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Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

What is a dentistry personal statement?

Your dentistry UCAS personal statement gives the university admissions tutors an idea of who you are and why you want to study dentistry.

It should explain why your skills, knowledge and experience make you a great candidate for dentistry, and why you should be offered a place on their course.

Read through our dentistry personal statement examples above for inspiration on how to write your own unique statement for your UCAS application.

Remember that the deadline for dentistry applicants is earlier than many other course, on 15 October .

What should a dentistry personal statement include?

To write a successful dentistry personal statement, you shoud include:

• Why you want to study dentistry - try to pick one or two aspects of the subject that interest you and explain why
• Work experience - what skills did you learn that will be useful in a dentistry degree?
• Volunteering - have you completed any unpaid or voluntary work that is relevant to your dentistry course?
• Wider reading and study - how has this influenced and/or motivated you to study dentistry?
• Extracurricular activities - what do you do outside of school or college and how might this help with your degree?
• Conclusion - mention your ambitions for the future. How will your dentistry degree move you forward on your career path?

For more help and advice on what to write in your dentistry personal statement, please see:

• Personal Statement Editing Services
• Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
• Analysis Of A Personal Statement
• The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
• Personal Statement FAQs
• Personal Statement Timeline
• 10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
• What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.

How do I write a good dentistry personal statement?

Your dentistry personal statement should be structured so that all the paragraphs flow well together and make a coherent statement overall.

We recommend starting with why you want to study dentistry. Most students choose to focus on one aspect of the subject they are enthusiastic about and explain why they find it fascinating or why they enjoyed learning about.

For the main body of your statement, you should think about the course content and explain how you can demonstrate the skills to meet them.

To be a dentist, you need good skills in:

• communication
• organisation
• physical stamina
• problem solving.

For your conclusion, we suggest you summarise your goals and ambitions, and explain how your dentistry degree will help further your career.

Remember to give your dentistry personal statement to teachers, friends and family members for feedback before submitting a final version on your UCAS statement.

What does a dentist do?

Dentists diagnose and treat dental issues and help patients develop better oral hygiene regimens.

They also clean teeth, correct bite issues, perform surgeries and extractions, and perform other duties to ensure that the teeth and mouth are healthy.

What can I do with a dentistry degree?

Apart from becoming a dentist, there are many other career options available to those wishing to study dentistry. These include:

• Dental hygienist
• Dental technician
• Health service manager
• Science writer
• Medical sales representative
• Laboratory technican.

For more information on careers with a dentistry degree, please see Prospects and The National Careers Service .

What are the best UK universities for dentistry?

Currently, the best UK universities for studying dentistry are:

For more information about UK university rankings for dentistry, please see The Complete University Guide and The Guardian .

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• Dental School

10 Dental School Personal Statement Examples

Including key tips for a strong dental school personal statement.

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

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

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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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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 Statement: Talking about Motivation for Dentistry

When writing your dentistry personal statement it is crucial to explain your motivation to study dentistry. This is one of the most important parts of your dentistry personal statement as you need to show the admissions team that you are driven and committed to studying dentistry and will be motivated to succeed throughout the degree. Keep reading to hear our top suggestions on how to write about your motivation for dentistry in your dentistry personal statement, and how to make yourself stand out! 

Table of Contents

Why do I need to include this?

It is really important in your dentistry personal statement that you talk about the reasons why you want to study dentistry and why you think you would enjoy this career. The person reading your dentistry personal statement will be looking for applicants with a true passion for the subject and who are genuinely driven to pursue a career in dentistry. 

Some universities will even state in their application requirements that students must demonstrate their motivation to study dentistry. 

It is a challenging degree, which requires the university to invest a lot of time and money in their students and therefore the university will only want to accept students who are willing to put in the dedication and effort throughout their time as a dental student. 

Why dentistry?

One idea of what to include in your dentistry personal statement is to explain what initially attracted you to a career in dentistry. Maybe you have always been interested in the human body and when looking into careers relating to this subject you read about dentistry and thought you would enjoy working with your hands every day and getting to see patients from the start to the end of their treatment, whilst still having a human biology focus to your career. 

Maybe you did your work experience with a dental practitioner and were inspired by the work you saw there and could see yourself enjoying a career in that field. Remember, if you mention work experience be specific about what it was that inspired you (and check out our Dentistry Personal Statement – Talking about Work Experience guide for more tips!). Maybe you want a career where you can help other people whilst still being very practically involved, and you enjoy carrying out intricate work. 

If this is the case, maybe talk about an example of where you have helped people such as volunteering in a care home and an example of where you have demonstrated your ability to do intricate work with your hands, such as a model making hobby. Maybe you want a degree and a career that will challenge you throughout and that will push you to always improve and develop yourself as an individual. 

Whatever your motivation to study dentistry is, try and back it up with an example of how you think this is specifically relevant to you, and how you have shown that you are the right person for this career. The more specific and personal to you it is, the better, as this makes you stand out from all of the other applicants. 

The rewards of dentistry:

Another thing you could include as a motivation to study dentistry is the rewards you get from a career as a dentist and why this has attracted you to the career. By this we’re not talking about monetary rewards, we’re talking about the rewards from making a difference to patients’ lives. 

You will get to treat patients from the start to the end of their treatment plan, and will get the reward of seeing what a huge change this treatment has had on the patient’s life and their confidence and happiness, which is a massive reward of the career. 

Be aware of the difficulties:

When writing about why you are motivated to study dentistry it is important to acknowledge the difficulties of the degree and career as well. Dentistry can be a very challenging career to have, and by talking about this it will show to the admissions teams that you have considered both the pros and cons of dentistry and why you still think you would be suitable for this career. 

Whenever you mention one of the challenges of dentistry, make sure to then talk about how you would cope with this challenge and how you think you are the right person to deal with the difficulties that the career brings. For example, you will get difficult patients who hate the dentist and are very uncooperative with treatment and are rude to you. 

