Introduction
Welcome to our collection of exemplary dental school personal statements. This page features two distinct personal statements from non-traditional applicants who have successfully transitioned into the field of dentistry. These statements are designed to provide inspiration and insight into how diverse experiences and backgrounds can be leveraged to create compelling narratives for dental school applications. By reading these examples, you will gain a better understanding of how to effectively highlight your unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations to strengthen your own application.
Dental School Personal Statement Example #1
This personal statement reflects a journey marked by early life challenges and a profound desire to give back to the community. Inspired by a life-changing encounter with a dental student during a difficult time for his family, the applicant shares a compelling story of aspiration, resilience, and a commitment to serving the underserved. This example provides an inspiring guide for those applying to dental school, emphasizing the importance of compassion and community service.
Early Inspiration and Motivation
I trace my adult aspirations back to the age of nine. At this time, my father returned to college in his late thirties to pursue a master’s degree in anesthesia. I was the oldest of three children, my mother was also unable to work, and we soon found ourselves scrounging out an existence on welfare. I will never forget my first Christmas on public assistance, my parents agonizing over how they could buy presents in addition to putting food on the table. Our church taught me the most important lessons in life at that time, compassion, and generosity. And these moral imperatives have become my principal frame of reference, what I aspire to accomplish myself.
One morning, my mother woke up in excruciating pain, and we realized that the local dental school clinic was our only option as welfare recipients. John, a dentistry student, recommended a root canal and patiently responded to each of my mother’s concerns in a simple, straightforward way with illustrations; I could even understand it at 10 years old. I could see that my mother felt safe and comfortable, fully trusting in John. During the procedure I saw the tears roll down her face as I held on to her hand. John let me hold the suction for part of the procedure. John became my first real life hero; and from that day forward I have nurtured and treasured the dream of becoming a dentist myself, and attending to the weakest among us, the underserved.
Developing Skills and Community Engagement
Later, we would move to Florida where I constructed a hockey workshop in our garage with numerous stick handling drills that helped develop my natural dexterity and coordination. One professional experience that has helped to prepare me for the great challenges of dental school was my employment with XXXX Marine Services. We helped to train helicopter pilots in the fields of search and rescue. Coast Guard helicopters would hover within ten feet of my head while I was raising and lowering rescue baskets.
Since entering high school, I have cultivated noble goals of wanting to give something back to the community. One of my early forms of engagement with the community in high school was serving as Captain of our ice hockey team. Even though we lost the state tournament, I went on to serve as Assistant Captain of the Hockey team, helping to bring XXU Ice Hockey to its first winning season. Yet, when I realized that my grades were suffering, I quit the team to be able to devote myself full time to my studies. During my first year I co-founded the XXXX Leadership Organization, beginning with only ten members. My first title was Social Service Coordinator, and I oversaw designing and organizing our efforts to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Foundation. Within 3 years, we had 150 members. I see my natural inclination for organizing philanthropic activities to be my greatest asset and I feel strongly that the greatest contribution that I might be able to make to society would be to provide free dental health care to members of our American societies with scant resources.
Vision for the Future
I see my home as the entire Caribbean area and I have spent a lot of time in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Cozumel, Belize, the Grand Cayman Islands, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. I was a close observer of healthcare systems on these islands, especially Haiti, and it is my sincere hope to make major contributions to dental missions to these islands in the future. I studied Spanish for 3 years in college and continue to improve through a concerted effort to practice. I have also dedicated a lot of planning to my goal of someday operating a free mobile dental clinic in rural areas of Florida, especially for the benefit of migrant farm workers and their families. I assure you that I will give my all to my studies if admitted and I want to thank you for consideration of my application.
Summary: Why This is a Good Personal Statement
This personal statement is compelling because it:
Highlights a Transformative Experience: The narrative of the mother's dental experience provides a powerful motivation for the applicant's career choice.
Emphasizes Compassion and Community Service: The applicant's commitment to serving the underserved and organizing philanthropic activities underscores a dedication to making a positive impact.
Demonstrates Leadership and Initiative: The applicant's involvement in leadership roles and community service projects showcases their ability to lead and inspire others.
Illustrates a Global Perspective: The applicant's experiences in the Caribbean and plans for future dental missions demonstrate a broad and compassionate view of healthcare.
Articulates Clear Goals and Vision: The statement outlines a clear vision for the future, including plans to provide free dental care and contribute to dental missions.
Dental School Personal Statement Example #2
This personal statement provides a compelling narrative of a non-traditional dental school applicant who leverages a diverse background in art, computer consulting, and life experiences. The applicant's journey from Korea to the United States, combined with a strong commitment to serving underserved communities, showcases their readiness and determination to excel in dental school. The statement highlights key qualities such as grit, perseverance, and a passion for helping others, making a strong case for their candidacy.
