Dentist Personal Statement
Why I want to do Dentistry
To be the first in my year to need braces, I was made aware of the impact such intervention could have. Impressed by how my orthodontist had a vision of what my crooked teeth could become, I began to develop an interest in oral health and the ways in which dentists and orthodontists can have such a massive impact on the quality of people’s lives.
Work Experience
I have undertaken three weeks of work experience at both NHS and private practices. I was particularly interested in endodontics; I was amazed by the patience required whilst drilling through a tooth to create an access cavity, and the precision and dexterity needed to fill the narrow root canals. As well as being meticulous and calm, I realised that it was …show more content…
equally essential for a dentist to gain their clients’ confidence and trust. One of the dentists I shadowed would use various techniques to turn children’s appointments into an adventure, such as elevating the dental chair, or talking to them about their interests. This would in turn help to raise their confidence and make them feel more relaxed about visiting the dentist. Having spent a day each with the busy receptionists, communicative dental hygienists and insightful orthodontist, I have come to understand the significance of teamwork and cooperation in dentistry.
Uganda
Driven by my interest in helping others, in the summer of 2014, I spent two weeks in a poverty-stricken area of Uganda, taking part in a medical, dental and eye camp to provide free health-care to those unable to afford such services.
Contrary to the affordable and easily accessible dental care we are used back home, in poorer countries such as Uganda, it was difficult to find a dentist, let alone being able to afford being treated by one. The vast number of oral health problems seen in the camp made this evident. During the camp, I worked alongside dentists, doctors, optometrists, ophthalmologists, as well as in the pharmacy and as a dental nurse. I was able to observe a variety of fascinating medical and dental cases, including one of a teenager with two supernumerary teeth behind his maxillary incisors. I was also fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to assist in two tooth extractions. As oppose to the complex and intricate treatments carried out by dentists in the UK, the majority of tooth problems at the camp were solved by usually-straightforward extractions, with some patients being lucky enough to receive a filling or even a scale and polish. Despite this, the gratitude that the patients had for the dentists after they solved years worth of pain, made my experience an incredibly eye-opening and insightful
one.
Volunteering
My experiences as a volunteer at a scouts group for children aged 10-14, as a mentor for GCSE maths students of a lower set, and from working with the elderly at a care home, have helped me to improve my communication skills with members of different social groups. I was also able to develop an ability to listen to and address people’s concerns with empathy and understanding. I enjoy working as a team, and being part of the college charity society and Hindu society have allowed me to work on my interpersonal skills. As the current leader of the charity society, I have gained invaluable leadership and organisation skills. I am a key member of the college dentistry society, as part of which important and controversial dentistry-related topics are discussed, such as the psychology behind dental phobia, upon which I have based my extended project qualification.
Hobbies & Interests
Outside of college, my hobbies include yoga, which has improved my physical strength and sense of balance, and Bollywood dancing, something that I deeply enjoy and have been doing for almost 12 years. Performing on stage at cultural festivals and the annual show held by my dance institute has helped me to become a confident person. In hope of improving my manual dexterity, I have self-taught myself origami through videos on the internet. This has further helped me to understand that diligence, problem solving, and logical reasoning are important factors in any “hands-on” profession.
Conclusion
Subsequent to seeing the miraculous effects that short and simple dental treatments had in Uganda, I realised that it is in fact more than possible for poorer people to receive cheap yet effective dental care, and this has made me even more determined to serve my community through dentistry. This motivation, as well as my practical, academic and mental skills, will serve me well at university, and allow me to become a hard-working and committed dentist.
To be the first in my year to need braces, I was made aware of the impact such intervention could have. Impressed by how my orthodontist had a vision of what my crooked teeth could become, I began to develop an interest in oral health and the ways in which dentists and orthodontists can have such a massive impact on the quality of people’s lives.
Work Experience
I have undertaken three weeks of work experience at both NHS and private practices. I was particularly interested in endodontics; I was amazed by the patience required whilst drilling through a tooth to create an access cavity, and the precision and dexterity needed to fill the narrow root canals. As well as being meticulous and calm, I realised that it was …show more content…
equally essential for a dentist to gain their clients’ confidence and trust. One of the dentists I shadowed would use various techniques to turn children’s appointments into an adventure, such as elevating the dental chair, or talking to them about their interests. This would in turn help to raise their confidence and make them feel more relaxed about visiting the dentist. Having spent a day each with the busy receptionists, communicative dental hygienists and insightful orthodontist, I have come to understand the significance of teamwork and cooperation in dentistry.
Uganda
Driven by my interest in helping others, in the summer of 2014, I spent two weeks in a poverty-stricken area of Uganda, taking part in a medical, dental and eye camp to provide free health-care to those unable to afford such services.
Contrary to the affordable and easily accessible dental care we are used back home, in poorer countries such as Uganda, it was difficult to find a dentist, let alone being able to afford being treated by one. The vast number of oral health problems seen in the camp made this evident. During the camp, I worked alongside dentists, doctors, optometrists, ophthalmologists, as well as in the pharmacy and as a dental nurse. I was able to observe a variety of fascinating medical and dental cases, including one of a teenager with two supernumerary teeth behind his maxillary incisors. I was also fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to assist in two tooth extractions. As oppose to the complex and intricate treatments carried out by dentists in the UK, the majority of tooth problems at the camp were solved by usually-straightforward extractions, with some patients being lucky enough to receive a filling or even a scale and polish. Despite this, the gratitude that the patients had for the dentists after they solved years worth of pain, made my experience an incredibly eye-opening and insightful
one.
Volunteering
My experiences as a volunteer at a scouts group for children aged 10-14, as a mentor for GCSE maths students of a lower set, and from working with the elderly at a care home, have helped me to improve my communication skills with members of different social groups. I was also able to develop an ability to listen to and address people’s concerns with empathy and understanding. I enjoy working as a team, and being part of the college charity society and Hindu society have allowed me to work on my interpersonal skills. As the current leader of the charity society, I have gained invaluable leadership and organisation skills. I am a key member of the college dentistry society, as part of which important and controversial dentistry-related topics are discussed, such as the psychology behind dental phobia, upon which I have based my extended project qualification.
Hobbies & Interests
Outside of college, my hobbies include yoga, which has improved my physical strength and sense of balance, and Bollywood dancing, something that I deeply enjoy and have been doing for almost 12 years. Performing on stage at cultural festivals and the annual show held by my dance institute has helped me to become a confident person. In hope of improving my manual dexterity, I have self-taught myself origami through videos on the internet. This has further helped me to understand that diligence, problem solving, and logical reasoning are important factors in any “hands-on” profession.
Conclusion
Subsequent to seeing the miraculous effects that short and simple dental treatments had in Uganda, I realised that it is in fact more than possible for poorer people to receive cheap yet effective dental care, and this has made me even more determined to serve my community through dentistry. This motivation, as well as my practical, academic and mental skills, will serve me well at university, and allow me to become a hard-working and committed dentist.