Maybe talk about how you’ve dealt with difficult people before, for example if you volunteered in a care home and had to work with some uncooperative residents there, how did you overcome this challenge? This will prove that you are up to the demands of the job. 

You can make a difference:

As a dentist you will have the ability to make a difference to society. You may be motivated by the potential you have in this career to make a big difference to a large number of people. Good dentists will help to promote good oral care to all of their patients who will then pass this on to their children and family, and ultimately help to improve oral care in the community. You can also make a difference to people’s perspective of the dentist. 

A lot of people are scared of the dentist from previous bad experiences that they’ve had, or purely from stereotypes of the dentist, but if you can give patients a good experience and help to change these stereotypes it will help to encourage even more people to visit the dentist and look after their teeth. 

Don’t talk about money:

Never talk about the monetary rewards of the career. Whilst you may have the opportunity to earn a decent salary as a dentist this should never be your motivation to study it. The university is looking for a person who is passionate about the subject and will enjoy the day-to-day work of a dentist, not somebody driven by money as you can get this from lots of other careers. 

Don’t say you’re motivated by the lifestyle:

As a dentist you may be able to work part time and you will normally have good working hours (e.g. 9am-5pm) but this shouldn’t be a motivating factor for you wanting to study it. Many careers can also offer these benefits and it won’t show to the person reading your dentistry personal statement that you are committed and motivated by a career in dentistry specifically. 

Do not talk about social status:

Another thing you should not mention as a motivation to study dentistry is the social status that comes with being a dentist. Whilst being a dentist is a very respected job, you shouldn’t mention is as a reason for wanting to become a dentist as this sounds very egotistical and is not a valid reason for pursuing a career in dentistry. You should want to study dentistry because you will enjoy the work you will be doing, not because you think other people will be impressed by it. 

Explain and remember:

When writing about your motivation to study dentistry make sure that whatever you say, you explain it. Don’t just make a list of reasons, say why these reasons motivate you personally. 

Remember what you’ve written as your motivation to study dentistry, as it is not uncommon to be asked a question about this at your interviews (and the interviewer may have your dentistry personal statement in front of them), so it is important to be able to explain to those interviewing you exactly why you are driven to become a dentist. 

Hopefully this article has given you lots of ideas and guidance on how best to describe your motivation to become a dentist, and you are now ready to include this in your dentistry dentistry personal statement! 

Frequently Asked Question

→what is a dentistry personal statement.

A dentistry personal statement is a written statement that is submitted as part of the application process for dentistry programmes. It is an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their motivation, passion, and suitability for a career in dentistry.

→What should I include when talking about my motivation for dentistry in my personal statement?

When talking about your motivation for dentistry in your personal statement, you should focus on your passion for the field, any relevant experiences you have had, and your understanding of the challenges and rewards of a career in dentistry. You should also demonstrate your commitment to the profession, your strong work ethic, and your ability to work well in a team.

→Can I talk about personal experiences in my dentistry personal statement?

Yes, you can talk about personal experiences in your dentistry personal statement, as long as they are relevant to your motivation for dentistry and demonstrate your suitability for the programme. For example, you may want to discuss any volunteering or work experience you have had in a dental setting, or how personal experiences have shaped your interest in the field.

→Should I include any challenges or setbacks I have faced in my dentistry personal statement?

Including challenges or setbacks you have faced in your dentistry personal statement can be a good way to demonstrate resilience and determination, but it is important to focus on how you overcame these challenges and what you learned from them. You should also avoid dwelling on negative experiences or sounding overly negative in your personal statement.

→How long should my dentistry personal statement be?

The length of your dentistry personal statement may vary depending on the specific requirements of the programme you are applying for. However, most dentistry personal statements are typically around 500-700 words in length.

→Why is it important to talk about motivation for dentistry in my personal statement?

It is important to talk about motivation for dentistry in your personal statement because admissions committees want to know why you have chosen dentistry as a career and what makes you a suitable candidate for the programme. By highlighting your motivation and passion for dentistry, you can show that you are committed to the profession and have a genuine interest in the field.

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

Motivation and commitment

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

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

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

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

Dental experience

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

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

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

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

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

Leadership and non-academic achievements

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

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

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

Manual dexterity

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

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

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

An Introduction to Crafting a Compelling Dental School Personal Statement

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

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

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

Understanding Your Purpose

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

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

Identifying Your Unique Qualities and Experiences to Highlight

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

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

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

Tips for Crafting an Engaging Introduction to Your Personal Statement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Importance of Authenticity

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

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

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

Examples of Effective Ways to Convey Your Passion for Dentistry

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Writing Your Dental School Personal Statement

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

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

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

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

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

Strategies for Standing Out Among a Pool of Competitive Applicants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Dentistry Personal Statement: 5 Tips

Writing an essay about yourself and your experience can seem like a daunting task. It’s difficult to put into words why dentistry admission teams should pick you over other candidates. This guide will help you prepare to write your personal statement and make sure that you put your time to good use. You can also read more about Dentistry Personal Statements on our guide.

1. Make a list of the five things you are most proud of achieving

What makes you stand out from other applicants? Think back to the things you are most proud of achieving and which of these demonstrate the qualities needed to study dentistry. For example, perhaps you completed your Duke of Edinburgh gold award, showing long-term commitment and teamwork.   

2. Look back at your work experience diary

During your work experience, you should have kept a diary of your experiences, so read back through this. Are there any scenarios that you could include in your personal statement? What qualities did the dentist have?

Writing about these in your personal statement will show that you have reflected on your work experience and have a true understanding of what a career in dentistry involves.   

3. Speak to others about why you want to study dentistry

Practise saying out loud why you want to be a dentist. Not only will this give you practice for the interview stage of applications, your answer will also develop into a personal account of your motivations. This way you will avoid the clichés that admission tutors are used to reading.

