Introduction
As an Arab American raised between Yemen and California, I bring a unique perspective and deep commitment to serving underserved populations in my community. My diverse background, bilingual fluency in Spanish, and strong academic foundation in biology and chemistry have prepared me for a challenging and rewarding career in dentistry.
DDS Applicant Arab American Spanish
I feel that I am a competitive applicant for dental school because I am not only a good student and a very hard worker, but because I have had to overcome a lot of obstacles growing up, helping to make me both humble and resilient; and very much appreciate diversity and the great struggle that is generally required for immigrants to succeed in America. While my parents and I are US citizens, much of our family has remained back in Yemen, and twelve of my formative years growing up were spent in Yemen.
As an Arab American, however, I sincerely hope you will consider my application with special favor because I am also fluent in Spanish, which I learned growing up in Latino-dominated Lamont, California. I was motivated from early on to work extremely hard at achieving fluency in Spanish because I understood that it would be helpful at a later stage, to help our underserved here in California as a dentist.
I now hold a BS degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. Some applicants will undoubtedly have higher grades and exam scores, but because of spent many of my formative years in Yemen, English was my second language. In addition to my ESL situation, I have worked at and later managed the family business here in the Lamont, California, market. I have grown up with and very much love the primarily Latino population of Lamont. I have done all that I could so far, as the opportunity arises, to help my community by fundraising for those who are in need, for funeral services, the uninsured with serious illnesses, etc. I have always been exceptionally good at both science and working with my hands. Since I was a little child, I was the person in the house that my family depended on as the handyperson—fixing everything broken—from house repairs to the car. I am particularly good at using tools, drills, and wrenches, and drawing is my pastime.
I am thrilled that I was often educated during my school-age years in Yemen. It was challenging since I went to the village school where the students had neither desks nor chairs—all of us sitting in the dirt. Even worse, I used to fear going to school because many teachers were violent and would hit students with sticks. Even during tests, if you did not answer the questions the way the teacher said them, word for word, you would get hit. Nevertheless, I am pleased to have extensive experience in the Developing World, and I also hope that learning to write and speak Arabic will be helpful at some point in my future.
Furthermore, I met my wonderful wife in the village school in Yemen, having known each other since we were children. I remember thinking, as a child, that I would grow up and marry her someday. We now have three beautiful children: a ten-year-old daughter and two younger boys. She has always been there for me and has been incredibly supportive of my efforts to prepare for dental school admission. She is also ready to make the necessary sacrifices so that I have the time and energy to excel in your competitive program.
Now thirty-one, I have spent a total of 12 years in Yemen and nineteen in the USA, growing up as well in Lamont, California, which I consider my permanent home. I am especially pleased that we made Lamont our home because the population is more than 95% Latino, with many residents who are recent arrivals, many farm workers, and their families, most of them undocumented and underserved, with dental care seen as a luxury that few can afford. Since the most critical aspect of my long-term career goal in dentistry is to help the underserved who need oral health care, Lamont, CA, will be the perfect place to establish my practice.
I have volunteered at KMC Hospital for one year as a Research Assistant. We enrolled patients for research and surveys in the emergency room and provided them with helpful health tips and preventive strategies. We contributed to research in several areas, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), Elbow Study, Stomach pain, etc.
Most recently, my passion for becoming a dentist was profoundly reinforced remarkably close to home when my daughter’s adult teeth began to come in at twisted angles. Her teeth are already straight after just a few months of wearing braces. I have thrived sharing my daughter’s happiness and her satisfied smile with others.
I have been shadowing Dr. ____, a dentist in Bakersfield, who has been kind enough to share a great deal with me and has already taught me a great deal about dentistry. I have watched him perform root canals, crowns, fillings, cleanings, etc. I also have closely observed how they clean and sanitize their equipment for subsequent usage.
My goal is to become a great dentist and help those in need with dental problems within my community in California with special attention to the marginalized, particularly migrant laborers and their families.
Thank you for considering my application to your program.
Analysis of the Personal Statement
Strengths
Clear Motivation and Goals: The candidate demonstrates a deep commitment to serving underserved communities, particularly migrant laborers and their families in California.
There is a clear intention to establish a practice in Lamont, CA, which ties personal experiences to professional goals.
Unique Background and Perspective: Growing up in Yemen and experiencing education in a challenging environment adds a unique perspective to the candidate’s journey.
The ability to speak Arabic, English, and Spanish highlights cultural competency and a strong connection to diverse populations.
Community Engagement: The statement outlines efforts to help the local community through fundraising and volunteering, emphasizing a strong sense of social responsibility.
Hands-On Skills and Interests: Mentioning mechanical skills, precision with tools, and an interest in drawing aligns well with the manual dexterity required for dentistry.
Family Support and Inspiration: The personal story of the candidate’s daughter and her dental treatment provides a compelling emotional connection to the field.
Relevant Experience: Shadowing a dentist and observing various procedures demonstrates initiative and a proactive approach to learning about the field.
Research Assistant experience at KMC Hospital adds depth to the candidate’s understanding of healthcare and research.
Areas for Improvement
Limited Focus on Dentistry: While the statement highlights personal experiences and challenges, it could include more specific reflections on why dentistry appeals to the candidate (e.g., interactions with patients, and technical aspects of procedures).
Program Fit: The statement does not explain why the candidate chose this specific dental school or how the program aligns with their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Q. What qualities make a strong dental school applicant?
Strong applicants demonstrate a balance of academic ability, practical experience, and a genuine passion for improving oral health. Overcoming challenges and contributing to the community are also key qualities.
Q. How can volunteering and shadowing experience strengthen an application?
Q. Why is cultural competence important in dentistry?
Q. What role does manual dexterity play in dentistry?
Q. How can a personal connection to dentistry inspire a career in the field?
Additional Resources
Contact us for personalized assistance with your Dental School Application
DDS Applicant Arab American Spanish
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