personal statement for university oral health

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Sample Dental Personal Statement — AADSAS

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

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

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

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

[MZ2]  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  [MZ10] Again, tying back to the theme

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• Dental School

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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Top 10 tips for Dental Hygiene and Therapy Personal Statement

1. Stick to the Personal Statement Word Limit

Firstly, your personal statement is only a one-page essay, which must not exceed 4,500 characters, (including spaces, numbers, letters, etc). Your personal statement gives the university a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in Dental Hygiene and Therapy.  

Table of Contents

2. Show Examples of Interest in Dental Hygiene and Therapy

The aim of the personal statement is to get the university’s admission team interested in you. You are wanting them to invite you to an interview. Try not to tell them who you are, show them with examples. Bring up interesting stories from your everyday life, which portray your best qualities and try to relate them to Dental Hygiene and Therapy, for example, optimism, attention to detail, confidence, empathy, manual dexterity, and communication skills. 

3. Start Writing Early

Starting early. The earlier you start the better your personal statement will be. It is important to give yourself plenty of time to create a solid plan of what you are going to include and the structure of it. Write as many drafts as you can, this will help build a template ready for the final draft. 

Make sure to start 6 months before the deadline. The time you need to prepare for your personal statement will depend on your writing skills and your availability to sit and take the time to produce ideas, plan and write it up. 

4. Plan and Brainstorm

How to start? Firstly, try to begin brainstorming ideas and topics to include in your personal statement. Make sure to focus on key experiences, which will tell your story and help you realise why this is the profession/career you want to pursue. Make sure to choose a memorable opening, something that will draw the reader in and keep the reader engaged and wanting to know more about you.  

A quick go-to on how to start brainstorming  

• Ensure to make a list of events and experiences that reflect on the evolution of your path to a career in dentistry. 
• Make a list of your strengths and things that keep you motivated.
• Think about key people and how they have inspired you.
• Think about the message you wish to convey in your personal statement. 

Essential questions that need to be thought about before writing your draft: 

• What have you learnt from your experiences? 
• What will you contribute to Dental Hygiene and Therapy?  
• How have your hobbies and academic experiences influenced your desire to pursue a career in dentistry?  
• What personal qualities do you have to make you a good Dental Hygiene and Therapist? 
• Why do you want to study Dental Hygiene and Therapy?  
• What inspired you to apply for Dental Hygiene and Therapy?  
• What do you find attractive about Dental Hygiene and therapy that no other career has to offer?  

When preparing for your first draft of your Dental Hygiene and Therapy personal statement, make sure to spend some time on it, as it will make the writing of your personal statement so much easier.  

When writing about personal qualities, be honest, as it is important to be yourself. Here are some important qualities to include: 

• Artistic  
• Empathetic  
• Attentive to detail  
• Great communication skills 
• Confidence 
• Great interpersonal skills 
• Professionalism
• Good ethic 
• Hard-working 

5. Check Grammar and Spelling

Ensure to check grammar and spelling; it is essential to avoid any grammar inconsistencies. 

Ensure to also pay attention to the past/present and future tense and make sure there is not too much switching between them. Keep it professional and try not to use “I’m” or “don’t.”  

Clarity and flow 

It is essential that your personal statement MUST show a clear picture of your interests and strengths. Too many themes in the personal statement could make it confusing and cloud the bigger picture of who you are as a person.  

Make sure that each paragraph flows into the next one. This can be a challenge, especially when trying to fit so much information into a minor character limit, but try your best to add what you feel is the most important and show the reader YOU! 

6. Show don’t Tell

Do not say it; show it. Remember that everything you bring up, whether about yourself or interests in your personal statement, needs to be backed up. For example, do not just say, “I’m great around people and a people pleaser.” Instead, try and say, “throughout my volunteering, I realised my enjoyment of interacting with people and how my communication skills can help me with future patient interactions.” some other examples may include: 

• General Dental Practice Placements (2 weeks recommended)
• Dental Technician Placements (1 week recommended)
• Online course for Dentistry 

If unsure about your skills or interests, brainstorm and draw some of those connections. It is also great to get friends and family members involved, as a second opinion counts. Try to think of qualities that no other student will write down, remember that you need to stand out and you are up against hundreds of other applicants wanting the same place on the course. 

7. Be Honest

Be honest. Understand that honesty is the best policy. No matter what you say, always tell the truth.  

It is also important not to copy anyone else’s personal statement, even if it is an online one or your friend’s personal statement. This counts as plagiarism, and all universities have a system to check that plagiarism has not occurred within your statement.  

8. Show Enthusiasm for Dental Hygiene and Therapy

Be enthusiastic about dental hygiene and therapy. All these universities are looking for someone passionate and enthusiastic about dentistry. You want to showcase that you have gone out of your way, in your own time, to gain as much experience before starting university. It illustrates initiative and it’s what will make you stand out. If there aren’t specific dental examples where you have done this, sign yourself up so that you can include this in your statement. It all has to be true so don’t start making things up as they might catch you out in your interview stage! Remember, that universities are looking for someone who wants to learn and show dedication.

9. Try to Stand Out

Try to stand out. Talk about what you have done and how your experience stands out compared to others; an example could be you do lots of volunteering work, which can be formal or non-formal or that you have a part-time job, and how these skills are transferable for the degree in Dental Hygiene and Therapy.

To stand out does not need to be dentistry specific, as universities just want you to be yourself and show that you are not the same as every other applicant. They are looking for those who go beyond to make themselves stand out, so brag a little and tell them how proud you are of yourself and all the things you have achieved. Some topics you may bring up can be related to dentistry, but be sure to expand. 

10. Get a Personal Statement Check

Get someone to check your personal statement for you. Ask someone to check over your work, even if this is a friend, parent, or teacher; it is always great to see what others think of it and get a unique perspective. If you know anyone studying Dental Hygiene and Therapy, it may be worth contacting them and asking if they could read it and give you a few pointers. Also, do not be afraid to ask if you could read their personal statement too. Seeking advice from current, past dental students will be instrumental, as they got onto the course based on their personal statements. 

My Personal Statement

As a qualified, GDC-registered dental nurse I ensure to maintain the NHS values and respect every individual equally. My favourite part is being able to interact with patients and aid their understanding of oral hygiene. Being able to communicate with a wide range of people of all ages and backgrounds is one reason why I enjoy dentistry, as well as the challenges and opportunities that it offers.