4. List how you have shown the qualities required to be a dentist

Admission teams want to read clear examples of how you have displayed the qualities required to be a dentist. Making a list of the qualities you have and how you have shown them will help you to shortlist the traits you want to include in your personal statement.

5. Read books that relate to the course

Thinking about your personal statement early means that you have the time to read any last minute books that could support your application. Thankfully, The Medic Portal have put together a dentistry reading list to help with your preparation.

Following these tips will take the stress out of writing the first draft of your personal statement. Create a mind map and, with each step, add another section to it with your individual notes. This way, when it comes to writing the statement you will already have all the information you will need. Good luck!

Words: Joelle Booth

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Home > Dentistry > Personal statement

Personal statement

Note: UCAS is reforming personal statements for applications made in 2025 (2026 entry) and the current format will be replaced with a series of free-text questions. More detail will be added to this page when it is available. This does not affect applications submitted in 2024.

The personal statement is your chance to explain who you are and why you believe you are an ideal candidate for dentistry.

What to write about

The personal statement is your opportunity to articulate why you would like to study dentistry, and explain what skills and experience you possess which would make you a good dentist.

Remember that your personal statement should be individual to you rather than a series of clichés. The personal statement is the same for each course you apply for, so avoid mentioning any universities by name.

In your personal statement, you should:

• Tell the reader why you are applying – include your motivation to study dentistry, as well as what interests you about the subject
• Explain what makes you suitable for a career in dentistry – this could be relevant experience, skills, or achievements you have gained from education, work, or other activities
• Reflect on your work experience and what you learnt about yourself or the profession
• Talk about any current affairs in dentistry or healthcare which you have heard about, explaining what you found interesting and why
• Mention any other higher education outreach activities you may have attended, explaining what you found interesting and why
• Include some information about what you like to do in your spare time and explain how this has developed your skills
• If there are any personal circumstances which have affected your educational performance or qualification choices, outline them in your personal statement. For example, this might be something that caused you to miss school, such as a health condition, or caring for a family member.

What makes a good dentist?

When writing your personal statement, keep in mind the values, attributes and skills that make a good dentist. Dentists need to be able apply their scientific knowledge in clinical settings, and therefore academic ability and an aptitude for problem solving is key to the selection of candidates. Dental schools look for candidates who demonstrate high levels of commitment, motivation, resilience and concern for others, all of which are needed to maintain high standards of patient care.

Skills and attributes of an ideal candidate to dentistry

• Motivation to study dentistry and genuine interest in the dental profession
• Demonstrate having a caring nature, being empathetic and respectful of the views of others
• Be diligent, ethical and honest
• Work in a team and have the capacity to act as a leader
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills
• The ability to reflect on your own work and possess insight into your own strengths and weaknesses
• Be self-critical and self-motivating
• Demonstrate resilience and the ability to deal with difficulty
• Possess high levels of personal organisation
• Demonstrate high levels of academic ability
• Plan and think on the spot, enjoy problem solving and analysing information
• Show strong evidence of manual dexterity, creativity and spatial awareness
• Possess the ability to deal effectively with uncertainty and manage risk

Writing your personal statement for dental school

The most important thing about your personal statement is that it is written by you and that it is an honest reflection of your thoughts, skills and interests. When writing your personal statement, keep these key attributes in mind. Rather than simply stating that you embody these attributes, give examples of how you have demonstrated them in the past, for instance while on work experience or through extracurricular activities.

The fifth choice subject

Since dentistry is your chosen course, never try to tailor your personal statement to another course within the same personal statement. Contact the course provider for the fifth choice to find out if they will accept a personal statement focused on dentistry.

Assessing personal statements

Dental schools vary in how they assess personal statements. The majority of schools do not score or assess them. However they are commonly used as a basis for conversation during interview, so it is a good idea to write things which you would be prepared to expand on if asked.

Test yourself

Write a list of everything you would want a dental school to know about you – your achievements, talents, experiences and personal qualities. To help you structure your personal statement, allocate each element in your list to one of the following areas:

Introduction

Knowledge and interest in dentistry

Work or voluntary experience

Hobbies and interests

You should now be able to develop a first draft of your personal statement.

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Successful Personal Statement For Dentistry At King’s College London

Last Updated: 8th April 2020

Author: Adi Sen

• Getting started

Table of Contents

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

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

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

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

KING’S

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

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

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Dentistry Personal Statement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

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

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

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

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How To Write A Dentistry Personal Statement

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

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

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

What is a dentistry personal statement?

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

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

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

How To Write A Personal Statement For Dentistry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How Long Should My Dental Personal Statement Be?

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

How To Structure A Dentistry Personal Statement In 2023?

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

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

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

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

What Makes A Good Dentistry Personal Statement?

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

Skills And Attributes Of An Ideal Candidate For Dentistry

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

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

Skills that an ideal candidate for dentistry should have:

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

Opening Sentences For A Dentistry Personal Statement

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

Opening Sentence 1

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

Opening Sentence 2

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

Opening Sentence 3

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

Opening Sentence 4

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

Dentistry Personal Statement Conclusion

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

Conclusion example 1

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

Conclusion example 2

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

Conclusion example 3

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

Things To Avoid In A Personal Statement For Dental School

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

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

Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

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

Read Books About Dentistry 

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

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

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

Recommended reading:

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

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• Dentistry personal statements

Dentistry degree personal statement example (1g)

A traumatic swimming incident during my childhood left me visiting many dental chairs where I suffered from an irrational fear of dentists. Every visit started with my fears but ended with my gratitude to these dentists, who had performed complex operations seamlessly. These experiences stemmed an interest in dental biology exploring topics such as root canal treatments; here I realised that a dental career would allow me to both explore human biology further but also actively improve our society’s welfare.

