I hope to be selected to complete a restorative and operative dentistry residency program based on my great passion for this area of dentistry and my experiences and accomplishments. I have chosen this area because it makes the most of my natural talents and desires, paying minute attention to detail, the challenge of working in small spaces, and the immense joy that results for the patient from the recovery of a beautiful smile.
I was enthusiastic about visiting the dentist as a child because mine was kind, patient, and friendly. I wanted to emulate her early on, so I pursued dentistry. It is a decision I have never regretted; seeing grimaces of pain turn into smiles of relief and gratitude provides the satisfaction that few other professions could provide.
I qualified in 2016 with a GPA of 4.4/5, completed an internship program in Saudi Arabia in mid-2017, and have worked in general practice since then. This background has provided me with extensive exposure to general dentistry. I now seek to qualify to practice in the US and then pursue specialist studies in Restorative and Operative Dentistry, which has become a passion since seeing the dramatic and life-enhancing results that excellent specialists can provide. I aim to become a world-class specialist practicing, researching, and teaching in the specialty, providing widespread and effective dental and oral health preventative education in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
I have provided preventative education in oral and dental health in Saudi Arabia, one of my primary interests. An increasing incidence of caries is a feature of Saudi dental health caused by the growing consumption of refined sugars, contributing significantly to obesity and diabetes. I want to be part of the solution to this problem. I see the key as being educated at the earliest possible ages, having close parental involvement, and regularly reinforcing that diet and dental health regimes can enhance general health.
I have benefited from excellent training and facilities and have treated patients of all ages presenting with a wide range of conditions under skilled and caring mentors. I sought as much exposure to esthetic dentistry as possible as a student. I assisted in many challenging cases involving esthetics and enhancement of function, which provided exceptional satisfaction. My passion for Restorative Dentistry was especially fired when assisting in treating a girl in her late teens who was extremely distressed because of the unsightly appearance of her anterior teeth and confided that she had little confidence and avoided social gatherings. Her appearance was dramatically improved when her treatment was complete, and her faith was restored. She became engaged shortly afterward and invited me to her wedding.
I am thrilled to be a member of a profession in which many advances in techniques and materials are being achieved to benefit many. I look forward to learning and applying the most advanced methods available. I especially enjoy the treatment planning process and am meticulous in pre-treatment preparation; I readily cooperate with others to achieve a common goal. I consider myself an original and creative person with an advanced appreciation of aesthetics,’. My empathy and patient-centered approach will enable me to excel in your program.
I am devoted to research and have been involved in as much as possible during and since my internship. I have already contributed to one piece of published research, ‘Awareness and Acceptance of Dental Therapists Among Dentists: A Cross-sectional Study Among Dentists in Jeddah,’ and am now working on research relating to restorative dentistry, which is currently in the publication process and entitled: ‘Assessment of Adaptation of Two Types of Dental Adhesives and Composites Using Cross Polymerization Optical Coherence Tomography.’ The characteristics of an excellent orthodontist overlap with those of undertaking effective research. I am confident that I have the potential to conduct a highly effective study and look forward to doing so.
I know many more cultures are represented in the US than in Saudi Arabia. Consequently, cultural sensitivity and awareness are particularly vital to a medical professional in the US. I am widely traveled and enjoy being exposed to varied cultures, learning about their histories and traditions, and sharing knowledge of my heritage. I particularly enjoy trying the foods of diverse cultures. I am a friendly, outgoing person with a well-developed sense of humor, and fully fluent in English.
I assure the reader that I shall apply exceptional diligence and enthusiasm to the program to excel rather than merely succeed.
Thank you for considering my application.
Restorative and Operative Dentistry Personal Statement