A favourite aspect of dental nursing is the satisfaction of treating patients using a tailored approach and seeing the end results. Being a dental nurse has made me realise the significance of understanding the physiology of the mouth and the whole body. Being able to relieve a patient from pain or enhance their confidence by improving their oral hygiene makes it such a rewarding career, and has encouraged me to progress further in the field of dentistry.

I have assisted with a wide range of treatments, for example, endodontic extractions and the preparation stage for crowns and dentures. From my experience assisting during surgery, I can appreciate how the hygienist’s empathy and communication skills help to build a rapport with patients, and the positive effect that being caring and compassionate has on their general wellbeing.

One of my most memorable moments whilst working with a hygienist was when I came across an extremely nervous patient. I helped them to relax by asking simple questions and distracting them with humour, which put them at ease and made them laugh. Interactions like this have helped me to appreciate the importance of empathy and adapting my communication strategies to suit the patient’s needs. My experiences with patients and the dental team so far have left me with no doubt that I want to be a part of this valuable and rewarding community.

As a dental professional, I make sure to strive for personal and professional excellence. I have faced many challenges with frustrated and anxious patients; however, my professional manner and respect remained consistent throughout. I have come up with different strategies to reassure anxious patients, such as offering a pre-treatment visit, to let the patient get acquainted with the staff and comfortable in the dental chair.

The GDC principles have come into action many times. One patient I remember was a boy who had little understanding of oral hygiene and was in a lot of pain. Due to his fear, he was unable to cooperate with the dentist’s assessment. Using a calm and friendly manner, I reassured him so that we were able to continue with the treatment. When I saw him again, he greeted me with a huge smile. Knowing that I made an impact on this boy and his oral hygiene is one of the proudest moments of my career so far. This experience helped reinforce the concept that effective patient-centred care and communication, as reflected in the GDC principles, with principles one and two; “put patients’ interests first”, and “communicate effectively with patients” are vital within dentistry.

Another important aspect is the ability to work closely with individuals in order to build a trusting patient-clinician relationship. I find it particularly compelling to witness patients gradually gain faith in the value of preventative care and education in oral health.

I am currently studying for an Access to HE Diploma. Exploring human physiology, anatomy, and the behaviour of drugs inside the body has made me all the more enthusiastic about applying my knowledge in dental practice.

Dentistry aside, I enjoy playing badminton and painting, both activities which have helped to develop my manual dexterity. I enjoy looking after my body using a holistic approach, incorporating diet and exercise such as yoga, to keep my body in good shape and improve my posture. With my experience as a dental nurse, adaptable communication skills, and drive to further my learning, I believe that I would be well suited to pursuing a career as a Dental Hygienist and Therapist.

As expressed, your personal statement needs to stand out, resemble you and most importantly show why you want to pursue Dental Hygiene or Dental Therapy. 

Frequently Asked Question

→what is a dental hygiene and therapy personal statement.

A dental hygiene and therapy personal statement is a written document that is required as part of the application process for admission to a dental hygiene and therapy program. It is an opportunity for the applicant to showcase their skills, experience, and personal qualities to the admissions committee.

→How long should a dental hygiene and therapy personal statement be?

The length of a dental hygiene and therapy personal statement can vary depending on the specific program’s requirements. However, most programs require a personal statement of around 500-1000 words.

→What should be included in a dental hygiene and therapy personal statement?

A dental hygiene and therapy personal statement should include information about your motivation for pursuing a career in dental hygiene and therapy, your relevant experience and skills, your understanding of the role of a dental hygienist or therapist, and your commitment to professional development.

→Should I include my academic achievements in my dental hygiene and therapy personal statement?

Yes, academic achievements can demonstrate your academic ability and potential, so it is important to include them in your personal statement. However, it is important to balance academic achievements with other relevant experiences and skills.

→Is it important to tailor my dental hygiene and therapy personal statement to each program I apply to?

Yes, it is important to tailor your dental hygiene and therapy personal statement to each program you apply to. This can involve researching each program’s specific requirements and highlighting how your skills and experiences match those requirements.

→How can I make my dental hygiene and therapy personal statement stand out?

To make your dental hygiene and therapy personal statement stand out, focus on specific examples and experiences that demonstrate your skills and abilities. Use active verbs and avoid generic statements. Additionally, make sure to proofread your statement carefully to ensure that it is free of errors.

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Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

Last updated: 05/10/2022

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The personal statement is changing to a series of free text questions for 2026 entry onwards, however it remains unchanged for 2025 entry. Keep an eye on our live updates page for guidance on these changes.

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.

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• 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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How to Write a Compelling Personal Statement for the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Application

Learn how to craft a winning personal statement for your Harvard School of Dental Medicine application.

Posted May 19, 2023

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Table of Contents

When applying to dental school, one of the most important parts of your application is the personal statement. This essay gives you the opportunity to showcase why you would be a great fit for the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. In this article, we'll discuss how to write a compelling personal statement that will capture the attention of the admissions committee and help you stand out from other applicants.

Understanding the Importance of a Personal Statement in Your Dental School Application

First, let's talk about why the personal statement is so important. Your academic record and test scores will certainly be considered by the admissions committee, but they also want to learn more about who you are as a person and why you're interested in dentistry. The personal statement gives you the chance to explain your motivations, highlight your unique experiences and skills, and make a case for why you're the right fit for this prestigious program.

Secondly, the personal statement is an opportunity for you to showcase your writing skills. As a future dentist, you will need to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. Your personal statement is a chance to demonstrate your ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively.

Finally, the personal statement can help you stand out from other applicants. Admissions committees receive hundreds or even thousands of applications each year, and many of them will have similar academic backgrounds and test scores. A well-crafted personal statement can help you differentiate yourself and make a memorable impression on the committee.

Researching the Harvard School of Dental Medicine to Tailor Your Personal Statement

Before you start writing your personal statement, take some time to research the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. What are the school's values and mission? What makes their program unique? What kind of students do they look for? By understanding these things, you can tailor your personal statement to align with the school's priorities and show why you would be a good fit.

