personal statement dentistry

Home » Resources » Dentistry Personal Statement Tips and Examples

Published on August 10, 2024

Reading Time: 10 min

Dentistry Personal Statement Tips and Examples

Personal statements are weighed very highly in your application to dental school. They give insight into you as a person and what else you have done to ensure you are the ideal candidate for the course. It is used alongside your academic achievements and UCAT score to give a more comprehensive overview of your candidacy. This guide will outline dentistry personal statement tips, highlight essential elements to include, and provide examples of well-crafted dentistry personal statements.

Structure of a Personal Statement

While each personal statement should reflect your unique experiences and motivations, following a structured approach can help ensure that you completely cover all the important points you wish to convey. Below is a suggested structure that you can refer to and customise to fit your personal preferences.

Introduction

Your introduction should convey your passion for dentistry and articulate the reasons behind your decision to pursue this career path. This section can be particularly effective if it includes a personal anecdote, whether from your own life or through a family member’s experience, that highlights how dentistry has made a significant impact. By sharing a story, you can illustrate the influence that these experiences have had on your choice to enter the field. An example of this type of introduction is provided below:

“From a young age, I was fascinated by the dentist and how they could transform your smile. I remember accompanying my sister to the dentist after she chipped her tooth in a bicycle accident. She was hugely nervous; however, the dentist was remarkably compassionate and kind. He restored her smile and ensured she was okay throughout the whole process. Witnessing this massive impact sparked my passion for dentistry and through further research, I saw the blend of artistry, science, and care for the patient that this career holds. This early encounter began my desire to become a dentist, committed to enhancing patient wellbeing and confidence.”

Motivations

If you don’t have a specific anecdote to share, you can focus on discussing your interest in the sciences, healthcare, and the intricacies of the human body. Expand on how these passions combined to make dentistry the ideal career choice for you. By highlighting your fascination with science and your commitment to the health and well-being of patients, you can effectively convey why dentistry is great for you. Additionally, you can showcase your appreciation for the detailed and hands-on nature of dental work,. An example of this type of introduction is provided below:

“From an early age, I have been fascinated by the balance between science and artistry that dentistry encompasses. The ability to transform a person’s smile and confidence is extremely rewarding. I am also hugely interested in the relationship between oral health and overall health, noting their close link and how they can impact each other is massively important. My academic journey and dental experiences have further solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in dentistry. I am intrigued by the constant advancements in dental treatment and the opportunity to provide overall holistic patient care. My goal is to contribute to this field, combining precision, knowledge, and empathy to improve my patient’s lives.”

Relevant experience in dentistry

This paragraph is important as it demonstrates your thorough understanding of the career and highlights your genuine enthusiasm for learning more about it. It should detail any practical or online experiences you have gained. Here are some examples of what you could include:

Clinical observations/shadowing

If you have had the opportunity to observe a dentist, be sure to include this experience. Discuss not only the specific procedures you observed but also the interactions between the dentist, the patients, and the dental team. Highlight the positive aspects of their teamwork and how it enhanced patient care. If any challenges arose, explain how the dentist addressed these issues to ensure the patient’s well-being. Describe how this experience reinforced your decision to pursue a career in dentistry.

Volunteer work

Any volunteer work related to dentistry or healthcare is extremely valuable. Describe your role and its importance to patient care. Highlight any specific events you witnessed or participated in, discussing their impact on both you and the patients. Additionally, detail the relevant skills you developed through these experiences.

Training or courses

If you have attended any in-person or online courses about dentistry, these can be important too. It shows that you have gone the extra mile to gain a baseline understanding of the career. This can make you stand out against other applicants as it highlights your commitment by partaking in a course on top of your studies.

When writing about any of these experiences, it is essential to reflect on them. Reflection is a fundamental practice in dentistry, consistently used to enhance professional development and patient care. For each dental-related experience, document what happened, what went well, and what did not go as planned. Consider how these experiences contributed to your understanding of dentistry and fuelled your passion for the field. Reflecting on these moments will not only demonstrate your commitment to learning and growth but also show how you apply your insights to improve.

Personal Statement Tutoring

Craft a stellar personal statement using MedicHut’s tutors who can help you every step of the way – whether you’re just starting off, stuck somewhere in the middle, or just want a bit of time to discuss your finished personal statement. 

