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10 Dental School Personal Statement Examples

Including key tips for a strong dental school personal statement.

Dental School Personal Statement Examples

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

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Dentistry personal statements

Dentistry students

On this page you'll find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study dentistry and related courses at university.

These personal statements are written by real students - don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples, you'll be able to get some ideas and inspiration for your own personal statement. 

Dentistry personal statement examples

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Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

The following examples of dentistry personal statements are provided as guidelines only. When applying to dentistry , tailor your personal statement to your profile for the course you are applying for. Please read our detailed guide on how to write a winning dentistry personal statement .

What is a Dentistry personal statement?

A dental school personal statement is a document submitted as part of a UCAS application to a dental school and university . It is an opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate their personal qualities, experiences, and motivations that make them strong candidates for dental school. 

Here are 3 examples of dentistry personal statements.

Read guide:

  • How To Apply To Dentistry In The UK
  • The Best Dentistry Universities in the UK

Successful Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

As a dental assistant with three years of experience in the field, I have developed a passion for dentistry and am now seeking to further my education and training by pursuing a career as a dentist. I am excited about the opportunity to attend dental school and believe that I have the skills and dedication necessary to succeed in this challenging field.

One of the things that I love most about being a dental assistant is the opportunity to help people. I enjoy working with patients of all ages and helping them to feel comfortable and at ease during their dental visits. I am also skilled at providing practical assistance to dentists, such as preparing and sterilizing instruments and materials, taking X-rays, and assisting with various dental procedures.

In addition to my experience as a dental assistant, I have also completed coursework in biology and chemistry, which has given me a strong foundation in the scientific principles that are essential to dentistry. I am eager to continue my education and learn more about the latest techniques and technologies in the field.

I am confident that I have the dedication and determination necessary to succeed in dental school. I am a hardworking and motivated individual who is not afraid to put in the time and effort necessary to achieve my goals. I am also a team player and enjoy working with others to provide the best possible care for patients.

I believe that a career in dentistry is the perfect way for me to combine my passion for helping others with my interest in science and healthcare. I am excited about the opportunity to attend dental school and look forward to the challenges and rewards that come with a career in this rewarding field.

I have always been fascinated by the human body and how it functions. As a child, I loved learning about the different systems and organs, and I dreamed of becoming a doctor one day. However, it was not until I had my first experience with a dentist that I realised my true passion was in dentistry.

The dentist I visited was gentle, kind, and patient, and I was immediately drawn to the care and attention they gave to each of their patients. I watched in awe as they used their skills and knowledge to improve their patient’s oral health, and I knew that this was the career I wanted to pursue.

I am now excited to apply to dental school and begin my journey to becoming a dentist. I am confident that my passion for dentistry, combined with my strong work ethic and dedication to continued learning, make me a strong candidate for your program.

I am eager to learn from the best dental professors and to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality dental care to my future patients. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and goals with you.

As a child, I always had a fascination with the human mouth and how it functions. This curiosity led me to pursue a career in dentistry where I could use my skills to improve the oral health of individuals and help them achieve a confident and healthy smile.

My passion for dentistry grew stronger during my undergraduate studies in biology where I learned about the complex anatomy and physiology of the oral cavity. I also volunteered at local dental clinics, where I observed and assisted dentists in their daily tasks. These experiences solidified my desire to become a dentist and make a positive impact on the lives of my patients.

In addition to my academic and clinical experiences, I have also developed excellent communication and interpersonal skills. I understand the importance of creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for patients, as well as effectively educating them on their oral health and treatment options.

I am confident that my passion for dentistry, combined with my academic and clinical experiences, make me a strong candidate for your dental program. I am eager to continue my education and become a skilled and compassionate dentist.

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Recommended reading:

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  • How to Write a Personal Statement
  • UCAS Personal Statement
  • How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD
  • Applying To Medicine in the UK
  • Writing a Winning Medical Personal Statement
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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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  • Dentistry Personal Statement

Learn how to write a great Dentistry Personal Statement. Follow our step-by-step guide to plan, write each section and get it reviewed!

  • Understand what a Dentistry Personal Statement is
  • Learn what you should include
  • Discover how to structure your Dentistry Personal Statement

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As part of the Dentistry application process, you need to write a short essay about yourself on your UCAS form, known as a personal statement. The purpose of a Dentistry personal statement is communicate to the Dental School why you’d be a great candidate to study Dentistry.

What Is A Dentistry Personal Statement?

dentistry personal statement template

UCAS describes the personal Statement as an “opportunity to sell yourself to your prospective school, college or training provider”, which in this case would be the Dental Schools you are applying to. You need to show that you have the key qualities to study Dentistry and that you have knowledge of the career.

Your personal statement can be up to 4,000 characters, which is around 500 words or 47 lines of size 12 script. As the length is highly restricted you need to be precise and use key unique selling points to get ahead of the competition.

In a Dentistry personal statement, you can typically discuss your motivation for pursuing a career in Dentistry, detailing the factors that have influenced your decision. You may want to share personal anecdotes or experiences that have sparked your interest in the field.

