Older Student to Dental School

Korean American Veteran to Dental School

I have always been fascinated by the dream of one day becoming a dentist. Taking on the responsibility and dedicating my time to helping others fill a critically important need brings me enormous happiness. I have come to treasure the immense gratification that results from providing dental treatment, in both functionality and aesthetics, building self-esteem and confidence. I also look forward to making significant contributions to ongoing research in the field of dentistry powered by years of intensive research in Biology working with animal models. I see myself as an excellent fit with dentistry because I am profoundly attracted to every aspect of the profession making me extremely highly motivated to excel.

 I am most attracted to the lifestyle of the dentist, building lasting interpersonal relationships and providing helpful services for alleviating pain and discomfort. The weakest part of my application is probably my age, 31, since I would be getting a late start at dental school, judging from the average age of those admitted. However, in the past few years, I have had the opportunity to work at one of the most advanced research facilities in the world, by serving in the military for two-and-a-half years. I treasure my experiences in the military, and it is because of them that I believe I have enormous potential to succeed in dental school and make a positive impact on the field of dentistry.

One of the most vital parts of my application is that I hold an MS as well as a BS in Biology since I completed the BSMS program at XXXX University in 2020. I also completed extensive research into the relationship between mRNA transcripts and the potential for neural regeneration following injury to the peripheral neurons. Upon completion of my studies, I joined a research group at XXXX with whom I remain currently employed, primarily examining the potential of low-intensity focused ultrasound to serve as a neuromodulation-capable therapeutic agent using rodent, sheep, and human models. With each professional step that I have taken, however, I realize with increasing clarity that my heart lies in dentistry.

I am very excited about the prospect of working side-by-side with research investigators in dentistry, potentially on dental stem cells. Dental stem cells are among the most potent stem cells, replicating at a faster rate and for a more extended period than stem cells from any other tissue. I find the prospect of creating novel stem cell treatments that decrease the need for powerful drugs and mechanical tools that could weaken the immune system, most animating. Thus, I could not be more excited about the prospect of staying engaged with the dental research community throughout my career. I am eager to help my profession face up to many challenges confronted in the implementation of reliable and affordable dental services. I have been developing a special focus for some time on seniors who are financially burdened or immunologically weakened, making complex oral procedures impossible or risky. I am most enthused, in particular, with noninvasive therapeutic intervention to replace or repair teeth. Finally, especially as an immigrant from Korea, I hope to participate in humanitarian dental missions to Asian countries where oral health care remains out of reach for many.

I believe that there is much that we can realistically achieve in the decades that lie ahead. I also look forward to additional training in maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics.  I feel strongly that I have the kind of gift for manual dexterity, "hand-skill" in Korean, that makes for a great oral surgeon. I was involved with the implantation of electroencephalography electrode wires (approximately 0.9milimeter long) on the cranial surface of the mouse skull—as well as the surgical extration of tiny (1.5-2milimeter) peripheral dorsal ganglion neurons from rodents. I have been complimented by my superiors on numerous occasions while performing such tasks, further enhancing my self confidence “hand-skill”.

Older Student to Dental School