This section is where you can talk about the key abilities that are crucial for a dental professional to possess. You can give examples which show how you possess these and how you have developed them. Below are some skills and examples of what you can do to obtain these and the real-world examples to write in your statement.

Manual dexterity

Dentists are constantly working in small environments and must be able to work intricately. This skill can be developed through art, musical instruments, or needlework.

Teamwork and communication skills

In dentistry, you are part of a team and must be able to communicate with your colleagues in a way that is beneficial to your patients. It is also necessary to have the ability to communicate effectively with your patients so that they understand their treatment and can give informed consent. You can demonstrate and develop these skills through a wide variety of life experiences including a part-time job, sports, hobbies, or volunteering.

Time management

Being in dental school and working as a dentist can be very busy and hectic, you must be able to show that you are efficient in balancing all areas of your life and maintaining a good work-life balance to allow you to complete tasks and treatment to the highest standard. This skill can be shown through balancing part-time jobs, hobbies, and studies. You can also use more in-depth specific experiences if there have been times when you have required excellent time management skills.

Compassion, empathy, and patience

While a very technical career, it is still extremely important that you show your care and understanding for your patients. Going to the dentist can be a very anxiety-provoking experience for some people and others may require extensive treatment, they must know that you are there for them. You can demonstrate this skill through volunteering in a hospital or working with children. Again, if you have specific examples, you can draw on these to describe your skill.

Relevant academic achievements or interests

When applying for the course, you submit your grades separately from your personal statement, so you do not need to mention them. However, highlighting any additional academic achievements can significantly enhance your statement. Here are some examples to consider:

Research projects

If you have participated in any research projects, especially those related to healthcare or dentistry, you should discuss these experiences. Describe how these projects provided you with insights into specific aspects of the course or industry. Mention any skills you developed, such as critical thinking, data analysis, or teamwork, and explain how these will benefit your future studies and career in dentistry.

Presentations or publications

Any presentations or publications you have contributed to are highly valuable. Discuss the dedication and effort you put into these, detailing how they prepared you for dentistry. Highlighting your ability to contribute to and produce high-quality work demonstrates your commitment and preparedness for the field.

“In addition to coursework, I engaged in a research project focused on the oral microbiome, which investigated the impact of different dental practices on microbial diversity. My project aimed to analyse how various oral hygiene interventions, such as varying toothpaste formulas and mouthwashes, influence the composition of microbial communities in the oral cavity. This research project not only enhanced my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of the relationship between oral hygiene practices and microbial health. This experience has underscored the importance of evidence-based practices in dentistry and has fuelled my passion for combining scientific research and clinical practice. As I pursue my career in dentistry, I am excited to continue exploring the link between research and patient care, aiming to develop solutions that enhance patient wellbeing.”

Personal Statement Review

With our 48-hour turnaround, we ensure you get comprehensive feedback highlighting your strengths and weaknesses, constructive criticism, and help you maintain professionalism. Our review process aims to empower you to present your best self in your medical or dental school applications.

Extracurricular Activities

In this section, you can discuss aspects of your life beyond dentistry and academics. Highlighting these areas demonstrates that you are a well-rounded person with diverse interests, capable of managing your time effectively and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. You might mention your involvement in sports or hobbies, explaining how these activities have developed your skills and benefited you personally and professionally. By linking these experiences to a career in dentistry, you can demonstrate how your well-rounded background contributes to your effectiveness and resilience in the field.

Any Relevant Experience with Leadership

Dentists are leaders of a clinical team while working as part of that team is hugely important, it is also vital that you can demonstrate leadership when required. You can use examples such as school captaincy or being the leader of a club. If you volunteer or work, you can use examples of when you had to take control of certain situations. Discuss how you dealt with these and how your actions prove that you are an ideal candidate for the course.

