Dentistry Personal Statement

Running can be perceived simply as putting one step in front of the other, however, some people fail to see the hard work, dedication, and focus that carries each step. Being a collegiate athlete, has taught me a variety of life lessons including qualities I have applied to my studies, such as leadership, self-discipline and the ability to persevere when failure presents. As an undergraduate student, I maintained the values learned from running to complete my bachelor's degree in three years. Not only did I maintain a high grade-point average, also I was fortunate enough to be named a Marie Curie Scholar at a selective all-women’s college. While hours were spent running, I made time to work a full time job, shadow professionals and participate

I knew I wanted to give back to a rural and low-income community and care for others in need. Although, there are many career paths that fulfill these aspirations, dentistry caught my eye at a young age. My mother has worked as a dental hygienist for the last seventeen years, while my father works as a dental equipment salesman. With two parents in the dental field, I was exposed to all areas of the dental industry; from family conversations at the dinner table to hands on experience in the dental clinic. In this atmosphere, I began to understand the intricacies of dentistry, including equipment and terminology, but essentially the impact and confidence you can provide someone by serving their smile. Soon I grew a love for oral health. At fifteen, I was practicing making dental impressions in our family kitchen and being shown how to properly use a scaler. Even, my older brother was taken captive by the passion of dentistry, and has thus pursued his own career. Since I was three, my life has revolved around dentistry, and I decided my infatuation will not cease anytime soon. But with any large life decision, I had some

In doing so, I began working as certified nursing assistant at a rehabilitation and nursing facility. Working alongside physicians, nurses, and therapists for the last year has allowed me to witness a variety of clinical cases, and assist with life-threatening care in a fast-paced environment. Most importantly, I have been forced to mature and solidify my bedside manner. I can recall the one time I was applying compression stockings to a patient. While rolling up the stocking, I felt a warm sensation on my elbows. Stunned in horror, my patient’s blood streamed down both of my bare arms from a reopened wound on his upper leg. With my heart beat screaming, my instincts guided me to apply pressure to his wound and call for assistance. Thankfully, the bleeding stopped, and his open wound has since healed. This experience has changed my perspective. The decisions you make in times of crisis undoubtedly define you. The risk of bloodborne pathogens was in the forefront of mind, but the patient’s well-being came first. That is when I knew my heart was faithful to my