I was 11 years old when my Armenian-Iranian parents migrated to the US. I suffered a severe culture shock compounded by a lack of English and a period of confusion and anxiety. I understood that I was facing significant challenges that called for determined and methodical responses if I were not to be overwhelmed. I count the rapid overcoming of these challenges as an outstanding achievement. Doing so has provided lessons that have served me well in facing all the lesser challenges that have arisen since, which have been faced with the same single-mindedness and determination.
I come from a culture and family in which education is highly valued, and it was an attitude that I happily adopted. I keenly sought to extend my understanding and knowledge of the world and absorb everything taught to me. My father is a structural engineer, and I have inherited his creativity and curiosity about how things work and how they can be repaired if they fail. I was taught that it was necessary to be beneficial in the world and to seek to make a difference for the benefit of others rather than merely make a living. To this end, my older sister chose dentistry and specialized in treating pediatric patients. She was a skilled and caring practitioner who gained great satisfaction in her work, so I followed her into dentistry. It is a decision that I have never regretted.
I was immediately attracted to the specialty because it combines the esthetic, the creative, and the practical. I am drawn by the opportunity to provide life-changing treatments that improve self-esteem, confidence, dietary choice, and communication. These aspects of the specialty closely match my interests, skills, and characteristics. I am also excited about the possibility of entering a field in which many advances in materials and techniques are being made. I hope to apply my practical and analytical skills to play my part in future innovation.
Throughout my training, I have sought as much exposure to orthodontics as possible. Apart from assisting colleagues in reviewing orthodontic records, cephalometric tracings, and the detailed review of many case studies, I have shadowed Drs. XXXX and XXXX. They have introduced me to the methods and considerations of creating complex, individualized treatment plans for challenging cases. They have also emphasized the application of sound biomechanical principles. I worked with them to analyze landmarks and angles and observed the use of ITERO scanning for Invisalign cases. I also learned about the necessary cross-disciplinary cooperation and how it arises and is organized. I found all this exposure fascinating, and each step has increased my passion and determination to become an excellent specialist. I undertook a poster presentation on the future of orthodontics at UXX’s Annual Research Day Symposium to raise awareness of innovations and potential innovations in the specialty for the information of students and dentists.
The scholarships, honors, and awards achieved will assure the reader that I am a diligent and enthusiastic student who seeks to excel rather than merely succeed. I earned an MA in Medical Sciences while awaiting dental school acceptance, which provided a firm basis for my subsequent training. The knowledge gained assists me in taking a comprehensive approach to patient care and provides a sound basis for understanding cross-disciplinary aspects of treatment.
Once qualified, I hope to work with experienced, skilled, and dedicated specialists, acquire extensive experience under their guidance, and open a dual practice for orthodontics and dentistry with my sister, a pediatric specialist, and my brother-in-law, a general dentist.
To summarize: I have an excellent academic record, and I have some research experience; I possess the characteristics, skills, and interests which will enable me to add considerable value to the program and the potential to become a highly skilled and effective specialist. However, my main recommendation is a genuine passion for pursuing the specialty.
Thank you for considering my application.
Orthodontics Residency Personal Statement