One unique aspect of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine is their commitment to community service. The school encourages students to participate in outreach programs and volunteer work, both locally and globally. This emphasis on giving back to the community aligns with the school's mission to improve oral health and overall health for all individuals. When writing your personal statement, consider highlighting any experiences you have had in community service or volunteer work, and how those experiences have prepared you to contribute to the Harvard School of Dental Medicine's mission.

Choosing the Right Tone and Style for Your Personal Statement

When it comes to the tone and style of your personal statement, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Some applicants may opt for a more formal and academic tone, while others may choose to be more personal and anecdotal. Whatever you choose, make sure it feels authentic to you and that it showcases your strengths and personality.

If you're applying to a highly competitive program, it may be tempting to try to impress the admissions committee with complex vocabulary and sophisticated sentence structures. However, it's important to remember that clarity and coherence are key. Your personal statement should be easy to read and understand, so avoid using jargon or overly technical language unless it's absolutely necessary.

Another important factor to consider is the audience for your personal statement. Who will be reading it, and what are they looking for? If you're applying to a program in the humanities, for example, you may want to emphasize your creativity and critical thinking skills. On the other hand, if you're applying to a program in the sciences, you may want to highlight your research experience and analytical abilities.

Identifying Your Unique Experiences and Skills to Showcase in Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement should highlight what sets you apart from other applicants. What unique experiences have you had that have influenced your decision to pursue dentistry? What skills do you possess that would make you a great dentist? By focusing on these unique aspects of yourself, you'll be better able to differentiate yourself from other applicants and make a strong case for why the admissions committee should choose you.

One way to identify your unique experiences and skills is to reflect on your past experiences and how they have shaped your interest in dentistry. For example, if you have volunteered at a dental clinic or shadowed a dentist, you can discuss how these experiences have influenced your decision to pursue dentistry. Additionally, if you have any research or academic experience related to dentistry, you can highlight these experiences to demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the field.

Another way to showcase your unique skills is to discuss any leadership or teamwork experiences you have had. Dentistry requires strong communication and collaboration skills, so highlighting experiences where you have worked effectively in a team or taken on a leadership role can demonstrate your ability to succeed in the field. Additionally, if you have any language skills or cultural experiences that could be valuable in a diverse dental practice, be sure to mention these as well.

Crafting a Captivating Introduction to Hook the Reader's Attention

The introduction to your personal statement is crucial. You want to hook the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading. Consider starting with a compelling anecdote or a thought-provoking question. Alternatively, you could begin with a statement that sums up your motivation for pursuing dentistry. Whatever you choose, make sure it's attention-grabbing and sets the tone for the rest of your essay.

Highlighting Your Academic Achievements and Extracurricular Activities in Your Personal Statement

While your personal statement shouldn't just be a rehash of your resume, it is important to highlight your academic achievements and extracurricular activities. This gives the admissions committee a clearer picture of your interests and passions, as well as your dedication to academic excellence.

Describing Your Passion for Dentistry and Why You Want to Attend Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Your personal statement should make it clear why you're passionate about dentistry and why you specifically want to attend the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. This could include describing your experiences working in a dental clinic, your desire to help underserved communities, or your fascination with the art and science of dentistry. Whatever your motivations are, make them clear and compelling.

Demonstrating Your Commitment to Serving Others Through Dentistry

One of the core values of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine is a commitment to serving others. Your personal statement should demonstrate your own commitment to this value. This might include discussing volunteer work you've done, community service projects you've been a part of, or your vision for how you want to use your dental training to make a positive impact on the world.

Avoiding Common Mistakes and Pitfalls When Writing a Personal Statement

There are several common mistakes and pitfalls that applicants can fall into when writing their personal statement. These include relying too heavily on cliches, being too self-promoting, or failing to demonstrate a clear understanding of the school's priorities and mission. Make sure you avoid these pitfalls by carefully reviewing your essay and getting feedback from trusted advisors.

Tips for Editing and Proofreading Your Personal Statement for Maximum Impact

Editing and proofreading are crucial parts of the writing process. Once you've written your personal statement, make sure you give yourself enough time to review it carefully. Look for any typos or grammatical errors, and make sure your essay flows logically from beginning to end. Consider asking a friend or mentor to look it over and give you feedback as well.

Using Examples of Successful Personal Statements as Inspiration for Yours

If you're struggling to get started on your personal statement, consider reading examples of successful personal statements from past applicants. This can give you an idea of what kind of tone and style works well, as well as what kind of content the admissions committee tends to respond to favorably.

Seeking Feedback from Trusted Advisors and Mentors on Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement is a reflection of you, but that doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Consider seeking feedback from trusted advisors and mentors, such as professors, dental professionals, or career counselors. They can offer valuable perspective on your writing and help you identify areas where you could improve.

Preparing Yourself Mentally and Emotionally for the Dental School Application Process

The dental school application process can be daunting, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. Make sure you take care of your physical and mental health during this time, and seek out support from friends and family if you need it. Remember that rejection is a natural part of the process, and that a rejection from one school doesn't define your worth or potential as a dentist.

Leveraging Additional Resources and Support to Strengthen Your Application Beyond the Personal Statement

Your personal statement is just one part of your dental school application. To strengthen your application, consider leveraging additional resources and support, such as test prep services, resume builders, and mock interview sessions. By investing in yourself and your application, you'll be better prepared to succeed.

In conclusion, your personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your strengths and make a case for why you would be a great fit for the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. By following these tips and putting in the time and effort to craft a compelling essay, you'll be well on your way to achieving your dental school dreams.

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You'll need great grades and a spot-on personal statement to catch the eye of a dental school and nab an interview for a place on one of these demanding courses. The good news is the schools themselves are pretty open about what they're looking for from a dentistry personal statement. For more advice about studying dentistry, see our dentistry subject guide .

Motivation and commitment

As the University of Liverpool's dental school says: 'applicants must demonstrate motivation and commitment to a career in dentistry'. So how can you achieve this?

One way is to explain what first attracted you to dentistry, and what, as the University of Manchester puts it, 'has sustained or confirmed this choice'.

The University of Sheffield's dental school wants you to demonstrate your knowledge of the profession, what attracts you to it, and that you’ve researched the possible career opportunities. Be honest about what's fuelling your ambitions (ideally that you're driven by the impact you can have on society at large, rather than the earning potential).