Recent Dental Current Affairs That Have Interested You

in this section, you should aim to demonstrate your awareness of issues within the field, your enthusiasm for ongoing developments, and how these issues relate to your aspirations and values as a future dentist. You should begin by introducing the dental or medical current affair that has caught your attention. Make sure to give enough context so that its relevance is clear. Continue to add more detail and description to the issue and any key facts or figures. Continue to elaborate on why this is important to you. Connect it to your personal experiences, or values. This is an excellent opportunity to show genuine passion for the field. Finally, reflect on how this issue has influenced you and your future goals in dentistry. An example of this paragraph is shown below discussing the oral microbiome:

“A recent development in the field of dentistry which has caught my interest is the increasing focus on oral microbiome research and its implications for overall health. The oral microbiome is crucial for maintaining oral health and has links to systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. My fascination with this topic began during a research project for school, where I learned about the connections between oral and overall health. This research highlights the importance of preventative care and comprehensive treatment in dentistry. As I pursue my dental education, I am eager to contribute to this field, promoting overall health through informed, evidence-based practices.”

Personal Attributes

These qualities, while like skills, are more inherent traits that you naturally possess. They form the foundation of you as a dentist and significantly impact your performance in the field. These personal attributes are crucial as they influence how you interact with patients, handle the demands of the profession, and navigate complex situations. Demonstrating these attributes shows that you have a natural aptitude for a successful career in dentistry.

Resilience and patience

While a highly rewarding career, dentistry can sometimes be quite tough, it is important that you are able to describe and demonstrate how you manage stress and stay calm when dealing with challenging situations. You can use examples from your part-time job or volunteering, where there was a high-pressure situation and how you dealt with it appropriately.

Willing to continuously learn

Not only as a dental student but also as a dentist, you must be able to adapt to constantly evolving treatments and regulations. Emphasise how this appeals to you and how much you value education and continuous learning.

Ethical and professional behaviour

Dentists are always responsible for patients, and with that comes a certain level of ethical and professional responsibility to ensure the well-being of patients. Show your understanding of dental ethics and how you have demonstrated this in other areas of your life.

In this section, you should summarise all the key points you have discussed throughout your statement. Reflect on how your passion for dentistry, combined with your work experience, volunteering, and personal hobbies, collectively make you an excellent candidate for the course. Highlight your continuous commitment to pursuing a career in dentistry and discuss the motivation behind your choice of this field. Briefly revisit the most impactful experiences that have uniquely prepared you for dental school and a career in dentistry. Emphasise the specific skills and qualities you possess, and how they make you perfectly suited for this course and career.

Dentistry Personal Statement Examples

Seeing a patient try on a newly repaired denture revealed an immediate boost in confidence and clarity of speech, demonstrating how dentists can profoundly enhance a person’s everyday life. The patient’s appreciation underscored the deeply rewarding nature of dentistry and its profound physical and psychological impact on individuals. The ability of dentists to guide patients in rebuilding their smiles and relieving discomfort fueled my desire to pursue a career in dentistry.

While shadowing a dentist performing cavity fillings on an anxious patient, I realized the critical importance of empathetic communication. The dentist used the tell-show-do method to build trust, giving the patient control by allowing her to pause the procedure if she felt uneasy. This experience highlighted the importance of establishing trust within a dental practice, showing how such strategies can reassure nervous patients that the dental team is acting in their best interest. My four-month volunteer work at a local hospital allowed me to cultivate similar caring qualities, actively listening to patients’ concerns and helping them feel more comfortable.

Participating in an online course about technological advances in dentistry introduced me to innovative techniques that can significantly improve patients’ oral health. I was captivated by the way 3D printing technology can replicate the structure and colour gradient of teeth, enhancing both function and appearance. With the constant emergence of new techniques, I recognize the necessity for dentists to stay informed about the latest developments to provide the highest standard of care. My exploration of continuous professional development reinforced this understanding, emphasizing that patient-centred care is at the core of dentistry.

During my two-week work experience, I observed the intricacies involved in dental procedures, particularly during an extraction. The manual dexterity required was apparent when the dentist carefully sutured the flap. Engaging in mosaic design during GCSE art and taking a pottery course pushed me to work within fine margins, which honed my hand-eye coordination skills.

In several practices I observed, the concept of four-handed dentistry was prominent, with nurses assisting dentists by skillfully managing aspirators. This underscored the collaborative environment in which dentists operate, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual support. Serving as the science prefect at my school, I was part of a large team and developed a strong commitment to lifelong learning. This role involved leading scientific discussions and giving presentations on oral-systemic health links to younger students, promoting the importance of oral hygiene. These experiences bolstered my confidence and allowed me to advocate for preventive care, a key responsibility of dentists alongside restoring smiles.