I have undertaken work experience at a local NHS practice to observe what the profession entails. The difficulty of the job was admirable due to the level of manual dexterity and patience involved. In addition, I saw the importance of compassion that dentists showed to their patients and how they gained trust of the patient’s immediately. To get an overview of other specialties I shadowed an implant specialist and an endodontist, where the dentist’s team working skills and the essential role of dental nurses became emphasised, in order to streamline the increasingly complex surgeries. Spending a week in a dental clinic in Canada gave me insight into the transatlantic dental approach, allowing me to compare styles such as the greater emphasis on preventive procedure which they have overseas. Arranging shadowing at Harley Street allowed me to witness procedures such as Invisalign, which made the gap between private and NHS treatments much more apparent, as well as the pressures of running a private business. A week at a dental lab and attempting some denture construction myself allowed me to appreciate the usage of various dental materials.

In pursuing my interest in science, I have entered essay competitions such as the National Institute of Medical Research’s and have attended lectures at London Universities, covering topics such as stem cell usage. Reading the ‘The Roots of Disease’, has made me aware of the detrimentally effects that faulty dental work can have on a patients’ overall health and exploring other texts such as ‘Why do Chemical Reactions Occur’ has allowed me to explore molecular science to a greater depth. My aptitude in maths allows me to teach at my school’s Junior Maths Club, where I had to alter my tone and approach towards younger students such as the dentist did when comforting frightened patients.

At school, representing the cricket team has enhanced my hand eye coordination whilst improving my ability to perform calmly under pressure and as a team. Attaining the rank of corporal in the school’s Combined Cadet Force allowed me to lead field training exercises and tested my ability to think on my feet. I work voluntarily at St Luke’s Hospice Charity Shop which has helped me improve my communication and time management skills; which will be beneficial in a dental career. Through helping regularly at a Care home I have learnt much about patient care for those with disabilities and the elderly and noticed that the nurses’ approach to these patients was very similar to the dentist’s; caring but assertive. I play the Violin and Flute; both involve use of complex finger gestures, and in turn, I play as a soloist and in ensembles, which has increased my confidence to address crowds.

My numerous experiences at dental clinics have reinforced my determination to study dentistry; it would combine practical based work with my affection for science, and a desire to provide a vital service to the community. As an inquisitive applicant with great personal drive I believe that I can not only contribute to dentistry but also better help my community.

Universities Applied to:

• King's College London (Dentistry) - Offer (AAB any) Firm
• Manchester (Dentistry) - Offer (AAB Bio Chem Maths) Insurance
• Sheffield (Dentistry) - Offer (AAB Bio Chem Maths)
• Leeds (Dentistry) - Rejection
• University (BioChemistry) - Offer (AAB any)

Grades Achieved:

• Maths (A2) - A*
• Chemistry (A2) - A*
• Biology (A2) - A*
• Economics (A2) - A*
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“Why Dentistry?” – How to Respond to This Common Dental School Interview Question

Last updated: March 4, 2023

“So, why do you want to be a dentist?”

This is one the  most   common dental school interview questions , and is definitely one that you should be prepared to answer!

Preparing for a dental school interview? Roadmap Prep is a comprehensive video course helping predental students ace their dental school interviews.

Get started watching two hours completely free on the classroom page !

It can sometimes be overwhelming to think through how you want to respond to this, so let’s go through some elements to consider for your response.

Ultimately, there is going to be a lot of commonalities between students in these responses and that’s OK! Don’t force trying to come up with something 100% unique, it’s unnecessary. Rather, develop a response that is true to you.

Why dentistry, why not medicine?

So the first thing that I’ll say about why dentistry and why not medicine is that I think it’s important to realize that you shouldn’t be choosing a career in dentistry if you haven’t seriously considered a career in medicine . And that’s because the careers have so much overlap . In a lot of ways, being a dentist is just a specific type of medicine – you are literally a doctor focused on the mouth. Dentists don’t just do fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions, they diagnose oral pathologies that medical doctors do not.

So part of making an informed decision to become a dentist is having seriously thought about and considered medicine and then made an active decision not to pursue medicine but instead pursue dentistry

So first, let’s talk about some ways that these careers are similar.

1. We’re going to need to be medical experts that have a wealth of information to do these jobs well, and that means we’re going to be working hard in school for an extended time.

2. As we accumulate that knowledge, in both fields we’re going to be working with patients – both fields are primarily patient facing.

You are going to be interacting and helping patients everyday, which means:

• Listening to their needs a, their issues and unique circumstances, issues
• Thinking about their medical history, what medications they take, and any other factors that could influence treatment
• Doing diagnostic tests and evaluations, making an accurate diagnosis , and then helping facilitate treatment

3. You’re going to be communicating with them, your staff, and other professionals. You’re going to be collaborating with others.

4. And in both you’re going to have a phenomenal career that is interesting, varied, and super rewarding most days.

Example talking point:

It’s a great question, and I definitely spent a lot of time thinking about medicine as well before I ultimately settled on dentistry. There’s just so much overlap between the two fields. My father is actually a physician, and it was him that got me initially interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, gradually narrowing down to medicine or dentistry. And as I explored both the fields, I saw how much similarity there was – the education, the scientific approach to patient care, having to have knowledge of the how the body works, medical conditions, and medications, and how you work out a diagnosis and initiate treatment. So I’d say they are more similar than different. But there were specific parts of dentistry that really appealed to me.

OK, so there’s a lot of overlap between the two. Then what makes dentistry unique? I’m going to discuss a handful of talking points to give you ideas for what you can bring up in your interview – but as always, this isn’t an exhaustive list – so bring in your own experiences and observations when thinking about why dentistry specifically.

“How do I say something unique?”

The first thing that I’ll say about all the reasons people respond with to why dentistry – truth be told, there’s nothing super unique or specific that people mention that is 100% just related to dentistry . Most things you say could say probably are found in medicine too (eg. you can work with your hands in general surgery just like you do in dentistry.