As well as evidence of your commitment to the profession, King’s wants you to demonstrate a 'realistic appreciation of the academic, physical, and emotional demands of a dental degree programme and career', bringing us nicely on to…

Dental experience

Before you apply, you need to have made efforts to gain an insight into the profession through work experience or observation, especially in general dental practice. As for where and how much, here’s how some dental schools view it:

• Dundee and Cardiff don’t specify how much, but both expect you to take every opportunity to gain as much as you can.
• Sheffield expects it to be in a general dental practice.
• Liverpool says it should preferably be in a dental practice or hospital 'and preferably in more than one establishment'.
• Bristol ideally wants you to have experienced various fields of dentistry, such as general practice, hospital, community or laboratory.
• Manchester wants you to have had at least two weeks' experience or observation in general practice, and to state how much in your statement. If you also have additional experience in a specialist area of dentistry, all the better.
• King’s adds that if you’ve been unable to observe in a dental establishment then, at the very least, they want you to reflect on any work experience you’ve had in a caring environment or in another setting where you’ve interacted with the general public. But clearly, they would also then expect you to demonstrate your knowledge of dentistry in other ways in your statement.

Of course, it won’t be enough just to say you’ve had the experience. What matters is that you write about it in a way that demonstrates the insight you’ve gained into the role of a dentist and, as Cardiff describes it, 'an understanding of the demands of dental training and practice'.

So, within your 47 lines, outline the breadth and duration of the experience you’ve had but, even more importantly, describe what you’ve learned from it. To do this, it might be best to focus on the highlights and the key things you gained – tutors would rather read about what you learned from observing one filling than a list of all the procedures you saw. What counts is the quality of your observations and how they’ve influenced your understanding.

Note that both King’s and Cardiff mention an awareness of the demands of the degree as well as the career – research dentistry courses in our search tool  and get to an open day .

Leadership and non-academic achievements

Most dental schools also want to read something about you as a person and your extracurricular interests. Be selective and prioritise what you think is paramount.

• Reflect on anything that genuinely shows strong teamwork and leadership qualities, like your part-time job, sport, drama, Duke of Edinburgh Award, positions of responsibility, or whatever you do that showcases them.
• Demonstrate self-motivation through significant ongoing commitment to school, college or community activities, volunteering, charity work, sports teams, mentoring, and so on.
• Show you have a range of hobbies and interests too, you can manage your time well alongside your studies, you’re well-read, well-rounded, and know how to relax when you take a break from studying.
• Show your caring attitude, a sense of social responsibility, courtesy, an interest in people and their welfare, or the ability to reassure people and put them at ease.
• Demonstrate effective communication and that you can explain complex information simply and coherently.
• Demonstrate logic, independent thought, goal-setting, problem-solving, organisation, reliability, conscientiousness, and that you’re up for a challenge.

Give them a glimpse of you as a person, what you enjoy doing, and what you feel passionate about or excel at.

Manual dexterity

Dentistry admissions tutors also need to feel confident that you have the necessary fine motor skills to perform intricate tasks.

There are some subtle ways to convince them about this in your personal statement – mentioning your active involvement in arts and crafts, playing an instrument, model-making, maintaining your car or bike, or whatever else you do that requires good coordination and attention to detail.

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Dental hygiene

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Dental Hygiene personal statement example

My ambition to study for a degree in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy has developed out of several years’ experience of working as a dental nurse in support of professional dental technicians and a growing interest in the science involved in dentistry. I am very much aware of the importance of the hygienist’s role in maintaining the patient’s dental health, and indeed ultimately helping to secure general health through careful attention to oral conditions. My work as a nurse has made me realise the importance of a full understanding of the physiology of the mouth and gums and of the whole body. I have been struck by how common periodontal diseases are in patients who come for dental treatment and have an immense faith in the value of preventive care and patient education. The hygienist’s job is largely to prevent disease through advice, therapy and treatment, and is one of the professional health roles which seems to offer the possibility of the most immediate sense of achievement, since patients’ wellbeing can be dramatically improved through the hygienist’s actions. Advice on diet, smoking and a routine of oral hygiene can improve people’s dental condition immeasurably. I am also interested in the various procedures carried out by hygienists and therapists, such as restoring teeth, extracting children’s teeth, pulp therapy, fitting crowns, radiography and scaling and polishing. I believe that my experience of the dental world and my dedication to the service are a good basis for my further study leading to a career as a fully qualified professional.

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I have worked for an agency as a dental nurse, travelling to many practices where I supported dentists in all aspects of dental care, including providing instruments during procedures, mixing materials and ensuring patient comfort. I would take notes from the dentist’s dictation for the records and maintain the cleanliness and efficiency of the surgery. I sometimes held the position of head nurse on the site, overseeing the work of others, and I taught four-handed dentistry to some nurses, improving treatment and time management. During this time I had much first-hand experience of the work of dental hygienists. In 2009 I gave birth to my son and then returned to college to gain more qualifications in preparation for applying for a degree in the subject, including a pre-access course to nursing and human sciences. The return to study has been rewarding and enjoyable. As a mother of a young child I have developed great organisational ability, and I also share my knowledge with other mothers at toddler groups who sometimes find it difficult to maintain their children’s oral health.

I am a mature student and my career ambition is the result of much thought and a clear understanding of what the job entails. During my GCSE year I suffered a stroke and so have a very acute sense of what it is to be a patient and how important patient support is in contributing to the success of any therapy. I am also quite determined not to let my disability deter me from becoming a health professional. After graduating I should like to work as a volunteer helping underprivileged children and families to have better oral hygiene, and then go on to spend the rest of my career in a top-quality dental practice.

I attend the British Association of Dental Nurses conference annually and am always keen to keep abreast of new developments in my field. My enjoyment of pottery and painting has given me good manual dexterity, a useful asset for a hygienist, and I very much enjoy museum visits. I am hard-working, meticulous about detail, and perhaps something of a perfectionist. I lead well, but also enjoy being part of a professional team. I am eager to use my abilities to help people and have some skill in putting anxious patients at ease. My commitment to my chosen path is total and I believe I have the experience, maturity and determination to become a very successful student.

