My central dream in life for many years has been to become a dentist. Unfortunately, however, I was not selected due to last year’s application process to dental school. Nevertheless, I remain resolute, highly motivated, determined, and passionate about my quest to build a distinguished career in dentistry. Quickly, I realized that a relevant master's degree enhances an applicant’s chances of being accepted; and I narrowed my focus to programs that I could complete in a year or less to have the master's degree completed by the time I start dental school. I have already begun the 9-month MS in Biomedical Science Program at XXXX University. I am asking for reconsideration from America’s DDS Programs considering this additional academic progress, taking full advantage of, and giving my all to this marvelous opportunity to learn everything that I can about the biomedical sciences, particularly as far as it is related to the foundations and horizons of the practice of dentistry.
I trace my adult aspirations back to the age of nine. At this time, my father returned to college in his late thirties to pursue a master’s degree in anesthesia. Since I was the oldest of three children, my mother was also unable to work, and we soon found ourselves scrounging out an existence on welfare. I will never forget my first Christmas on public assistance, my parents agonizing over how they could buy presents and put food on the table. Our church at that time taught me the most important life lessons: compassion and generosity. These moral imperatives have become my primary frame of reference and what I aspire to accomplish myself.
One morning, my mother woke up in excruciating oral pain, and we realized that the local dental school clinic was our only option as welfare recipients. John, a dentistry student, recommended a root canal and patiently responded to each of my mother’s concerns in a simple, straightforward way with illustrations that even I could understand at ten years old. I could see that my mother felt safe and comfortable, fully trusting in John. I saw the tears roll down her face during the procedure as I held onto her hand. John let me hold the suction for part of the procedure. John became my first real-life hero, and from that day forward, I have nurtured and treasured the dream of becoming a dentist myself and attending to the weakest among us, the underserved.
Later, we would move to Florida, where I constructed a hockey workshop in our garage with numerous stickhandling drills that helped develop my natural agility and coordination. One professional experience that has helped to prepare me to excel in your rigorous program was my employment with XXXX Marine Services. We helped to train helicopter pilots in the fields of search and rescue. Coast Guard helicopters would hover within ten feet of my head while I was raising and lowering rescue baskets. This unique experience helped increase my capacity to perform under strenuous situations and pay utmost attention to the most minute details.
Since entering high school, I have labored in one way or another to give something back to my community, serving, for example, as Captain of our ice hockey team. Even though we lost the state tournament, I went on to serve as Captain of the XXXX State Ice Hockey team, helping to bring XXU Ice Hockey to its first winning season. Yet, when I realized that my grades were suffering, I quit the team to be able to devote myself full-time to my studies.
During my first year of dental school I co-founded the XXXX Leadership Organization, beginning with only ten members and growing to over 150 throughout the three years that I spent working with them. My first title was Social Service Coordinator, and I oversaw designing and organizing our efforts to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Foundation. I see my natural inclination for organizing philanthropic activities to be one of my greatest assets, and I feel strongly that the most significant contribution that I might be able to make to society will be to provide free dental health care to members of our community who are unable to pay for that care.
Although I have only lived in Florida for ten years, I see it as my home. I have been a close observer of healthcare systems in the state, especially Tampa, and I hope to make significant contributions to dental care in this area. I have also dedicated a lot of planning to my goal of someday operating a free mobile dental clinic in rural areas of Florida, especially for the benefit of migrant farmworkers and their families. My experience with studying Spanish as an undergraduate student and my continuous language practice will aid me in this endeavor by allowing a full range of communication. I assure you that I will fully dedicate myself to my studies if admitted, and I thank you for considering my application.
Successful Dental School Personal Statement Example