At seven, I became interested in dentistry when a dentist extracted some teeth and prescribed ice cream as the follow-up treatment. I was impressed, the pain quickly receded, and I was on a diet with heavy ice cream! This experience contrasted with other medical professionals who wanted to stick needles in me and force me to take unpleasant medicine. I have never considered any other profession since that time. I have never regretted entering one that provides so much satisfaction. I am excited to work in a sphere with frequent advances in materials and techniques to improve patient experiences and outcomes.
I am an experienced general and pediatric dentist, teacher, and researcher seeking to acquire the highest level of skills, knowledge, and experience through exposure to the advanced dental environment and training available in the US. I have a particular rapport with child patients and have worked as a teacher in pediatric dentistry since 2010. I aim to obtain the US DDS qualification and pursue a master's degree in Pediatric Dentistry, a professional life devoted to practice, teaching, and research.
I have completed my master's in Pediatric Dentistry and three years of Senior Residency at the most prestigious hospital in India. I am employed by one of the top dental schools in India as a permanent faculty member and enjoy good clinical and academic prospects. Although these are important, my decision to study and work in the US does not arise from purely professional considerations. I and most females living in India's face being patronized and discriminated against. I know that I shall meet a far more ‘female-friendly’ professional and social environment in the US, allowing me to achieve my professional potential more quickly. I am also increasingly worried about my children’s health and the inferior air quality in India.
After completing my undergraduate course in 2004, with a highly gratifying GPA score of 3.84/4, I completed six months of junior residency at Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences. I acquired and developed clinical skills, which provided a firm foundation for my post-graduate program. I became interested in Pediatric Dentistry during my undergraduate course because of a particularly inspirational teacher and my ability to put child patients at ease and relate easily to them. During my undergraduate study, I became interested in pediatric dentistry. I also find great satisfaction in improving the appearance of children with low self-esteem and self-consciousness because of dental malformation. Such work is life-transforming, and it is a joy and a privilege to be equipped to undertake it.
I further developed my clinical skills and deepened my technical knowledge during post-graduation. Due to the high disease burden in my country, the focus is on curative services. However, becoming a Pediatric Dentist made me doubtless about the importance of oral and dental hygiene education and consequent prevention. I formulated a questionnaire tool for assessing oral health in children in North India, published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research. I received an award for the best research publication of that year from the Indian Society of Dental Research. I have also received several other accolades for best publications, best paper presentations, and medals for academic excellence.
I worked as Senior Resident at the Center for Dental Education & Research, AIIMS, New Delhi, from January 2010 to 15th January 2013. I am an Assistant Professor at XXXX Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi. I find great satisfaction passing on my skills, knowledge, and passion for pediatric dentistry. My teaching experience has been highly positive; I have received positive feedback from students and faculty. I have become aware that there is considerable overlap between the skills required of an effective teacher and those called for in a good researcher. Among these are the ability to set highly challenging but achievable goals, achieve clarity in the objectives sought, flexibility, creative and original thinking, and effective collaboration. My successes confirm that I possess these characteristics.
I am aware that many more cultures are represented in the US than in India, and I know that cultural sensitivity and awareness are vital to a medical professional in the US. I am widely traveled; I have visited the US several times, Europe, and various Asian countries. I enjoy being exposed to varied cultures and sharing knowledge of my heritage. I am a friendly, outgoing person with a well-developed sense of humor, and am fully fluent in English (TOEFL score 118/120), Hindi, and Punjabi. I read English language fiction voraciously, which has enabled me to acquire an elevated level of fluency.
I am confident I can add value to the program and apply diligence and enthusiasm to excel.
Thank you for considering my application.
Indian Pediatric Dentist CAAPID Personal Statement