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Dentistry Personal Statement Examples – KCL (Emmy)

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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 Emmy, who studies Dentistry at King’s College London.

Emmy applied to study Dentistry back in 2021 at four amazing UK Dental Schools, KCL, Queens University Belfast and University of Birmingham and Newcastle University. She received offers from all of them and even received a scholarship from KCL!

Let’s read the personal statement that got her a place at KCL, 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 .

KCL Dentistry Personal Statement Example

Whole personal statement.

There is a certain delight in being naturally curious. Yet this got me in trouble as a child, from asking too many questions to fidgeting to keep my hands busy. In an attempt to nurture my inquisitive character while suppressing my desire to dismantle furniture, I was often encouraged to visit the local museum where my fascination with the osteology of an ancient carnivore led to my discovery of the gargantuan carnassial teeth, fuelling my primitive interests in the morphology and function of teeth. As I grew older, reading texts like ‘The Health Gap’ fired a passion to engage in the ordeals of social justice and the issue of poor oral health within the NHS, developing my first taste of what would become a fascination with dentistry.

Witnessing the inner workings of NHS practices in areas of high dental need over a week was eye-opening. The sheer variety of cases piqued my interest; allowing me to realise that dentistry is both a stimulating and demanding vocation that is in turn, highly rewarding. The attention to detail taken while placing a filling highlighted that dentistry requires a substantial level of manual dexterity as well as precision and flair. Heading the Dental Society hones these skills, practising needlework to develop dexterity and discussing pertinent dental cases to increase exposure to the field. The fitting of a CEREC crown during a one week placement at a cosmetic practice opened my eyes to technological advancements in the field, prompting further research into possible future innovations.

Completing a Discover Dentistry course placed what I had learnt in dental practice into the wider context of public dental health issues. A culmination of these valuable experiences highlighted that both the beauty and triviality of dentistry lie in the nature of a simple smile; an often overlooked hallmark of social interaction. Shadowing dentists over two weeks during the Goodwill Ambassador Programme offered a striking contrast to previous placements, broadening the parameters of dentistry as a profession that is not only restorative or aesthetic but potentially life saving. While observing the care of a trigeminal neuralgia patient, I was truly able to value the importance of patient autonomy and trust; further affirming that dentistry truly touches lives on a massive scale.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team in a dental hospital highlighted the level of effective communication required in the profession, urging me to draw parallels while managing the Debate Society at college. The methodical nature of the surgical team under the oral surgeon’s guidance while treating a motor vehicle trauma patient was provoking. Besides the need for efficient communication, it was clear to me that leadership and management skills were vital; skills that I too, have developed through the Silver DofE Award and leading my team through Young Enterprise. Being a scholarship recipient constantly pushes the horizons of my academic abilities, nurturing my thirst for knowledge and fuelling rigorous self-motivation.

Beyond academia, I lead a local charity tutoring disadvantaged children which has given me a deep grounding in community work; stressing the significance of continued community care as well as the values of patience and trust when working with children. Being awarded Best Speaker at the Welsh Debating Championships and being invited to speak at the MDA Awards has fostered an articulate character with the ability to think quickly; making critical decisions under tremendous pressure.

Looking back, it was my curious nature towards the world around me that drove me to explore a career in such a complex and multifaceted field. Grasping every experience extended to me with the same open-minded perspective has encouraged me to constantly broaden the frontiers of my perception of dentistry; a vocation that is highly challenging yet calls to me as one that will fulfil my desire to truly make a difference in society.

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KCL Dentistry Personal Statement Example Analysis

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

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

I have made sure to be really personal in the introduction, something I felt is really key to the opening of your personal statement – it may seem obvious but it isn’t easy to do. I have drawn on my own experiences and related them to the curiosity and fascination I developed with teeth. My use of humour in the opening sentences, is something I really wanted to convey as I wanted to show the universities I was applying to the type of person I am. 

For an introduction, it is likely on the longer sider and there might have been ways to shorten it so that I had more characters to use later in my personal statement but I wasn’t able to cut it down. 

Paragraph 1

Work experience is an essential part of a Dentistry application, so mentioning that I have done some was something I wanted to get into my personal statement. As well, I have mentioned some hobbies and extracurriculars that I do that directly relate to the skills required to be a dentist – e.g., doing needlework to help with manual dexterity.  

It reads a little disjointed. I mentioned my work experience, then being part of the Dental Society, then doing needlework, before going back to talking about my work experience. With a restructure, this would’ve flown better than it currently does and not seem so disjointed. I also should have spoken more about the overall value I gained from my work experience rather than mentioning somethings that I saw. 

Paragraph 2

The intention of this paragraph was to showcase my active interest in Dentistry and that I am taking steps to nurture this by completing courses and programmes. I have talked about the value and importance of patient autonomy and trust which are key concepts in Dentistry, so I wanted to get across that I am aware of this and have been considering them. 

When talking about the Discover Dentistry course, I mention “a culmination of these valuable experiences,” but I don’t actually discuss what these experiences were and why they had such a profound effect on me. Looking back, it would have been far more beneficial to have done so. 

Paragraph 3

I have managed to relate what I witnessed during my work experience to my own experiences. The way I saw the dental team working together and communicating together showed me just how vital a skill it is, and used it to mention my Duke of Edinburgh Award and how it has developed my communication skills. 

Perhaps the final sentence about being a scholarship recipient isn’t entirely relevant here, or at all, and would have been better to have removed it to allow me some additional characters to use elsewhere. 

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Paragraph 4

Understanding and being a part of your community is a big part of being a dentist; knowing this, I have related it to charity work I have done to show that it is a value important to me. As well, having taken part in a debating championship means that I am very articulate, which is so important when working as a dentist.

Again, as I have in previous paragraphs I possibly have focussed too much on mentioning an experience I have had without going into any real depth about what it meant to me and how it has impacted me. 

What I feel is important with a conclusion, and is what I have done, is linked it back to the introduction. By tying in that thread about my curious nature it makes the whole thing come full circle and makes it feel cohesive. 

My final sentence is very cliched, which would’ve been better to avoid as the admissions teams would have heard it all before. At sometimes it does read as though I have swallowed a thesaurus to try and make myself sound more sophisticated – this really wasn’t needed.  