But that being said, some things you find in dentistry more commonly than in medicine – general dentists work with their hands everyday but most physicians do not – so I don’t want you to get so caught up in worrying that a point needs to be 100% unique to dentistry to be worthwhile to mention – because there is going to be a lot of overlap between the professions. So if something is more common in dentistry compared to medicine, that is a perfectly fine way to differentiate them.

Also, the answers you give may be cliche , that many students bring up these points, and that’s OK . You’re not likely going to have some 100% unique take – because there are commonalities to what draws people to the field. But we just want to show that we’re not being superficial in mentioning these ideas, we want to showcase a deeper understanding. So with that, let’s get into some talking points that might contribute to you picking dentistry over medicine.

Operative, working with your hands, aesthetics

Dentistry is largely an operative field . And that means that as a general dentist, with most patients, you’re going to be doing some operative procedure, whether that be a filling, crown, a dental extraction, a root canal. And the frequency of which that you’re doing this is much greater than you’d find even in operative fields in medicine, which have a lot more administrative work, which includes doing rounds on patients prepping for surgery, doing a follow up on surgery, etc. A dentist can make a diagnosis and start working on a patient within five minute, whereas the same can’t really be said within medicine.

Working with your hands is an extension of this. So again, while there are fields within medicine where you are working with your hands like orthopaedic surgery and otolaryngology – in dentistry you’re creating things with your hands on a hourly basis. It is an incredibly precise field . We’re talking on the order of a half millimeter sometimes, with very specific angles. In fact, it is so precise that some general dentists and most root canal specialists use microscopes while they’re working, So if you’re someone that likes being incredibly precise and working on a very small scale, then dentistry might be something specifically that’s a good field for you.

I just love what dentists do every single day. You get to see a problem, and try to come up with a solution with the patient. And then you get to carry it out with your own two hands. I actually got the opportunity to do some test drilling on an extracted tooth in some of my dental shadowing, and it was incredibly difficult to make anything that resembled what the dentist was showing me. But I just love how you are getting to do something with your hands that is directly benefiting patients. And unlike medicine, where I found there was lots of non-operative time dentistry, it seemed like every day you get to spend the majority of your time working on patient. I’m not trying to minimize the fact that dentists also have to write charts, do their recall exams, follow-ups, and consultations. But the majority of the day you’re working with your hands, and honestly it just looks fun.

And there’s also a very rewarding aesthetic and artistic aspect to the work that a dentist does . If you’re restoring a tooth with a filling, you can do your best to replicate the shape and contours of the cusps, and how the opposing arch bites into your filling. If you’re planning a case to improve someone smile, you can use veneers, cosmetic bonding, and orthodontics to, in a relatively short timeframe, allow someone to feel more confident and happy with their appearance. And confidence in your smile makes a huge difference in people’s lives !

I really enjoyed in dentistry how the clinician can really choose how artistic they’d like to get with their restorative procedures. I shadowed one dentist that used a small paintbrush as part of her adjustment of the composite, she really tried to rebuild the natural shape of the teeth, and even added artificial staining within the grooves. Other dentists took more of a strictly functional approach and we’re mainly just concerned about getting a tight contact between the teeth and avoiding any voids in their fillings And this isn’t to put down or prop up either approach, but I think it’s a very enjoyable idea that you can choose to be as artistic as you’d like to be in this field.

Dentistry really does afford you the ability to r elatively quickly have an impact on the wellbeing of your patients . So whether that be a patient in severe pain with a dental infection, which you can relieve. Or maybe a patient has a fractured tooth, and because of the proximity of the fracture to the tooth’s nerve, the tooth is quite sensitive. Or maybe the sharp part is rubbing on their tongue, and restoring that tooth with a filling allows the patient to often have very quick relief from the discomfort. Or a patient comes in with a fractured front tooth affecting their smile, and you can recreate what they had, and allow them to walk out of your office with a smile again .

And partly because of the immediate impact nature of dentistry, it can be a very rewarding career for the clinician. A patient’s mouth is a very intimate part of their body. when something hurts or is off, it can really affect an individual. And because of the quick impact that dentists can make, patients can literally get out of your chair and have their issue dealt with. Having made a patient happy is truly gratifying and that is a huge reward of the career.

So, with what you’re doing, you are having this outcome for a patient who is coming in with a very specific need, and you get to help them with that need. Whether they’re in pain, or they have something that is bothering with their smile – I got to see how rewarding that can be. They come in with a problem and as they left, their issue for the most part had been dealt with. And that type of interaction with the patients who get to leave almost back to normal seemed very gratifying to me. The fact that you get to help multiple patients every day who either have some issue, or you do a procedure to prevent a future issue, is really energizing to me.

I’m connecting this to my shadowing experience and my observations in the dental field, and s howcasing the insights I took away about the rewards of the career to the interviewers.

Relationships

General dentists are lucky to often keep patients over a long period of time , sometimes a lifetime. Seeing the same patients come in, and developing a relationship with them and their families really is rewarding . Although some physicians get this as well, it is commonplace for a general dentist. You can even see patients from different generations within a family as a dentist. And with this, you get to know each other, develop trust and understanding. And seeing a long-term patient becomes part social as you catchup with what’s new.

While not unique just to dentistry – something that really stuck out to me with family dentistry is the special relationships that the dentist forms with their patients over a long period of time. There were numerous times I sat with a patient while the dentist had stepped out of the room and the patient started raving about how great this doctor is, and how long they’ve been coming there. And I saw that great dentists retain their patients over a long period of time, sometimes, over a lifetime. And those types of interactions where the dentist has a long term relationship with the patient seemed very fulfilling to me. There was a ton of trust that had been earned. And one of the things that really fills my cup is connection with others, so these types of patient doctor relationships is definitely an appealing aspect of dentistry to me.

