Dental School Admission Essay Sample

Seeing the patients smile after administering dental treatment is one of the most gratifying experiences, and has always motivated me to evolve as a person while serving the community. In 13 years of private practice in India, I have developed empathy towards patients by being compassionate in healing their pain and understanding the needs of the community. My professional experience has enhanced my clinical knowledge, understand my strengths and weaknesses, and developing a passion for higher studies in order to offer best possible treatment to my patients. Earning a DDS/DMD degree from an accredited dental school will help fulfill my aspiration of advanced education and serve as a stepping stone in achieving personal as well as professional satisfaction.

As a child, I still remember accompanying my father to the dental office for his multiple scaling appointments in the late 1980’s. It was the initial joy of getting a candy at the end of the treatment that persuaded me in visiting the dentist regularly. But growing up, the fascination shifted more from the candy to the pain of seeing my father undergoing total

extraction because of advanced periodontal disease. I was able to witness the transition in his face on receiving new dentures and seeing the tears of joy rolling down my mother’s eyes. It was a life changing moment in realizing how a dentist could play an important role in healing pain, improving self-esteem and revive functioning by adding a smile to a patient’s life. That day we left the dental clinic not only with the dentures, but with a dream that dentistry was indeed my future!
In 1996, I enrolled in dental school with the aim of making a difference by adding more smile to people’s life. Learning in the dental school was a great experience in becoming a self-disciplined dentist and developing compassion while treating patients. Although the daily schedule of the dental school was highly demanding, but rewarding for helping in develop high organizational skills, time management, multitasking, and understanding the need for continuous learning. During the internship, working with a batch of five interns aided in building interpersonal skills and understanding the values of teamwork. Attending various conferences and reading international journals about the advanced technology motivated me in pursuing higher education in the United States.
After being admitted to a graduate public health program in 2002 at the University of Oklahoma, I was ready to take the next big step in life.

However, I had to step back to support my family which was devastated with the news of my sister being diagnosed with terminal illness. It brought the biggest transition in me by stepping into this new role of a caretaker and helping my family deal with psychological crisis. In February 2003, I started a dental office in my hometown and had the opportunity of serving a large number of people from underserved areas. Exposure to numerous patients provided me the opportunity to improve manual dexterity, sharpen analytical skills, and develop extraordinary communication skills. I also kept updated with the recent advancements in dentistry by attending hands-on trainings, seminars, and collaboration with fellow

dentists.
An opportunity to shadow Dr. Lance Taylor, Dr. William Schlosser, and Dr. Timothy Lonergan in Springfield, Illinois has been an overwhelmingly positive experience by observing their professionalism and learning about the different advancements in the dentistry. In addition, volunteering at Give Kids a Smile event gave me an opportunity to network and learn by assisting experienced practitioners. Currently finishing my last semester in a public health graduate program at the University of Illinois at Springfield, I am exploring different aspects of public health. Working as an HIV Research intern, it is interesting to learn about the similarities in structural and cultural barriers in access to HV health care and dental care. Apart from studies, I enjoy volunteering for various organizations, listening to music, meditation, and canvas painting which gives me freedom of expression and helps in reducing stress.
My professional experience, internship, job shadowing, and public health education have prepared me well for an advanced career in dentistry. I anticipate enrolling in a University that will facilitate learning by combining theoretical knowledge with clinical skills. Also, by being a part of a dental school with a diverse population of students, I want to make new friends and explore cultures from different parts of the world.
In conclusion, I assure of my dedication, hard work, and commitment in serving the community and being a good fit in you academic program.
Thanks for your time and consideration.