Orthodontics Residency Personal Statement: A Journey of Passion and Service

Hispanic Woman Dentist Applying for Residency

I am a woman who adores the human smile. I see it as our window to the soul and our most effective form of communication. I am fully dedicated to lifelong education, constantly searching for ways to enhance conventional methods and techniques in orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. My goal is to improve our facial profiles, primarily through technological advancements. I look forward to bringing the perspective of a seasoned practitioner to your esteemed program. Since September 2009, I have served as an Associate Dentist in three different dental offices, following my graduation from Dental School at U__.

Building Trust with Patients

I excel in communication with patients, always prioritizing the establishment of trust. My sensitivity and proven record of accomplishment in community service have shaped my approach to dentistry.

My parents immigrated to America from Mexico 34 years ago. Neither of them finished grade school, and they continue to work in the produce industry. I am the first in my family to pursue higher education. Growing up in an underserved Latino community, I witnessed how common it is for young women to become pregnant as teenagers rather than attend college. This experience instilled in me a profound duty to reach out to younger generations. I aim to serve as a role model, encouraging them to prepare for and achieve a college education while setting and reaching professional goals.

To this day, there is not a single Latino orthodontist in my hometown community. I look forward to continuing to educate Hispanic patients and addressing their questions or concerns in their native language.

Personal Inspiration

My sister's struggle with severe Cl 2, div 1 malocclusion inspired me to become a dentist. Witnessing her dramatic physical transformation and the subsequent improvement in her self-esteem was profound. My parents worked extra hours on top of their already long shifts to correct her smile, allowing her to regain confidence. This experience fuels my dedication to providing free dental care to those with limited economic resources.

I have long had a particular interest in orthodontics, focusing on orthodontic case studies during my time at U__. While I deeply enjoy general dentistry, I often feel that something is missing at the end of the day. Observing orthodontists in my community has solidified my passion for this field. I appreciate the profound communication with patients that orthodontists enjoy and the unique joy of contributing significantly to a patient's self-esteem. I have been incredibly inspired by orthodontists, especially Drs. ____ and ____.

Commitment to Community Service

The most competitive aspect of my credentials is my record of accomplishment in service to the underserved. Despite the rigors of dental school, I dedicated time to serve as U__’s Community Dental Clinic Coordinator from 2005 through 2008. In this role, I provided free dental care to San Francisco’s homeless population. My responsibilities included networking with shelters, screening and scheduling, recruiting providers, and maintaining inventory.

Additionally, I served as Treasurer for the American Dental Association from 2006 through 2007. I developed and executed fundraising events while managing our budget. I also held the position of Secretary for the Hispanic Dental Association from 2007 through 2008. My duties involved taking meeting minutes, uploading them to our website, attending numerous national meetings, and keeping our members informed about our organization’s activities on a national level.

From 2006 through 2009, I worked with the ADEA’s High School Outreach Program. I served as a guide and mentor to high school students from all over Northern California, educating them about careers in the health field. I have collaborated with the St. Joseph Dental Clinic, providing dental care and education to children and teenagers in Santa Rosa County. Currently, I assist the ____ County Department of Education as a Dental Adviser for the migrant program. In this role, I help the local community of farm laborers by providing education on the causes of tooth decay and periodontal disease, proper oral hygiene, and nutritional counseling.

In addition to my work with ____’s Mobile Clinic, I continue to assist with the ___ Community Dental Clinic. I visit elementary schools in ____ County to provide exams and cleanings. I also travel to farm labor camps to offer care to young laborers who otherwise would not receive oral health care. My volunteer efforts extend to convalescent homes, where I provide residents with exams, cleanings, restorative procedures, and prosthodontic care. Furthermore, I have helped the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) center by providing dental screenings to pregnant women and their children.

Three Latino Children with Braces Smiling

The Joy of Orthodontics

One of the aspects I particularly love about practicing orthodontics is that patients are often happy to be in the dental chair. This contrasts with general dentistry, where patients typically do not look forward to their treatments. Although I have not yet undergone orthodontic treatment myself, I eagerly anticipate improving my smile once I am accepted into an orthodontics program. I look forward to sharing my joy with colleagues, patients, and my sister, who suffered from teasing in school about her buck teeth. Together, we will celebrate our beautiful smiles in unique ways.

I hope to have the profound privilege of giving my all to your program. As my mentor, Dr. ____, once said, I aspire to serve as a "life coach" to younger generations.

Thank you for considering me for your program.