It is important to convey a genuine passion for Dentistry and a clear understanding of the profession’s challenges and rewards.

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What Should My Dentistry Personal Statement Include?

Your personal statement should cover three main areas:

  • Motivation – Why do you want to study Dentistry?
  • Exploration – What have you done to learn about Dentistry?
  • Suitability – What skills do you have that make you a good fit for Dentistry?

How Should I Structure My Dentistry Personal Statement?

Dentistry personal statements don’t need to follow a strict structure. However, you need to make sure that your personal statement flows and follows a logical framework.

We would suggest using the structure below as a starting point to ensure all the key points are covered.

dentistry personal statement template

How To Write A Dentistry Personal Statement?

To craft a strong personal statement for Dentistry, follow the next few steps:

  • Keep a reflective diary during work experience to make sure you remember key moments and learning points to use in your personal statement.
  • Plan your personal statement structure clearly. The suggested structure above can be used, but you might want to make alterations. Just ensure that it is clear and follows a logical progression.
  • Start drafting. Make notes for each of the sections in your structure. It doesn’t matter if your personal statement is too long initially, because it can always be edited later on.
  • Edit and refine. Begin to fine-tune your draft and make sure that it fits the required writing style and word count for UCAS.
  • Get advice. Once you are happy with your Dentistry personal statement, get other people to give you feedback. This is so you can make further improvements. It’s always worth asking friends, family and teachers who can look at it objectively!
  • Get a professional review. Send your personal statement to The Medic Portal for professional feedback . Take this feedback on board and make the required edits.
  • Upload and submit on UCAS.

Example Of A Dentistry Personal Statement

Introduction: “From a young age, I have been fascinated by the intricate workings of the human body and the importance of oral health. This fascination, coupled with my passion for helping others, has led me to pursue a career in dentistry.

I am excited to combine my scientific aptitude, interpersonal skills, and dedication to patient care in order to make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Body: “In my academic journey, I have consistently excelled in science and healthcare-related subjects, which have solidified my understanding of the foundational knowledge required for dentistry.

Through my work experience at a local dental clinic, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of dentistry in improving patients’ oral health and overall well-being. This experience has further fueled my desire to pursue a career in dentistry and has given me valuable insights into the daily responsibilities of a dentist.”

“I have actively sought opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills in dentistry. I have volunteered at oral health promotion events, educating children and adults about the importance of oral hygiene and preventive care. These experiences have honed my communication skills and reinforced my belief in the significance of patient education in maintaining good oral health.”

“I have also had the privilege of shadowing experienced dentists, observing various dental procedures and witnessing the compassionate care they provide to their patients. These experiences have solidified my understanding of the importance of empathy, patience, and effective communication in building trust and rapport with patients.”

Conclusion: “In conclusion, my passion for dentistry, coupled with my academic achievements, work experience, and commitment to patient care, make me a strong candidate for dental school.

I am eager to embark on this journey of lifelong learning, where I can further develop my clinical skills, expand my knowledge in specialized areas of dentistry, and contribute to the oral health and well-being of individuals and communities.

I am confident that my dedication, empathy, and strong work ethic will enable me to excel in dental school and make a meaningful impact in the field of dentistry.”

Note: This example gives specific justifications for a student’s aspirations in dentistry. It is evidence-based and cites why they would be a good dentist based on their skills and experiences, as well as highlighting their passion and interests to develop their knowledge further. It also shows their understanding of dentistry as a career and dental practices.

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Dentistry Personal Statement Examples – Barts (Malikha)

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

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

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

UniversityBartsKing’s College London University of Manchester University of Bristol
Offer? YesYesWithdrawnWithdrawn

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

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

Barts Dentistry Personal Statement Example

Whole personal statement.

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

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

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

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

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

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Barts Dentistry Personal Statement Example Analysis

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

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

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

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

Paragraph 1

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

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

Paragraph 2

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

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

Paragraph 3

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

Be sure to check out more Medicine Personal Statement Analyses to see advice from all different kinds of applicants, including Ali Abdaal himself! Or if you want to get started on your own statement, check out 6med’s Medicine Mastery Bundle for all the support and resources you’ll ever need! 

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Dentistry personal statement example 5.

My initial exposure to taking dentistry as a prospective career path came on a family holiday to India, where I resided with my cousin who is a self-employed practising dentist. Here I learnt the real extent to which dentistry is a career, which can truly improve the quality of people's lives. Furthermore, I witnessed the close relationships that a dentist creates with his patients, and I therefore find the combination of meeting and working with new people and diagnosis very stimulating. Dentistry is also a career which allows a great deal of scientific application along with patient care and allows me to make use of my manual skills. In addition, I believe that dentistry is an ever expanding sector which provides endless opportunities for further study and specialisation, whilst at the same time providing a secure, fulfilling and worthwhile career

My decision to read dentistry was reinforced by my work experience at Priory Dental Practice and Clive Harris and Associates Dental Health On this, I witnessed a number of complex procedures such as tooth crowning, dental implants, tooth bleaching and endodontic procedures