Balance between work and life

Dentistry is a field that allows you to decide when you want to work, and how much you want to work . And there is absolutely nothing wrong with saying that, so you don’t need to think that this is a bad thing to mention in the interview. Anyone at your interview is somehow associated with dentistry. And they know that’s a very real reason why people go into the field and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with acknowledging that as having a healthy work life balance and integration of those two parts of your lives is a part of enjoying a well rounded being . Having the ability to do other things besides the career, which can give you more energy when you are on the job.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an associate dentist or a practice owner. Even as an associate, you can look for a job that you only have to work a couple of days a week, if that’s what you’d like. You can choose to only accept a job that doesn’t require you to work evenings or weekends. You can choose to only look for a job in a specific area. Whereas in medicine, often the hospital will dictate what hours you do need to work.

I incredibly excited for my future career as a dentist. But I also have a lot of plans for my life like raising a family getting an opportunity to travel, playing tennis, spending weekends in the country, and dentistry is appealing as a career that allows you to have a healthy balance between work and the other aspects of your life. And when I was considering what career I wanted to pursue, being able to be in control of my own destiny was important to me. And while I know that dentistry will have it’s challenges and commitments, and it’s not all just going to be roses – there will be times when appointments run behind and I have to stay late, or coming in on an evening or weekend for an emergency appointment for a patient in pain. But overall I know that I have a much more regular schedule as a dentist, which means that I can both enjoy my career, and the pursuit of other parts of my life at the same time.

Wide and deep

Being a general dentist gives you a huge amount of opportunity for variety in your day. With every procedure we do, that specific procedure is going to take on its own unique way of being approached. Each filling is unique based on the tooth decay, the fracture, or how we need to build it up. Each extraction requires planning out how you’re going to approach it, and then adapting as the tooth crumbles, or fractures. With root canals, each tooth has a different canal system anatomy. So, even within each procedure that we do, there is a ton of variety.

And then there are so many procedures dentists can learn . With general dentists the phrase “jack of all trades master of none” is sometimes used – and it may or may not be true. Because you actually do have the ability to get quite good at many new procedures by pursuing continuing dental education . And some dentists become very passionate about certain types of dentistry – whether that’s mastering occlusion (how the teeth bite together), getting really into aesthetics, learning to do more complex endodontics (root canals), or learning dental implants. There really is a lot of opportunity for professional development and continuing to grow and evolve throughout your career.

I really am someone who loves to learn, and try new things. And it’s very encouraging for me that in dentistry, you can continue to evolve and grow as a dentist. What I’ve seen in a lot of my shadowing is that newer dentists are working hard on the fundamentals like getting better at fillings and improving their speed but as you progress through your career you can choose to take on more challenging cases, and learn new procedures. Like for example at one of the offices I was in, there was a general dentist who, after 30 years has decided to only place dental implants. And he goes to different offices in the city one day a month and just places implants, and he learned how to do implants and bone grafting just through continuing education in a multi weekend residency. So a very appealing aspect of dentistry to me is that you can find what you’re good at and what you can enjoy and learn to do more of it.

Opportunities to specialize

Again, not just unique to dentistry – but a great thing about dentistry is that there’s the opportunity to specialize . So if you develop a passion about something, either in dental school or when you begin your career as a general dentist, you can go back and do a residency and specialize, and instead of casting a very wide net with what you do as a general dentist, you go very narrow and deep and become world class at doing a very specific thing,

To make sure you’re familiar with the dental specialties, let’s quickly go over them:

• Paediatrics – treating children’s dental needs
• Periodontics – dealing with the bone and gums surrounding teeth as well as placing implants
• Prosthodontics – making dental prostheses or providing replacements for teeth like dentures, implants, implant supported prosthetics, and complex crown work
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery – extractions, dental implants, and advanced surgical procedures in the mouth and the facial region
• Oral pathology – looking at pathological conditions within the oral cavity
• Endodontics – root canal treatment
• Oral radiology using advanced techniques to radiographically, analyze the teeth and the jaw
• Dental public health – looking at dental disease within populations
• Dental anesthesiology – providing sedation for patients undergoing dental procedures

Personal experience

Finally, you might have a very specific personal experience that you’ve had, which is a main driver for why you want to do dentistry . Maybe an interaction that you had with a dentist, or something that you witnessed in shadowing that you think is unique to the field or really left a mark on you. This would be a great time to bring it up!

What about if you applied to both dentistry and medicine?

If you applied to both dental school and medical school, this isn’t something you need to volunteer up and mention unprompted. In your dental school interview, I would just focus on what motivates you to want to pursue a career in dentistry.

However, f they explicitly ask you did you also apply to medical school , because many pre-dents do, I’d answer honestly and reply yes . I would just focus on why you feel there is so much overlap between the two fields, what elements of both would be rewarding to you. And I would try and reframe the conversation to what you like about so much in both of those careers, rather than let the conversation focus on the fact that you perhaps aren’t fully committed to just the one. If the question does come up, don’t let it phase you. It’s pretty common for a predental student to be interested in medicine , and many apply to both.

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Guest Blog – Applying to study dentistry: how I wrote my personal statement

(N.B. Please see below for more information on work experience and volunteering during the Covid-19 pandemic). 3. Who? YOU. – How do I have the right skills for dentistry? – What have I done to develop these skills (outside your academic studies)? – Why am I the right person for their dental school? I would argue this is one of the most important parts, this is what really makes your personal statement unique. Essentially here you are writing about you, what you love doing- your hobbies, your interests, what character traits you display by embarking on these hobbies and how they relate to dentistry. Perhaps you could also mention your academic interests here and how they encouraged your desire to study dentistry. For this section I would begin by writing a list of all your hobbies and next to each one note down the corresponding characteristics they each display. After this, relate how these characteristics and experiences show that you have the qualities needed to be a great dentist! If you have many hobbies, try and condense the list down to a few different hobbies and experiences. 4. Summing up End your personal statement with optimistic final words, emphasising your ambition and summarising your strengths. – Is this really me speaking? Get talking. Get exploring. Finally, get speaking to people in the year above you at school who have applied to do dentistry, dentists and dental students- they may be able to give you some useful guidance. Also remember to check out the university’s web page, and definitely try to attend their open day- some universities can be really specific about what they are looking for in the personal statement.  Look at the BDA website and even the BBC for current research, and general dental news- a topic may pop up that catches you eye. I found that there aren’t so many directly related dental books prior to studying dentistry but there are many articles in the BDJ and BDJ for students!! Happy writing and good luck!! Words by Talia Harris (Dental Student at UoB)

A huge thanks to Talia for all the time and effort he put into putting this blog together.