Final Thoughts

Well, I must’ve done something right to get four offers and a scholarship! What I really wanted to make sure of was that I got across my own experiences, and they have fostered my dream to pursue Dentistry. As well, I feel I have been personal which is a skill people often struggle with, and friends of mine found difficult when we were writing our statements. Overall I am overwhelmingly happy with my personal statement. 

I definitely could’ve been a lot more concise in places which would have allowed me to go into more depth about my work experience and the value I gained from it. The only thing I think I would probably change looking back might be seeing if could shorten my introduction as it is a bit longer than is necessary. 

So there you have it! This personal statement helped Emmy get 4/4 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 Emmy 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 Medicine Mastery Bundle for all the support and resources you’ll ever need for your whole application.

More Medicine Personal Statement Examples & Inspiration

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Medicine Personal Statement Inspiration – Ali Abdaal (Cambridge)

Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Cambridge (Elizabeth)

Medical Biosciences Personal Statement Example – Imperial College London

Graduate Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Warwick (Laura)

Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Plymouth (Abdullah)

Medicine Personal Statement Examples – King’s College London (Azzra)

Graduate Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Brighton and Sussex

Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Cardiff University (Faris)

Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Cambridge (Lucy)

Graduate Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Sunderland (Ikrah)

Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Cambridge (Annie)

Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Oxford (Alexander)

Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Bristol (Faraz)

Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Cardiff University (Jemma)

Medicine Personal Statement Examples – King’s College London (Thomas)

Graduate Medicine Personal Statement Example – Barts Medical School

Medicine Personal Statement Examples – Nottingham (Aymen)

Dentistry Personal Statement Examples – Barts (Malikha)

Dentistry Personal Statement Examples – Cardiff (Eera)

Dentistry Personal Statement Examples – KCL (Saif)

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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.

• The Best Dentistry Universities in the UK
• Applying To Medicine in the UK
• Writing a Winning Medical Personal Statement
• How To Write A Personal Statement For Psychology

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.

Recommended reading:

• Personal Statement Examples
• How to Write a Personal Statement for a Masters
• How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD
• UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
• How to Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out
• Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for the University
• How to Write UCAS Reference Letter

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Successful Personal Statement For Dentistry At King’s College London

Last Updated: 8th April 2020

Author: Adi Sen

• Getting started

Table of Contents

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

Enrolling on our Dentistry comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts. 

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:

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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.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Dentistry application.

With our  Dentistry Premium Programme we help you craft the perfect  Personal   Statement , achieve a highly competitive UCAT and BMAT  score and teach you how to  Interview effectively.

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How To Get An Offer – Top Dental Personal Statement

What Makes A Good Personal Statement For Dentistry

Are you struggling to write your personal statement? Don’t know where to start or what to include?

It is incredibly tough to write a personal statement without overthinking it. You have to boast about your experiences while also being modest. You’re expected to provide an insight into your thoughts and creatively reflect on your key experiences. This is why I have created the perfect guide to help you.

How will this help you with your dental personal statement?

This article will focus on what makes a good personal statement for dentistry applicants. However, you can apply the same points to any field of healthcare – medicine, optometry, pharmacy, physician associate, nursing, dental hygiene , etc… If you haven’t written your first draft, I recommend reading my guide on How To Structure Your Statement first, then come back here. 

There will be three real dental personal statement examples used. These are from friends or students I have worked with. I include the outcome of their application & I have also included a breakdown of the positives, negatives and a general overview of the personal statement. This will show you what is expected in a dental personal statement and how you can improve yours. It will also highlight red flags and how to avoid an immediate rejection.

Introducing the Ultimate Dental Personal Statement Guide: Your Pathway to Success!

The Dental Personal Statement Guide is here to help you craft an outstanding dental personal statement that will impress admissions committees and get you one step closer to achieving your dreams.

Packed with insider knowledge, top tips, a winning strategy, keywords, and the Dental Personal Statement that got Dr. Radhika all of her interview invitations, this guide is your secret weapon to stand out from the crowd.

• Excellent dental personal statement example
• Good dental personal statement example
• Poor dental personal statement example

Successful - Top Dental Personal Statement Example

 4 interview invites- bristol, cardiff, qmul, sheffield.

“Shadowing an orthodontist and general dentist was the deciding factor in my decision to pursue dentistry. I was in awe of the ability to move teeth rooted in the bone to create a more aesthetic and functional result. Previously, I naively thought of orthodontics as a simple method of moving teeth. Having attended my orthodontic consultation, I was given various treatment options, and the risks and benefits were discussed in detail. However, I refused treatment. Why? I did not want visible metal braces. My teeth never bothered me. The day they did bother me was when I was sixteen years old – in agony over a toothache. I was warned this could happen following my deep filling, but no one warned me that the pain would be this bad. The future of that tooth led to this application. At sixteen, I was at a pivotal stage of my life, where I was considering potential careers that aligned with my personality and goals. I was drawn to healthcare and eager to have my own patients and be practical. Following various work experiences at optometry clinics, Boots pharmacy, and a dental clinic. I was most enthusiastic about dentistry. It was the combination of artistic elements that intertwined with the sciences. An ability to care for a patient from the beginning of their journeys and be a part of their transformation. I observed patients being given their dentures, having crowns fitted, and composites placed. I recognised there were many ethical challenges involved and patients frustrated from their pain. The general dentist I shadowed remained calm, composed and almost far too familiar with such challenges. She shared that this has developed from many years of treating the diverse community. I acquired experience volunteering in a care home to gain insight into helping my local community. I engaged in conversations with those who have dementia. It was challenging to think of exciting activities when they struggled with simple tasks. We settled on crosswords, and this, too, brought obstacles but also many laughs. I am now more aware of the difficulties faced by vulnerable patients and their families. I conversed with those of various ages, backgrounds, and levels of deterioration. Akin to dentistry, one must communicate with many patients who may not understand their dental issues.

My commitment to the care home was followed by weekly volunteering with St. John Ambulance. A gratifying experience where I liaised with team members, leaders, and the public to ensure first aid was provided to those in need. My regular training involved basic life support, I thrived here as I was eager to learn about the physiology behind medical emergencies. This, in addition to the practical nature of the role, appealed to me. On event days, I would attend with my team and attend to those with minor injuries. Compassion was integral to being a candidate for St. John Ambulance.

