Pediatric Dentistry Residency Personal Statement

Pediatric Dentistry Residency Personal Statement

I am a woman Iranian-American dentist who hopes to be selected to complete a residency program. When I was five years old, I contracted meningitis while accompanying my mother, a doctor, to the hospital in our native Iran where my mother practiced as an obstetrician and gynecologist. I can still hear my mother telling me: "Stay strong, Armaghan, you can overcome this!" I endured much discomfort for months at only five years old, undergoing daily blood tests and cervical spinal fluid tests. I can still vividly recall the excruciating pain and the fear I felt when medical professionals entered the room to perform the cervical spinal fluid test. My mother's encouraging words echoed through the dark hospital corridors as I became one more patient that she empowered to stay strong. It's often suggested that humans forget most things over time, but we never forget pain. This traumatic experience was a turning point in my life, igniting a burning desire within me to prevent other children from having to endure such horrendous pain and suffering.

This early intersection of personal pain and maternal inspiration planted the seeds for my career in pediatric dentistry, where I aspire to blend compassion with expertise to alleviate the fears and pains of young patients. I learned from my mother just how difficult life outside the home could be for women in Iran, the importance of showing the world what a woman can do, and the impact of perseverance and leadership. Her example solidified my resolve to be a role model for other Iranian women and girls, demonstrating how societal, cultural, and religious norms would not be able to prevent us from realizing  our dreams.

During my time in dental school in Iran, I developed a profound appreciation for the art and science of dental diagnosis, and how subtle nuances can influence patient outcomes. My dedication to mastering diagnosis and treatment techniques was rewarded with a top ten percent ranking in my class and the praise of my professors who recognized me as having enormous potential as a practitioner. In my second year, I began shadowing especially talented pediatric dentists and began research that would culminating in a thesis exploring the relationship between the dietary habits of children and early childhood caries.

My experiences in dental school in Iran have been integral to my professional development, blending clinical practice, academic research, and a commitment to community service. After graduation I came to America to pursue further opportunity. With hard work and perseverance; often working more than sixty hours a week while preparing for board exams, this intense dedication not only taught me resilience and grit but also re-affirmed my commitment to dentistry. In Boston, I became a dental assistant in a leading dental clinic known for its commitment to underserved populations, one of the only clinics in the area to accept state-funded dental insurance (MASS Health). This sharpened my communication skills through practice with diverse patient groups, particularly children, which has greatly enhanced my passion for pediatric dentistry.

My acceptance into Penn Dental Medicine's advanced standing program, and subsequently their pioneering dual degree program in nutritional sciences, aligned perfectly with my long-term vision of integrating holistic health approaches with pediatric dentistry. Working at CHOP as a LEND fellow (leadership fellowship focused on children with neurodevelopmental disabilities) and doing an honors program in pediatric dentistry sedation at Penn Dental pediatric department facilitated my adoption of multidisciplinary approach, helping to prepare me to make innovative contributions to pediatric dental care.

I am focused on children with neurodiverse disabilities and lack of access to dental care – and the integration of preventive approaches to both nutrition and dental health. Inspired by my early experiences and professional journey, I am committed to advancing my expertise in behavior management techniques and sedation modalities. My participation in the dual degree program in nutritional sciences, community-based experiences, and role as a LEND fellow at CHOP, as well as a pediatric sedation honors student - have been pivotal in shaping my holistic approach to child health. I am well prepared for a professional lifetime making extremely positive and sustainable improvements in the lives of my young patients.

Thank you for considering me for your residency program in Pediatric Dentistry.

Pediatric Dentistry Residency Personal Statement