* Work experience for 2021 applicants to healthcare degrees . We understand that gaining work experience and volunteering opportunities will be extremely difficult during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please see our admissions pages for specific information about changes to work experience and volunteering requirements. In addition, we have provided some specific help and resources to assist you in finding out more about the Dental professional before making your applications here .

For more information about BWAMS activities and support follow these links:

Web: https://www.bwams.co.uk You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHqZQfiHG-DjHS2h_CZ8voQ Twitter: @BWAMSbirmingham and @we_are_medics Instagram: @bwamsbirmingham and @wearemedics

MDS Outreach can be found using the following links: Web: www.birmingham.ac.uk/MDSOutreach Twitter: @UoB_MDSOutreach Instagram: @uob_mdsoutreach Blog: https://blog.bham.ac.uk/mds-outreach/ Email: [email protected]

Author: Clare Ray

Clare Ray is the College of Medical and Dental Sciences lead for Outreach and Widening Participation. View all posts by Clare Ray

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Dentistry Personal Statement Examples – KCL (Saif)

Home » Application Guide » Dentistry Personal Statement Examples – KCL (Saif)

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

Saif applied to study Dentistry back in 2021 at four amazing UK Dental Schools, including KCL, University of Bristol and University of Glasgow. He received offers from 3 out of his four choices of which he chose to study at KCL.

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

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

KCL Dentistry Personal Statement Example

Whole personal statement.

A smile is more than just a smile, it is a reflection of happiness, confidence and self-esteem. Dentistry is the engineering of a smile, focusing on patients’ health, comfort and wellbeing. The interaction with patients and colleagues is not only integral to the care provided, but also a very attractive aspect of this career. With constant advances in research, dentistry has been and always will be an evolving profession. This opportunity for lifelong learning excites me and has fuelled my desire to pursue this pathway.

I had the opportunity to join the dentists at my local practice where I observed check-ups; the fitting and moulding of dentures; and tooth extractions. The interaction between dentists of different specialist interests; along with the dental nurses, hygienists and supporting staff maintained the best care possible in a multidisciplinary team. It was amazing to see the wonderful impact that they had on so many patients. For example – helping a lady with periodontitis. Her gums had begun to recede causing many teeth to fall out and others to wobble. Everyday tasks we take for granted (such as talking and eating) led to constant pain and difficulty. I will never forget the look on her face once she was fitted with her personalised dentures. This inspired me to learn more about the working life of a dentist.

I came across Dr Manouchehri’s ‘Teeth and Tales” podcast which was informative and enjoyable. It was interesting to learn about the importance of dental health as an indicator for many diseases. For instance, mouth ulcers can indicate signs of some bowel diseases, and examination of the mouth can diagnosen early stages of oral cancer. This captivated me : dentistry does not only improve the quality of people’s lives; it has the potential to save it. The podcast includes a brief yet stimulating discussion about a dentist’s ‘typical work week’ – which is in fact not typical at all.

Each patient has their own needs, resulting in an immense variation of work that has intrigued me – sparking my interest in orthodontics. This focuses on unique tooth alignment in order to provide patient focused treatment, providing new, exciting challenges to overcome. A smile can be built that improves the appearance and functionality of someone’s mouth – building their confidence and protecting their teeth by correcting their bite.

Communication is the basis of the dentist-patient relationship that is built on trust and respect. I am an effective communicator – evident in my roles as Senior Prefect and Classroom Assistant. As part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award, I volunteered at my local Barnardo’s where I worked as part of a team which helped me improve my communication skills. It was a great pleasure to do something good for my community, supporting the less fortunate by gathering and sorting through donations to those in need.

Dentistry is a demanding and stressful career, so finding ways to relax is important. Music is my tool for relaxation. I am a keen piano player and have passed my grade 6 exam with distinction. Hard work and disciplined practice have greatly improved my manual dexterity and attention to detail – skills that are integral to dentistry. My commitment has allowed me to begin tutoring, where I tailor my teaching style according to a student’s age and skill level. I am able to communicate complex information in an understandable way; build relationships with otherwise shy children; and put them at ease when dealing with frustrations. By effectively managing my time, I balance my schoolwork and benefit from being part of the school choir as well as an U18’s football team within the top division of my region. Football involves communication with teammates, mirroring the teamwork required in the life of a dentist.

I recognise that dentistry is a demanding career, but it is also extremely rewarding. It would give me the opportunity to connect with and positively impact so many people. Nothing would fulfil me more.

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KCL Dentistry Personal Statement Example Analysis

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

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

I feel that in the introduction of my personal statement I have been able to clearly demonstrate my passion for Dentistry. From my explanation, the intent behind my desire to study Dentistry really shines through. 

I do feel that my introduction does come across as quite impersonal and I haven’t related it to myself until the final sentence. I could have expanded further on the research aspect of Dentistry as this is an area I am interested in and it would have been better to covey this to the admissions tutor to demonstrate my understanding of it. 

Paragraph 1

I have not only discussed my work experience but also reflected on it, showing what I learnt and how it made me feel. This shows my passion and experience – and also that I understand the value of doing work experience. 

I probably could have been more concise, which could have meant I would have had more characters available to me later on in my personal statement which I feel I ended up rushing through. As well, I would have liked to have spent more time discussing the life-saving aspect of Dentistry in more depth by talking about what a Max Fax surgeon is.