Non-Traditional Background
A non-traditional applicant at 33, I am an excellent candidate for dental school because of my experience as an artist and computer consultant. I have been in the U.S. for 14 years, emigrating from our native Korea with my family. I have fully adjusted to full-time English and the American way and have matured significantly. I am a good listener and get along well with people from all levels of society.
Commitment to Serving the Underserved
I would like to be a dentist who is sufficiently successful in devoting a large part of my time and resources to providing dental care to the underserved, especially minorities and immigrant populations in the inner city. I am especially drawn to the plight of inner-city children, in particular. The idea of being able to help them to better appreciate and respect themselves and their community through dental care is my long-standing dream of service.
Personal Struggles and Resilience
My grit, determination, and appreciation for the less fortunate were reinforced while I was in middle school in Korea and my father's business went bankrupt. We soon found ourselves living in only one tiny room in a rural area, all four of us. We slept next to each other every night, and I listened to my sister, trying not to sob. One night, I stretched my arm to see if I could reach her and my father and mother with my hand. I felt their hair and the reality of underprivileged life so acutely at that moment that I vowed that this would never happen to my children. I started delivering newspapers before dawn to support myself, paying my school expenses so as not to be a burden to my parents. At 5:00 in the morning, in freezing winter weather that numbed every part of my body, I began my struggle to succeed in life.
Adapting to Life in the US
Even after immigrating to the US, my family struggled financially. I had to work full-time as a janitor for several years while taking courses at a nearby college. After I moved to a four-year university, I did the dishes in the dining hall. I worked as an administrator at a computing lab while maintaining heavy loads of academic responsibility. I was a computer science major; however, by the time I had fallen in love with the physical sciences as a senior at the University of XXXX it was too late to change my major. I discovered my greatest passion while working at the Genetic Programming Research Laboratory learning about biological metaphors and evolutionary biology. I made a vital contribution to my research team by creating a software tool for automated data analysis and experimental support that saved a lot of time. Of course, I am pleased to have advanced computer skills, and I am sure that they will also be helpful to my career in dentistry.
Professional Experience and Skills
Upon graduation, I accepted a position at IBM as a consultant; constantly traveling and involved in numerous projects at major automotive companies, I had the opportunity to cultivate many qualities that will serve me well as a dentist: persistence, endurance, insight, sound judgment, and the ability to deal with all kinds of difficult situations. Although I thrived in my career, I resigned from my consulting position to finish preparing for a career in dentistry. A few years before I moved to New Jersey to enroll in the Pre-Dental Program at Rutgers, I started volunteering with a group of people at a nursing home in Dearborn, MI, helping organize events for the residents. Many, if not most of these elderly residents, had trouble eating correctly due to deteriorating dental conditions. There was a volunteer dentist who often came to the nursing home and checked their oral health. Sometimes, I could assist him with his work, and I was amazed by his dedication and passion. I enjoyed sharing the patients' joy upon emancipation from their suffering. For these reasons, my dedication to dentistry has become increasingly firm.
Hobbies and Personal Interests
Finally, my keen sense of hand and visual dexterity fomented by playing classical guitar, model ship building, and graphic design helps make me a competitive candidate for dental school. I also believe that the montage of priceless life experiences that I have accumulated will help to make me a compassionate and highly responsible dentist and I look forward to dental school with keen anticipation. I want to thank you for considering my application.
Summary: Why This is a Good Personal Statement
This personal statement is compelling because it:
Highlights Non-Traditional Background: The applicant’s diverse experiences in art, computer consulting, and personal challenges provide a unique and rich perspective.
Demonstrates Resilience and Determination: The narrative details the applicant's journey through financial hardship and personal growth, showcasing resilience and a strong work ethic.
Shows Commitment to Community Service: The applicant's desire to serve underserved communities, particularly inner-city children, underscores a strong sense of social responsibility.
Illustrates Relevant Skills and Qualities: The statement effectively links the applicant’s skills in computer science, art, and manual dexterity to the technical demands of dentistry.
Provides a Clear Vision for the Future: The applicant’s future goals in dentistry are clearly articulated, emphasizing a commitment to continuous learning and community service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should be included in a dental school personal statement?
A dental school personal statement should include your motivations for pursuing dentistry, relevant experiences, personal anecdotes that illustrate your passion for the field, and your future goals.
Should I discuss specific career goals in my personal statement?
How can personal experiences enhance a dental school application?
Can I include experiences from outside the dental field?
What is a successful dentistry personal statement example?
How to start a personal statement in dentistry?
How to write a personal statement for dental residency?
What is the personal statement of a dental assistant?
Additional Resources
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Dental School Personal Statement Examples
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