As soon as I entered dental school in my native India, I developed a particular interest in and passion for Periodontics. As much as I could, especially following my graduation, I have focused my special efforts on this area of dentistry. My efforts have been rewarded because I now teach Periodontics as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontics at the XXXX School of Dental Medicine. It is a great honor to serve in this capacity, and I hope that it will help result in my being selected to attend and complete your distinguished DDS/DMD program. I hope to improve my education in dentistry here in America by earning a world-class doctoral degree on the forefront of dentistry.
Completing the Postdoctoral MS Degree Program in Periodontics at XXXX (2013 – 2016) was the crowning achievement in my life, coupled with the joy of teaching Periodontics. Now, I seek to add to this accomplishment the completion of the doctoral degree in Dentistry as well, here in the USA, where I am making a new home and look forward to many decades to come practicing dentistry.
Before beginning my MS Program at XXXX, I studied full-time for two years (2011- 2013) in a Postdoctoral Program in Oral Medicine at the XXXX Dental School in Newark, where I completed a Graduate Research Project on “Screening for Coronary Heart Disease and Diabetes in a Dental Setting” with a particular focus on the added benefits of Hs-CRP as compared to FRS. These experiences helped me distinguish myself at Rutgers, as I now teach in the program. I have also completed a Preceptorship in Oral Implantology & Reconstructive Dentistry at Smile USA, working alongside my mentor Dr. XXXX, DDS, at the Center for Reconstructive Dentistry in Elizabeth, New Jersey. In addition, I have had advanced training in sinus augmentation and completed courses in Soft Tissue and critical Soft Tissue Techniques in Esthetic & Implant Dentistry, all with Dr. XXXX.
I have studied hard and given all day after day to treat our clinic patients. My expertise in and passion for Periodontics will help me excel in your doctoral program in dentistry and help me to make meaningful contributions to the many discussions I look forward to having with peers and colleagues in your program. I look forward to a long lifetime contributing to the profession through meaningful research, striving to come as close to perfection as I can clinically speaking, and giving back to the community in abundance.
The opportunity to be involved in significant scientific research at XXXX has enabled me to understand better how to design and execute a research project that yields solid results. Here at XXXX, I conducted a study involving Screening for Coronary Heart Disease and Diabetes in a Dental Setting (Added Benefits of Hs-CRP to FRS). I completed the entire project independently, from writing the Grant to presenting the study afterward. I am currently collaborating with Dr. XXXX, analyzing Hs-crp and its association with coronary disease after phase 1 periodontal therapy (comparing HS-CRP and A1c levels before phase 1 therapy and after phase 1 therapy). I now consider myself highly skilled at writing grant proposals, drafting and carrying out a project protocol, analyzing and interpreting data, conducting an extensive literature review, and writing and presenting a study. I am also contributing to the literature by publishing case studies (periosteal pouch/alternative to membrane for bone augmentation) and systemic review papers (growth factors and periimplantitis) - currently under review by the publisher.
My scores have always stood at the top of my class, and I have done well on the national boards. My clinical skills have significantly advanced since coming to America. It is enormously exciting and fulfilling to apply what I have been learning to treat my patients, particularly alleviating pain.
In my family, I was taught to honor our philosophy of service. Each year while growing up, we participated in various social service projects, providing food, beds, and shelter to vulnerable and underserved people. Thus, continuing to do this as a dental student in India came most naturally. It was a special honor to be chosen as the Chief Resident and Community Service Coordinator for my class here in the USA.
I look forward to always learning as much as possible whenever I can: techniques, approaches, and best practices, using what I know to benefit others, and developing my leadership skills, especially in Periodontics. I intend to serve my local community in private practice and always continue my engagement with the community as a volunteer. I look forward to learning a great deal from my peers and mentors in your distinguished doctoral program in dentistry, and I thank you for considering my application.
Indian Periodontics Professor IDP Personal Statement
