion.

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any tips would be appreciated thanks

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Dentistry Personal Statement Examples – Barts (Malikha)

Home » Application Guide » Dentistry Personal Statement Examples – Barts (Malikha)

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Welcome to our collection of Dentistry Personal Statement Examples! We’ve searched far and wide to find personal statements from successful applicants all around the UK and asked them to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of their work for your own inspiration. Today’s subject is from Malikha, who studies Dentistry at Barts.

Malikha applied to study Dentistry back in 2019 at four amazing UK Dental Schools, including Manchester and King’s College London . She received offers from 2 out of her four choices – having withdrawn two applications after receiving her offers – of which she chose to study at Barts .

Let’s read the personal statement that got her a place at Barts, or skip straight to her feedback to learn what made her personal statement a success!

Please be aware that these examples are meant purely for the sake of inspiration, and should absolutely NOT be used as a model around which to base your own personal statement. UCAS have a rather strict system that detects plagiarism .

Barts Dentistry Personal Statement Example

Whole personal statement.

The value of completely transforming a patient’s life by creating a healthy smile, piece by piece, treatment after treatment, offers a degree of fulfilment that can’t be tangibly expressed. Towards building patient relationships, using creativity in a scientific manner and providing care for others. The joy of bettering an individual’s life, restoring their dentition, relieving pain and making dental developments is a rare privilege, one that I want to have in my own right, and I’ve thought long and hard about how I want to bring this all about.

Dentistry holds value above any other science course; to merge science and the human body, with our instinctive caring nature into a career is nothing short of remarkable. It combines analytical and innovative skills to create endless avenues of work, transcending beyond opportunities to specialise, and delving into developing both personal and technical expertise. Work experience for 2 weeks in a dental practice has given me insight into performing treatments, as well as the importance of social interaction. After observing a number of procedures such as teeth whitening, crowns, implants, bridges and fillings, I’ve found that maintaining a good patient relationship is vital, as is the need to enhance a patient’s overall experience.

From watching a practitioner deal with health issues, such as dry sockets, root canals and decay, to more psychological concerns, such as the aesthetic of lost teeth and dentures, I’ve learnt that adaptability and empathy are as vital as manual dexterity and scientific knowledge. The complexity of treatments clearly deserves appreciation, but the communication skills and confidence of the dentist showed me what truly ties the treatments together. Shadowing a range of staff has truly highlighted the value of public image and teamwork, everything from the receptionist showing me how to use the online system and document treatments, to the dentist leading surgery and welcoming patients in. The integral role of everyone in the practice shows the need for teamwork.

Outside of academia, being part of the student leadership, sports team, and community service in my local area, has enabled me to become more confident in offering support, leading, following and praising others, and making decisions. I’ve honed in on social skills within my position as a discharge support volunteer. Working with those facing the stark realities of physical ageing and senility requires a degree of maturity, trust and patience as well as cultural and social awareness that comes with working with the vulnerable, which I have developed during my year in the role. Undertaking work experience in a hospital has clearly shown me the importance of caring for the emotional and physical needs of patients, as well as the fact that dentists have to be both the diagnostician and surgeon. A trip to the space industry in America has shown me how other STEM technological developments and dentistry are intertwined, and the importance the former has. All these experiences are more than just events I’ve taken part in; they’re commitments I’ve made which have helped me grow as a person, develop professional skills and observe patients in medical environment first hand.

To build on my knowledge of the subject directly, I’ve taken the time to speak to current dental students, take a dentistry course on FutureLearn and attend student shadowing schemes, following an undergraduate’s daily routine. Being part of the Sutton Trust programme has taught me to make use of all the resources available to me, and I’ve used this skill to advance my knowledge of the healthcare profession. Building on both the technical and personal skills involved in this area of expertise, I am more than certain this is the field I want to dedicate my work to. After taking time to delve deeper into a speciality, I hope to get the opportunity to build on my passion further and make a career out of what I enjoy.

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Barts Dentistry Personal Statement Example Analysis

Now, let’s go section by section and see what Malikha has to say about what she wrote:

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

I mention in the beginning of my personal statement that I have thought hard about Dentistry and list a range of key aspects of the field, showing I have a realistic view of what being a dentist is like. I am able to clearly convey as to why I am applying to study Dentistry, and what value I would gain from doing so.

My introduction is a little impersonal and speaks in the third person for a quite a lot of it. I would change it to discuss more me and my interest in dentistry rather than what draws people in general to it. As well, it is possibly a bit too long for an introduction meaning I could have allocated my word count better than I have. I also, feel that the introduction is just filled with clichés, and over the top language which is not needed.