I felt I lacked hands-on experience; hence, I attended a dental materials course at Queen Mary’s University. I used alginate and gypsum to create and adjust moulds. Also, I was able to speak to dental students at the school, and they gave me their perspectives on dentistry. They shared the challenging aspects of NHS dentistry but were keen to advocate for holistic and ethical care. I admired their integrity and honesty about working for the NHS. Nevertheless, I desire a practical role where I can make a difference in one’s oral health through education and ethical treatments. I understand that dentistry is highly fulfilling and a dynamic role with high targets causing immense pressure. I hope my coping mechanisms will aid me through this process, and I hope to acquire a position at your university. I have proven my willingness to serve others, care for the elderly, and I am well aware of the roles of a dentist. If admitted, I will strive to offer quality care and remain committed to serving others.”

• Well-structured and written
• Straight to the point and includes an anecdote in the introduction
• Differentiated dentistry from other professions through various work experiences
• Specifies procedures observed and reflects on the positive and negative aspects of dentistry
• Acknowledges ethical challenges and effects of dental pain
• Volunteered with elderly patients and with St. John Ambulance
• Leadership, teamwork, communication, and empathy implied throughout
• Show not tell technique used effectively
• Scope of the role understood

Negatives :

• Introduces toothache in the introduction but does not expand on this key experience
• Introduces topic of high targets and coping mechanisms in the conclusion
• Does not mention hobbies and life outside of education

Dr. Radhika’s Personal Statement Editing Service is here to rescue you. Her expertise can effortlessly transform your dental personal statement, bringing your unique story to life. 

From filling in any missing content to perfecting every aspect, Dr. Radhika will ensure that your personal statement stands out from the crowd!

 1 interview invite- Cardiff 3 rejections – Kings College London, Queen Mary University London, Sheffield

• Mentions problem-solving and manual dexterity while relating back to dentistry
• Includes wider reading on medical ethics and four pillars
• Unique topic of Montgomery Case included
• Volunteering mentioned
• Teamwork and hobby discussed
• Discussing orthodontic experiences in the introduction is far too common
• Limited reflection on work experience
• Volunteering does not include direct care or interactions with the public
• Talks about A-levels

Unsuccessful - Poor Dental Personal Statement Example

4 rejections 0 interview invites.

• Understands some of the roles that dentists have as educators
• Recognises the importance of prevention and wants to incorporate that into their work
• Explains why they have chosen dentistry and not another field in healthcare
• Understands the impact of losing teeth on quality of life
• Summer school experience gained to compare different fields
• Manual dexterity mentioned and related to dentistry
• Lacks volunteering – the main reason for the rejection
• The first few sentences do not grip the reader, sound cringe and are poorly written
• It is incredibly cliché to write about wanting to study only one thing since childhood
• Mentioning the hours and money bonus is a red flag
• No experience in serving the community/ charity work
• Does not reflect enough on personal experiences
• Lack of leadership positions & teamwork
• Introduces new topics into the conclusion

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• Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
• Study with us
• Undergraduate
• What can I study?
• Oral Health BSc

BSc Oral Health (A910)

• Dental Hygiene and Therapy (3 Years), Full time
• UCAS Code: A910, Institution Code: Q50, Campus Code: W
• UCAS application deadline: 31st January 2024
• Interview dates: Wednesday 20th March and Wednesday 27th March 2024
• Dentistry 1 st in London - Guardian University Guide 2024; 9th in the UK - The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 
• Entry Requirements

Selection Criteria

• Applying, Fees & Funding

Study an innovative dental curriculum at a top school with world-class facilities and access to London’s diverse population.

Dental hygienists and therapists are a vital member of the dental team, focussing the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. We are building on the success of our 28-month Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Therapy that was established in 1983; other dental schools have followed our model of an integrated curriculum studying alongside our colleagues studying BDS dentistry.

On this three-year degree programme, you will study alongside, and be integrated with, the BDS students, which fosters a team approach to patient care. You will learn the skills and knowledge that are required for you to register with the General Dental Council as a dental therapist or hygienist on graduation.

Our graduate employability rate is 100%. Career options include work in General Practice (NHS or privately), community, armed forces, education and dental research or further study.

Our location in east London means you’ll serve a population of great diversity and encounter a wide range of diseases. You’ll be exposed to patients early on, and as you progress in your studies you’ll work in our outreach clinics in Canary Wharf and Stratford.

We encourage you to take a holistic approach to dentistry by studying the human sciences along with your core dentistry modules – including sociology and psychology – to examine patients’ attitude to oral healthcare and the dental profession.

This is a relatively new programme within Queen Mary University of London's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. 

BSc Oral Health is superseding our longstanding DipHE Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy, established in 1983. 

Our aim is to assist students to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes that are necessary to practice as a dental care professional in the 21st century. 

Basic Clinical Sciences This module is designed to provide an in-depth, scientific understanding of the structure and function of the human body systems in health and disease (e.g. musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory), including Oral Biology (consisting, Head & Neck, Oral Cavity, Immunology & Pathology) and Dental Materials, in order to provide appropriate health promotion advice and clinical intervention in the promotion of optimal oral health.

Public Health & Evidence Based Dentistry This module is designed to introduce the themes of Global Health & Evidence Based Dentistry and consider the principles of clinical and population epidemiology. Students will develop critical appraisal skills and integrate evidence into the wider social context; this will develop skills in critical engagement and the commitment to continuous learning (life-long learning)

Professionalism, Teamwork & Social Responsibility This module will develop the themes of professionalism, team working & social responsibility through enhancing your values, attitudes and behaviours, which will underpin the science and practice of dentistry with professional ethics, healthcare law, sociology and psychology, team working and social responsibility to produce dental professionals for the future. These will link to the provision of patient care management. It will additionally encourage commitment to continuous life long learning.

Clinical Practice This module has been designed to encompass total patient care, and through this, a philosophy of continual learning & layering of information gained from engagement and delivery of dental care for patients. Clinical Practice will be delivered as a continuum in stages commencing with the acquisition of skills during Year 2 in the clinical skills laboratory and transition from the laboratory to the clinic prior to treating patients.

