I was drawn to dentistry because it allowed me to exercise my love of science and solid esthetic sense while providing the satisfaction of delivering pain relief, dietary choice, and improved appearance. Few professions offer such joy, and I have never regretted my choice.
My plan for a career in general dentistry changed when I participated in a summer program at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, where I was affiliated with consultants in orthodontics. I became aware of the capacity of specialists to dramatically improve appearance, self-esteem, and confidence in patients with life-changing consequences. I saw a child with a cleft lip and palate before and after the therapeutic work which fired my interest in the specialty, and it has developed into a passion. I am now seeking to acquire the skills, knowledge, and experience that will equip me to practice, research, and teach orthodontics expertly.
Since completing my internship in mid-2017, I have sought as much exposure to the specialty as possible by obtaining a clinical attachment with a skilled and caring orthodontic specialist while also practicing general dentistry. I have learned much about the conditions that orthodontists treat, the treatment options, the planning process, and the outcomes that can be achieved. As my exposure to the specialty has increased under the care of expert practitioners, so has my determination to emulate them.
I am making this application after much thought and research. I know that orthodontics practice requires extremely high technical skills and knowledge. I am confident I have the academic potential to acquire these, as my creditable GPA and graduate class ranking of 4 out of thirty will attest. I am also excited about joining a specialty where frequent advances are made in techniques and materials. I hope to play a part in future developments. I am also aware that the thing calls for the ability to think initially and creatively and construct complex treatment plans, and I am sure I can meet those challenges.
Beyond technical skills, I know the specialty also entails long-term relationships with patients during complex treatments. Creating and maintaining long-term positive relationships calls for personal characteristics that I know are uncommon, but I possess. They call for very high-level communication skills in explaining complex treatments in lay terms, the ability to engender confidence and trust quickly, and remarkably prominent levels of empathy and emotional intelligence, which can neither be measured nor taught. It takes an extraordinary person to be a dentist but a great person to be an orthodontist. Still, I have the capacity and potential to be that person.
I am also interested in research and have co-authored four papers, two of which have been published. They cover disparate topics such as “Knowledge on Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries among Saudi Mothers” and “Saudi Elementary School Staff Knowledge about Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries,” among others. In addition, I have presented several poster presentations in national and international forums. Such a complex specialty requires constant innovative research, and I am keen to play a part in future developments. There is a significant overlap in the skills and characteristics of the orthodontist and a good researcher such as determination, communication skills, analytical and original thinking, setting clear and achievable goals, cooperation with others to achieve goals, and accurate assessing outcomes and taking lessons from them for future application. I am particularly interested in research on the outcomes of orthognathic treatment and severe dentofacial deformity. I hope that an opportunity to assist in such research might arise within the program.
I have a community service background as a leader and organizer in several community programs, such as ‘Oral Health Month’ and ‘International Day of Disabled Persons,’ an event hosted by King Saud University focusing on oral health education. These experiences have enabled me to develop skills in leadership, organization, problem-solving, and team building, as well as creating relationships with others who wish to share their knowledge and abilities for public benefit, which I intend to encourage in others throughout my career.
To summarize: I have had a successful academic career and experience as a general dentist; I have had significant exposure to the specialty; I have research experience, and I possess the unique characteristics essential to this specialty. However, my main recommendation is a passion for orthodontics and a determination to excel in my studies and future career. I can promise the reader that I shall apply myself with exceptional diligence, perseverance, and enthusiasm for my benefit and that of my peers and faculty.
Orthodontics Residency Statement Writing Service