Paragraph 2

I have shown that I have been doing wider reading – even though it has not been in the traditional sense of the term but rather with a podcast. I have made sure to talk about what I have learnt from it, using mouth ulcers are a symptom for some bowel diseases as an example as I just found it so fascinating. 

Again, I probably could have been more concise here. What the podcast talks about is not what is important but rather what I have grasped and learnt from it. I have probably embellished my language a bit too much, e.g., “…podcast which was informative and enjoyable,” when I could have cut out the latter part of the sentence and gone straight into why it was interesting. 

Paragraph 3

Here I made the point of discussing a specialist branch of Dentistry, that being orthodontics. I have talked about what interests me in orthodontics. This also displays the knowledge I have gained through wider reading and understanding of the profession as a whole.

I should have gone into my depth about what sparked my interest in orthodontics. It would have been helpful to relate it back to what I saw during my work experience. 

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Paragraph 4

I have used my personal experiences to relate to how I have developed and enhanced my communication skills – a skill which is vital to a career in Dentistry. Though I have only mentioned it from the sense of a dentist-patient relationship, it is also a necessary skill when working with other members of a dental team. 

As briefly mentioned above it would have been better to relate my communication ability to a clinical setting and draw on what I saw and learnt during my work experience. As well, I mentioned being a Senior Prefect and Classroom Assistant but have not gone into detail of anything I actually done within these roles. 

Paragraph 5

Here I have discussed the extracurricular activities that I undertook to show off more of my personality and interests outside of school and Dentistry. The idea behind this was to show the universities I was applying to what sort of person the would-be considering aside from my academics and to showcase myself as a well rounded individual. 

I have mentioned elsewhere I could have been more concise at the start of my personal statement as I feel this section is really rushed as I ran out of characters which would have allowed me to go into more depth. Maybe if I had structured my personal statement differently, it would have allowed me to discuss my extracurriculars in more detail 

My conclusion is clear, concise and straight to the point. I have acknowledged that a Dentistry degree and career will be challenging but I feel I am well suited to face this adversity and rise above it. 

There is being concise, and then there is potentially being too short which I feel this is. Again, I used up valuable characters earlier on in my personal statement which would have been better used for my conclusion. As well, I could have related it back to what I said in my introduction to make it feel more cohesive. 

Final Thoughts

I am pleased with my reflection of my work experience, I have not just listed what I done but mentioned the value I have gained from it by relating it to patients that I came across. Additionally, the section about my wider reading and my interest in the subject through Dr Manouchehri’s podcast, I feel, conveys my passion for Dentistry and my fascination with it. 

The end is what really lets it down, I feel, I ran out of characters, and it shows. I easily could have shortened my introduction and gained characters back there. Reading it back through, it does come across as slightly rushed and that I had just crammed it all in. There are definitely some sections that could have been broken down into smaller paragraphs just for ease of reading. 

So there you have it! This personal statement helped Saif get 3/4 offers in his 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 Saif is universal and will help any applicant write a better personal statement!  

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

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How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Grad School

Posted by Luke Dane | Aug 13, 2024 | Master's Programs

Graduate school is an educational endeavor that requires hard work, dedication, and standing out from the crowd. In addition to submitting undergraduate transcripts, GRE test results, and letters of recommendation, graduate school applicants must write a statement of purpose. 

A statement of purpose, also known as a personal statement, allows applicants to explain what they want to get out of graduate school and why they’re a good fit. 

“Your statement of purpose is your one opportunity to showcase your unique experiences, future goals, and how the graduate program will help you achieve those goals. Your statement should be authentic, relevant, concise, and professional,” said Precious Jordan-Talley , SDSU Global Campus Admissions Supervisor. 

Writing your first statement of purpose may feel daunting, but these tips and tricks will help you get the ball rolling. 

Understand the Prompt 

While the outline is similar, each grad school has its own prompt. Regardless of the specific prompt, your statement should answer: 

• What do you want to study and why
• What experiences do you have in your field
• What do you plan to do with your graduate degree 

Admissions committees seek out applicants who provide clear responses to these questions and demonstrate their plans and interests based on their expertise. Overall, Your statement of purpose should answer why you chose your field of study and why you have the background to excel in it. 

Show Your Best Self 

Including additional skills on your statement of purpose can help strengthen your application, but be selective about which skills you choose to add. 

Instead of adding all the skills in your pocket, hone in on the ones you can apply to your degree. Weave in personal anecdotes that showcase your skills to upgrade your statement of purpose from an application to a story. 

For example, many graduate students get to teach undergraduate classes. Therefore, including skills like teaching, public speaking, or communication would be beneficial skills to add. 

Stand Out From Others 

As of fall 2020, graduate school applications rose 7.3% , making it more crucial than ever to stand out from the crowd of applicants. 

Making your statement of purpose a story is a great way to set yourself apart from others. Simply put, describe how your skills, experiences, and backgrounds shaped you into who you are today.

Let’s say you’re applying for our master’s in meeting and event management. Instead of listing your experience in this industry, provide a story of how you developed an interest in this field through exploring and honing different skills. 

Listen to Feedback 

Receiving feedback from a trusted mentor, preferably a professor writing your letter of recommendation, is crucial before submitting your statement of purpose. Having another expert edit your paper can help with content, spelling, grammar, and word choice. 

Editors can also give you a new perspective. Since they have a fresh set of eyes, they can see your topics from another angle and offer suggestions to improve the quality of your statement. They can help you develop new perspectives to incorporate into your writing. 

“You’ll want to strive for depth by highlighting key experiences that can attest to your qualifications, problem-solving skills, and achievements,” said Precious Jordan-Talley . “Make sure there is a smooth and logical flow throughout your essay and solicit feedback from professors or colleagues to gain different perspectives and make improvements. I recommend exploring courses with Ed2Go to brush up on your writing skills.”

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