It became clear that effective leadership is essential for dentists, who are responsible for both a patient’s oral health and the overall treatment process. My role as a cadet leader with St John Ambulance for a year helped me enhance my communication skills by guiding cadets of all ages in first aid training. This was particularly important when working with cadets who had special educational needs, where I had to balance clear instruction with compassion.

As a volunteer retail assistant at Barnardo’s charity for over a year, I adapted to working under pressure while maintaining composure, similar to how dentists must manage time constraints and stress. Regular swimming sessions have helped me develop a healthy work-life balance by providing an outlet for stress relief.

Through reflection and research, I have come to understand that dentistry is a challenging yet rewarding profession, comprising dedicated and dynamic professionals. I am eager to pursue my goal of improving people’s lives by enhancing their smiles and advocating for oral health.

Dentistry Personal Statement Review

Dentistry is an exceptionally competitive field in the UK, with many applicants competing for limited spots. A well-crafted personal statement is crucial to stand out, as it allows applicants to emphasize relevant experiences and showcase essential personal attributes that can make an applicant more appealing to admissions committees. Tailoring the statement to align with the specific values and criteria of each dental school further enhances the chances of admission. MedicHut can support candidates with their  personal statements , ensure that the statement meets the specific requirements of UK dental schools and help them get the most out of their experiences.

Speak to an admissions expert today!

Related posts.

How to Become a Dentist in the UK

Dentistry MMI Questions & Answers

Some of our partners.

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Clearing Guide

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

• Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

• Postgraduate Personal Statements
• International Student Personal Statements
• Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

• Personal Statement Changes 2025
• Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

• Mature Student Personal Statements

Personal Statements By University

• Accountancy and Finance Personal Statements
• Actuarial Science Personal Statements
• American Studies Personal Statements
• Anthropology Personal Statements
• Archaeology Personal Statements
• Architecture Personal Statements
• Art and Design Personal Statements
• Biochemistry Personal Statements
• Bioengineering Personal Statements
• Biology Personal Statements
• Biomedical Science Personal Statements
• Biotechnology Personal Statements
• Business Management Personal Statement Examples
• Business Personal Statements
• Catering and Food Personal Statements
• Chemistry Personal Statements
• Classics Personal Statements
• Computer Science Personal Statements
• Computing and IT Personal Statements
• Criminology Personal Statements
• Dance Personal Statements
• Dentistry Personal Statements
• Design Personal Statements
• Dietetics Personal Statements
• Drama Personal Statements
• Economics Personal Statement Examples
• Education Personal Statements
• Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• English Personal Statements
• Environment Personal Statements
• Environmental Science Personal Statements
• Event Management Personal Statements
• Fashion Personal Statements
• Film Personal Statements
• Finance Personal Statements
• Forensic Science Personal Statements
• Geography Personal Statements
• Geology Personal Statements
• Health Sciences Personal Statements
• History Personal Statements
• History of Art Personal Statements
• Hotel Management Personal Statements
• International Relations Personal Statements
• International Studies Personal Statements
• Islamic Studies Personal Statements
• Japanese Studies Personal Statements
• Journalism Personal Statements
• Land Economy Personal Statements
• Languages Personal Statements
• Law Personal Statement Examples
• Linguistics Personal Statements
• Management Personal Statements
• Marketing Personal Statements
• Mathematics Personal Statements
• Media Personal Statements
• Medicine Personal Statement Examples
• Midwifery Personal Statements
• Music Personal Statements
• Music Technology Personal Statements
• Natural Sciences Personal Statements
• Neuroscience Personal Statements
• Nursing Personal Statements
• Occupational Therapy Personal Statements
• Osteopathy Personal Statements
• Oxbridge Personal Statements
• Pharmacy Personal Statements
• Philosophy Personal Statements
• Photography Personal Statements
• Physics Personal Statements
• Physiology Personal Statements
• Physiotherapy Personal Statements
• Politics Personal Statements
• Psychology Personal Statement Examples
• Radiography Personal Statements
• Religious Studies Personal Statements
• Social Work Personal Statements
• Sociology Personal Statements
• Sports & Leisure Personal Statements
• Sports Science Personal Statements
• Surveying Personal Statements
• Teacher Training Personal Statements
• Theology Personal Statements
• Travel and Tourism Personal Statements
• Urban Planning Personal Statements
• Veterinary Science Personal Statements
• Zoology Personal Statements
• Personal Statement Editing Service
• Personal Statement Writing Guide
• Submit Your Personal Statement
• Personal Statement Questions 2025

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 .