At their in house dental laboratory I witnessed the construction of bridges, veneers, crowns and moulded dentures and even had the opportunity to take impressions of a set of teeth. This experience showed me that dentistry is a multi-faceted career and success is highly dependant on good dentist-patient interactions and mutual understanding between both parties, along with collaborations with other staff allowing for the most efficient and effective administration of treatments. I believe that a dentist needs to be at the same time; a highly skilled physician, a psychologist, a business manager, but above all a leader and communicator. Therefore studying Economics at AS-level has given me an insight into the economic and business practicalities of running a dental practice

Away from academia, I believe that I have fulfilled my potential in many areas of school life and beyond, I have represented numerous sports teams; including rugby and athletics teams, specialising in the shot put, this has obviously taught and increased my confidence, communication and teamwork skills, which has led to many successes in the sports arena and beyond. Although, my greatest passion is Badminton which has immensely improved my hand to eye co-ordination and reflexes, I have represented the City of Birmingham badminton squad since the age of 13, and am continually motivated to attend training sessions, with the ultimate goal of achieving county status

At the moment, I am about to commence a training process, which will eventually see me befriending terminally ill children at Acorns Children's Hospice. I am looking forward to the challenge of this difficult, yet mentally strengthening role. I believe that I will learn important lessons and will gain much from the experience. I have also recently completed an emergence first aid course, which provided in-depth knowledge of common medical emergencies

I am a senior prefect within the school community, a position of great responsibility, which involves working with the staff of the school to help with its smooth running. Duties have included assisting at important days for the school such as open days and the eleven plus entrance exam. The role has also required a time commitment during the school day and beyond. I was also elected a sports prefect for Year 7, with the emphasis being placed on participation in school and housing activities, and to create better relationships with members of upper school. I have also sat as a representative on the sixth form council as well as chairman for the form council

I believe I have an eagerness to meet the challenges I know dentistry will present. I am enthusiastic, excited and motivated, and armed with enough compassion and confidence to enter the world of dentistry. And believe it will allow me to make a thorough contribution to my social and academic life as a student of dentistry.

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

Related Personal Statements

Great what year did you.

Fri, 15/06/2007 - 11:15

Great! What year did you apply in? What unis did u get in 2?

amazing ! just every word

Sat, 08/09/2007 - 22:18

amazing ! just every word flows and iys

Mon, 23/06/2008 - 15:36

this personal statement has to be one of the best i have read......i am applying to dentistry this year and this reli helped.

This is the BEST personal

Tue, 24/06/2008 - 22:03

This is the BEST personal statement i have read! go you!! :D

Fri, 19/06/2009 - 15:27

Very impressive!

its a really good personal

Fri, 04/12/2009 - 20:21

its a really good personal statement!! xxx

this is really good..

Sat, 28/08/2010 - 11:33

this personal statement is

Sat, 20/08/2011 - 10:11

this personal statement is really inspiring and I feel so determined to write a personal statement as good as yours now. what university did you finally get into?

Trying too hard mate.

Sun, 28/08/2011 - 17:17

Seriuosly? No-one says stuff like resided. And the first "therefore" should not have been used in that context.

THIS IS AMAZING BUT ......

Wed, 05/10/2011 - 13:05

I DONT EVEN LIKE TEETH !!!!!

Fri, 18/11/2011 - 19:44

Thank you for the article.

Wed, 12/06/2013 - 03:25

Thank you for the article. Which school was this for? Did you get in?

Add new comment

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    Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

  17. Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

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

  18. Dentistry Personal Statement Sample

    Personal Statement Sample. Unlike many people, I imagine, I always enjoyed visits to the dentist as a child. I love the science involved in the treatment, but my work experience placements with dentists have shown me very clearly that there is much more to dentistry, including precise manual skill, patience and a ready power of sympathy for one ...

  19. Dentistry Personal Statement

    Dentistry Personal Statement | Examples

  20. Dentistry Personal Statement 2

    Example 2 - Inspire your Dentistry personal statement with our UCAS examples and learn from previous students who have already applied to university. Order Prospectus; Course Degree Quiz; Download our App; ... Dentistry Personal Statement . To me, dentistry is about working respectfully and diligently, being able to take charge as a leader but ...

  21. Dentistry Personal Statement Example 1

    Dentistry Personal Statement Example 1. I am fascinated with dentistry because I love to network and build computers. If I spoke these words aloud, many people would scratch their heads and appear confused. At first glance, this statement appears absurd. On a closer look, however, it makes perfect sense.

  22. Compelling Dental School Personal Statement Examples

    Dental School Personal Statement Examples. Upon graduation, I accepted a position at IBM as a consultant; constantly traveling and involved in numerous projects at major automotive companies, I had the opportunity to cultivate many qualities that will serve me well as a dentist: persistence, endurance, insight, sound judgment, and the ability ...

  23. Dentistry Personal Statement Example 5

    Dentistry Personal Statement Example 5. My initial exposure to taking dentistry as a prospective career path came on a family holiday to India, where I resided with my cousin who is a self-employed practising dentist. Here I learnt the real extent to which dentistry is a career, which can truly improve the quality of people's lives.