Paragraph 1

I mention my work experience and the different treatments I saw, this works well as it gives me an opening to discuss this in more detail in the next paragraph alongside linking the key skills required in Dentistry with what I saw in my dentist. Having done work experience was an opportunity for me to show to the admissions teams at the Dental Schools that I was passionate about Denistry and have actively shown that.

Again, this section feels a little impersonal as I talk a lot in third party about dentistry such as the innovation involved. If I was to change it, I would talk more about my experience with dentistry as a patient too and the things I had seen on the other side of it. Rather than discuss the value I gained from my experience, I was too concerned with cramming it all in to prove I had done work experience which definitely wasn’t the right way to go about it.

Paragraph 2

I mention both the things I saw my dentist do such as treatments as well as the role of the rest of the dental team as this is asked about at interview. It is important to note a dentist is also the head of the team and responsible for task delegation.

Again, I spent too much time going over what I saw rather the value I gained from it. I could’ve included a specific patient I saw that I found interesting or discussed a certain treatment in greater detail – although not including anything that would breach confidentiality.

Paragraph 3

I link the importance of interpersonal skills to things I have completed outside of a clinical setting, even those unrelated to dentistry, such as the space industry. It shows that I am taking active interests outside of Dentistry, and skills I have adopted and nurtured in my sports team will play a valuable role in my life as a practising dentist.

I discuss a lot about how an experience has ‘shown me’ a skill, I would go into more detail about how I came to this realisation e.g. what part of my work as a discharge support volunteer showed me the value of empathy. I should have talked more about the trip I took to America, rather than dedicating just a sentence to it, as I feel I have really downplayed what an incredible experience it was and what I learnt from it.

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In this section I discuss the more healthcare related parts of my extra-circulars in detail. I link them well to the key skills I saw in my dentist and go on to mention how they will be useful for me in the future. It is also important to mention the importance of further research and how you are sure dentistry is the field for you, which I have done.

Looking back, I would regroup my extra-circulars into personal skills activities and technical skills activities to make the structure flow a little better rather than having them spread out across two paragraphs. As well, I probably should have linked my conclusion back to the introduction to make it a more rounded and cohesive ending.

Final Thoughts

I had completed a lot of work experience and extra-circulars that I was able to explain and link to dentistry quite easily. I also showcased two sides of being a healthcare professional – being both competent and knowledgeable as well as kind and empathetic.

I used a lot of third person descriptors and wrote from a third person perspective. I would keep the content of my personal statement the same but change my phrasing to make it stand out more as my experiences rather than as an objective overview. I really should have expanded more on the value of my experiences, whether that be my work experience or the trip to America, as acknowledging and showing-off that I done them isn’t really that beneficial.

So there you have it! This personal statement helped Malikha get 2/4 offers in her application.

Everyone has different experiences and abilities, so you may not be able to relate to everything that was said in this personal statement. However, the information and advice provided by Malikha is universal and will help any applicant write a better personal statement!

Be sure to check out more Medicine Personal Statement Analyses to see advice from all different kinds of applicants, including Ali Abdaal himself! Or if you want to get started on your own statement, check out 6med’s Personal Statement Bundle for all the support and resources you’ll ever need! If you want full support on every part of your application and a guaranteed place at med school, the Complete Bundle will be perfect for you.

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Dentistry Personal Statement

After my sister was specifically advised to have her teeth brushed to control the risk of heart disease that emerged from her mitochondrial disorder, it became apparent that oral hygiene was pertinent in the maintenance of her health. This highlighted a more serious side to dentistry where its application had implications on the longevity of life, rather than just quality, emphasising it as a profession that is undeserving of the superficial image it sometimes attracts.

To supplement my growing interest, I undertook a six week MOOC course called 'Discover Dentistry', which explored the extensive use of additive manufacturing in facial reconstruction and how worms were thought to cause decay. I was intrigued by how the scarcity of scientific explanations led to barber-surgeons erratically extracting teeth. Pierre Fauchard denounced such barbaric malpractice and focused on enhancing the training of dentists with anatomical concepts. His revolutionary work fortified my enthusiasm for dentistry and my curiosity in its future implementation.