Related resources

Dentistry vs medicine.

Find out more

Allied Health Professionals

Personal Statement Tips

International Student Statements

A Level Results Day

• 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 successful dental school personal statement examples from our own students, and then our  dental school advisors  will go over our proven strategies to help you create your own from scratch!

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

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 10 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 at 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 center 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. Through working for a dentist, 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 of meeting 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. 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 my second 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. (4,478 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.
• 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.
• 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 such as shadowing a dentist . However, you can also highlight extracurriculars that relate to dentistry.

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 time 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 it 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 hemorrhaging. 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, taught me about vulnerability and trust. Six-year-old 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 my 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.  (4,489 characters, including spaces)

What Did This Dental School Personal Statement Do Well?

• Engaging hook: admissions committees will be reading many personal statements, so you need to make sure yours stands out! Starting off with a unique anecdote will help you stay in the mind of the committee. Similar to the “tell me about yourself” question you may get during a dental school interview, the personal statement is a time to be relatable and showcase your human side.
• Demonstrating strengths: this student clearly has a wealth of experience in the field of dentistry. This essay has effectively showcased their depth of experience and details of relevant dental work including showcasing manual dexterity skills , without coming off as bragging. 
• Strong conclusion: drawing the reader back to the baking challenge keeps this unique essay strong. They have tied together an interesting anecdote with their practical experience in dentistry. Reminding the admissions committee of this in the final paragraph will make sure they have a positive impression of you as they finish reading your application.

Whether you're applying to dental schools in Canada or the US, a personal statement is usually one part of your dental school requirements . These tips compiled by our experts will help you craft a unique and compelling statement.

1. Tell a compelling story

Ideally, you will craft a story or detail a defining moment that helped you realize why you want to become a dentist . 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. Remember, you don’t need to brag about good DAT scores or GPA in your personal statement, this is about you as a person.

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, similar to the “why this dental school?” interview question . There are a variety of dental schools with different pros and cons, so make sure you review dental school acceptance rates to find out which schools are best suited for you and make sure your personal statement is tailored to your target school. 

Here are some more tips for writing a dental school personal statement:

3. Be authentic and relatable

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. Remember, to include personal notes that humanize you, not just a list of achievements. 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 skills and desired contributions to the field of dentistry

Dentistry is a profession that involves many different sets of skills. Emphasize skills and experiences that involve teamwork, leadership, and your communication skills, and especially soft skills that might not be present in other parts of your application. You can achieve this by sharing personal anecdotes and experiences that reflect on these skills. For example, you can share an anecdote from an extracurricular activity that showcases your leadership skills in a tough situation. 

Need help with your dental school application? Learn what our students say about our services:

Some common mistakes to avoid are listing experiences rather than going into detail on select ones, boasting or showing off rather than being humble, and spelling or grammar errors.

While the majority of your personal statement should be about you and your experiences, 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.

Your personal statement must adhere to the ADEA's character count of 4,500 characters, including spaces unless otherwise specified. 

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.

No, remember, this information will be included elsewhere in your application, so it's not suitable to include this in your personal statement.

Here are some ways to get started on your dental school personal statement:

• Brainstorm ideas.
• Create an outline.
• Focus on body paragraphs first using a maximum of 3 experiences.

Yes, you can 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 mention non-academic experiences.

Just like you would address this during an interview, your statement can address areas of concern by being honest and emphasizing what you have learned from your past mistakes.

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

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!

Get Started Now

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

FREE Training Webinar:

How to make your dental school application stand out, (and avoid the top 5 mistakes that get most rejected).

Time Sensitive. Limited Spots Available:

We guarantee you'll get accepted to dental school or your money back.

Swipe up to see a great offer!