Clinical Sciences This module will provide the student with the knowledge and understanding of how systemic health or disease affects oral health, and how this may impact on the provision of dental care.  This student will utilise this knowledge in order to provide safe dental care to a range of patients with complex medical histories. An understanding of pharmacology will be further developed and consolidated in relation to a patient’s medical history.

Public Health & Evidence Based Dentistry The course combines structured Evidenced Based Dentistry and Dental Public Health teaching, and will build on concepts introduced in Year 1. You will be encouraged to use your EBD skills (including asking structured questions, searching for research and critically-appraising the research) and apply it to your clinical practice.

You will focus on exploring national oral health trends and social inequalities in oral health in the UK. You will also be introduced to new concepts such as patient-reported oral health measures, the link between general health and oral health and oral health promotion.

Professionalism, Teamwork & Social Responsibility This module  builds upon knowledge and skills acquisition gained in Year 1 and continues to develop professionalism, teamworking, and social responsibility, with further development of the theme of complaints handling which will be integrated into Clinical Practice. Much of this module will be embedded into patient care, with some specific academic teaching in key areas. Special Care Dentistry will become a key feature throughout this year and will continue through the year.

Clinical Practice This module builds on the skills learnt in Year 1 to provide students with the knowledge and operative clinical skills to treatment plan, prevent disease and manage the restoration of the dentitions across all ages, with some of the clinical experience gained within outreach facilities. Dental materials, oral medicine and Treatment planning will be enhanced through academic teaching and clinics.

Professionalism, Teamwork & Social Responsibility This module builds upon knowledge and skills acquisition gained in Year 2 and continues to develop professionalism, teamworking, and social responsibility, and continues to expand students communication and teamworking skills as they work with different patients in varied dental environments. Management and leadership skills will become a feature throughout this year to enable novice clinicians to understand the leadership and management skills required to nurture a constructive working environment.

Clinical Practice – Child Oral Health This module has been designed to bring together all the knowledge and skills taught previously to enable students to assess, diagnose, treatment plan and treat children within their scope of practice.  This will ensure that you will be undertaking a holistic approach to patient care, considering aspects such as law and ethics, professionalism and teamwork and how this affects the management and treatment of patients.

Clinical Practice – Restorative This module has been designed to bring together all the knowledge and skills taught previously to enable students to assess, diagnose, treatment plan and treat adults within their scope of practice.  This will ensure that as dental professionals, you will be undertaking a holistic approach to patient care, considering aspects such as law and ethics, professionalism and teamwork and how this affects the management and treatment of patients.

Additional Costs : Students are encouraged to attend at least one conference that is relevant to your studies and future role as a graduate, which would be self funded. The cost for the conference, accommodation and travel is usually in the region of £250.00. You will attend outreach clinics and you will need to cover the costs of travel to local placements, although the Southend placement will have some financial support.

You also need to purchase a clinical uniform and protective eyewear, in addition to books, although there is a well stocked library on site.

We do not offer the option of an Intercalated degrees

Careers & Experience

• Clinical experience gained within the Dental Hospital and outreach centres, supervised by a variety of clinical lecturers, who may be General Dental Practitioners.
• Upon successful completion of our BSc Oral Health, students will be eligible to register with the General Dental Council, primarily as a dental therapist but also a dental hygienist.
• Dental hygienists and therapists have many options open to them. They can work in general practice, both for the NHS or privately, in the community or in the armed forces, at home or overseas. There are also opportunities to be involved in dental research and education.
• We have a 100% graduate employability rate.

Entry Requirements

For the 2023 intake, we received nearly 600 applications (up by 33% since 2021). We are expecting a similar number of applications for 2024.

Only applications received prior to 31 January 2024 - UCAS's equal consideration deadline for 2024 entry will be considered by the Admissions and Institute of Dentistry Teams. The pre-interview screening process will already have ensured that all candidates invited to interview demonstrate the academic potential to be successful.

Candidates who are not invited for interview will be informed through UCAS that their application has been unsuccessful. Please note that whilst all candidates are entitled to apply to other programmes via UCAS, we are looking for genuine interest and passion for BSc Oral Health programme and hygienist/therapist profession. This needs to be demonstrated through your Personal Statement and shadowing experience (or dental nursing experience for mature applicants).

Prior to receiving an Offer to study on the BSc Oral Health you will be invited to attend a remote interview; no offers are made without an interview. Interviews are offered to applicants who score highly according to the selection process rankings. Candidates who are successfully shortlisted for the interview will need to prepare also a brief assessment task before-hand, which will be emailed in conjunction with their interview invitation.

We cannot offer other dates outside of the interview period. If you are genuinely unable to attend your allocated remote/online interview slot, we may be able to change your appointment to another day or time during the interview days, however, this is not guaranteed.

The interview process will follow a remote/online type of interview. There will be a task sent before-hand to all shortlisted candidates to prepare. Candidates will be asked questions related to the task. This is just one part of the overall interview assessment, where we will be assessing candidates’ suitability to be a dental care professional.

The interview is not a test of your knowledge but aims to explore your attitudes, views and whether you have the personal qualities and attributes to become a dental care professional suitable for registration with the General Dental Council upon graduation from the programme.

Qualities and values set out in the NHS constitution include:

• Working together for patients
• Respect and dignity
• Commitment to quality of care
• Improving lives
• Everyone counts

The full list of values can viewed at  https://www.hee.nhs.uk/about/our-values

The interviewers are selected from both the university and clinical environments and have undergone specific training and guidance for interviewing applicants, which includes equality and diversity. We appreciate that some candidates will be nervous, so staff will ensure that interviews are conducted in as relaxed an environment as possible.

Feedback is only given directly to unsuccessful applicants who request this in writing by email or letter.  Feedback will only provide the numerical score from the interview and the position of this score in the overall ranking.

Application Process

Tuition fees for Home and EU students

2024 entry Full-time £9,250

Tuition fees for International students

2024 entry  Full-time £22,500 *

* Please note these are provisional tuition fees, which may be subject to change for 2024/25 entry

Further advice

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/feesandfunding/

The Advice and Counselling Service at Queen Mary offers detailed advice and guidance on all aspects of student finance and more. It also offers advice to international students about all the financial, practical and immigration-related aspects of studying at Queen Mary.

Contact the Advice and Counselling Service on:

Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 8717  www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/

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