Whilst shadowing dentists for three weeks, l appreciated how staff strived to uphold the trust instilled in them by patients; the reliance of dentists on administrative staff and nurses was especially noticeable. The artistry and detail that formulated the personalised care of each patient's mouth was captivating - watching an eroded tooth be rebuilt was especially interesting. It illustrated that dentistry requires excellent manual dexterity, which I have developed during GCSE Textiles by sewing a range of products, as well as by applying henna - an intricate skill which allows exploration of artistic flair.

Participating in a communications workshop at Leeds University allowed me to identify that oral health is often misunderstood and poorly addressed due to language barriers. However, dealing with customers of diverse backgrounds at Cancer Research exemplified the significance of my ability to speak Urdu and how it could be applied to reassure anxious patients and allow them to be in control of their health. Supporting adults with learning disabilities at the Learning Zone has developed my understanding of the importance of confidentiality and sensitivity towards a person's situation. Although I felt intimidated at first, by being patient and empathetically conversing with the students, I am able to make a positive contribution to their independence. In terms of academia, solving differentiation-based application questions is an element of maths I really enjoy as I am challenged to integrate methodical formulae to abstract situations - it has nurtured my problem-solving skills, which are vital in resolving complex cases in dentistry. I am researching and writing an EPQ dissertation with a focus on the impact of oral hygiene and longevity of life. The link between the topic and my future career aspiration makes it intrinsically interesting. I also enjoy being able to develop independent research skills that would clearly be useful in dentistry, as it is a discipline that consists of research paired with first-line healthcare.

Recreationally, progressing as an avid participant of badminton and netball will not only allow me to subjugate the stress that accompanies the intense nature of dentistry, but it has also enabled me to refine my coordination and teamwork skills. As a prefect, I acted upon the views of the school community, thereby exhibiting a sense of responsibility and leadership. Moreover, completing NCS greatly increased my confidence as the experience tested my limits and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Having witnessed the vulnerability of patients, both personally and professionally, and being inspired by the work ethic of Fauchard, I am determined to supersede the conventional perception of a dentist. I intend on delivering innovative healthcare for the benefit of social welfare and being involved in pioneering research that could shape the future of the dental field.

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10 Dental School Personal Statement Examples

Article Contents 15 min read

Writing a Strong Dental School Personal Statement

1. Tell a story

2. Demonstrate why you’re a “good fit”

3. Be authentic and readable

4. Express your desired contributions to the field

Things to Avoid in a Dental School Personal Statement

1. Don’t summarize your CV

2. Don’t dwell on negative experiences

4. Don’t submit your dental school personal statement without getting expert feedback

8 Dental School Personal Statement Examples

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College of Dentistry

"The book really focuses on how to make yourself seem more interesting, more human and more like a valuable member of the community. I think that’s what really makes people stand out.”

1. Assemble an Outstanding Application. Creating an application package that is so compelling that it can’t possibly be ignored. This means going beyond application prerequisites such as competitive GPA, required coursework, and dentist shadowing .

4. Map Your Road to Dental School. Deciding on worthwhile extracurriculars and hobbies. Making a seamless and successful transition to dental school.

Succeeding with the Personal Statement

From ADEA Go Dental: What is the personal statement for?

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Your Essential Guide to Dental School Admissions is available in softcover for $14.99 and Kindle for $9.99 on Amazon .

Writing a Winning Dental School Personal Statement

Table of Contents

An Introduction to Crafting a Compelling Dental School Personal Statement

Understanding Your Purpose

Identifying Your Unique Qualities and Experiences to Highlight

Tips for Crafting an Engaging Introduction to Your Personal Statement

Key Elements to Include in the Body of Your Dental School Personal Statement

The Importance of Authenticity

Examples of Effective Ways to Convey Your Passion for Dentistry

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Writing Your Dental School Personal Statement

How to Edit and Revise Your Dental School Personal Statement for Maximum Impact

Tips for Tailoring Your Dental School Personal Statement to Specific Programs or Schools

Strategies for Standing Out Among a Pool of Competitive Applicants

Making the Most of Supplemental Essays and Interviews as Part of the Application Process

Navigating the Admissions Process and What Comes Next After Submitting Your Personal Statement

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Dentistry Personal Statement: 10 Top Tips to Write a Perfect Dentistry PS

Tip 1: Be honest

Tip 2: Be enthusiastic about dentistry

Tip 3: Try to stand out

Tip 4: Talk about your dental work experience

Tip 5: Tailor it to dentistry

Tip 6: Only write a dentistry personal statement for one course

Tip 7: Talk about the qualities required by a dentist and where you have shown them

Tip 8: Don’t waffle

Tip 9: Get someone to check it for you