Dentistry Personal Statement

What inspires me most about Dentistry is the simple yet dramatic effect good teeth can have on people’s lives and confidence, something I have personally experienced since completing my orthodontic treatment. Teeth have long been a focus for me, following a childhood swimming accident where I lost a large portion of my left maxillary central incisor. Admittedly I was a difficult patient but as I grew older I began to appreciate the patience and reassurance of our dentist, and eventually I overcame my phobia, facilitating the realisation that becoming a dentist could be a potential career choice.
I first undertook work experience in 2014 at orthodontic practice, over the course of two weeks, where shadowed an orthodontist in addition to assisting in the running of the practice by pulling model boxes for patients, filling in lab documents, and helping to sterilise equipment. These activities helped me to learn the importance of good organization in the workplace, something

Being a committee member has taught me to be unafraid to voice suggestions amongst my peers AND…
This year I participated in a Royal Society funded research project into the optimum growing conditions of microalgae. Alongside deepening my understanding of aseptic techniques and laboratory practice, the opportunity allowed me to improve my teamwork, research, and presentation skills. I also had the opportunity to take part in at dissection program, which was a new and challenging experience but I relished the opportunity to learn more about basic anatomy.
I am passionate about helping others and as part of my Duke of Edinburgh I have volunteered regularly since 2010. On my Gold expedition in the Brecon Beacons, I had responsibility for our provisions, which helped develop organisation and leadership