Leaving Tanzania with my parents and sister was meant to better our lives. My father, a professional accountant, and my wonderful mom, with a pocketful of hopes and dreams, came to Canada to begin a new life. I was a teen, felt ready for anything, and confident in my family. I remember when it first hit me that our dreams were to be tempered by realities that we had little control over.  In high school, I wanted to join my school’s volleyball team. My dad looked up from the consent form, saying, “I will gladly sign, but I do not have the $20 they require”. I was not angry, or sad; I just wanted to help. So, I got a job delivering newspapers, without a bike, proper shoes, or gloves, walking my route and packing the newspapers in all weather. Despite my father’s experience, he could not find a job, as his credential was not accepted in Canada; my mother had no work experience and did not speak English.  Suddenly, my father collapsed, unconscious from oral complications, and had to receive an emergency root canal that strained our budget and savings.  I took on a second newspaper route, this time with my mom, dad and sister helping.  Along the route, my parents would collect cans from recycle bins, to recycle them for change.  Seeing how helpless my parents were, I sought employment, to the detriment of my studies. I often thought back on how in Tanzania I had always been a top student. Finally, my father got a job at a gas station on the nightshift.  Still, he was unable to complete equivalency courses in accounting because we did not have the money. While he never openly expressed his sense of helplessness, his eyes spoke volumes. Nothing could prepare us for the accident in December of ’97. My mother and sister had been grocery shopping. As they were crossing at a crosswalk, a speeding car hit them. My father and I were at home when the police called but could not get to them quickly as we had no car. A neighbor drove us to the scene of the accident, but all we could do was watch as my mother and sister were driven away in an ambulance. At the hospital, even though she was in terrible pain, my mother lamented the groceries she had lost.  It would be two years before she could walk on her own. I found two part-time jobs that brought in enough money to get our first computer and put a down payment on a used car. I entered college optimistic, but shortly thereafter, my uncle died, leaving my mother devastated. Her health deteriorated and she developed a cyst in her stomach. For the next two years, I was by her side, taking her to every appointment. Losing both her parents and four other family members shortly thereafter added to my mother’s trials. While Canadian healthcare is free, medications are not, and the cost was difficult to bear. For my part, all my efforts to try to keep my family afloat financially forced me to drop out of college due to poor academic performance. The material was not beyond me; I simply could not focus and lacked the time to do justice to my work and abilities.  I adamantly attended classes unofficially, studied for the DAT, and volunteered at dental clinics. Today, my father is sixty-one, works 12 hours a day, seven days a week as a gas station cashier.  Five years ago, my mother got a job as a line cook for Triple-O’s restaurant, the irony being that we are a vegetarian family.  I worked my way up in retail management until I finally became a DAT instructor for Kaplan.  Simultaneously, I attended school, volunteered as a coach, in the ER and dental clinics, building my exposure. I have always prided myself on being self-sufficient but can see no way forward without your kind consideration of my circumstances, the Herculean effort I have put into the pursuit of my dreams, and the at times painful steps that have led to this point. I respect a hard day’s work, know the worth of a penny, know what hardship and sacrifice are and what family is. I never saw myself as “disadvantaged” but appreciate institutions looking beyond a student’s academic achievements and proportionate consideration of life achievements. If applying as a “disadvantaged” student gives my application an additional two minutes of the committee’s time, then I am two minutes closer to achieving my dream. I realize my dedication to my goals and how I can further help my parents, society, and myself as a dentist. I would like to give my parents their much-deserved retirement before they are incapable of enjoying it mentally and physically. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sample Disadvantaged Status Essay for Dental School

A dentist from Brazil, my life partner is Australian, and I have dual citizenship. Thus, I look forward to a long and productive international career, engaging with developments in my chosen field, Restorative Dentistry, in Australia and Brazil. I increasingly like to think of my smile as international as I learn and gain further experience, especially about everything related to esthetic and restorative dentistry. I hope to earn a master's degree in Restorative Dentistry, and it would be a great honor to be selected for your residency program. As a natural team player, I look forward to continuing to develop my leadership skills in your program and perfecting my abilities to contribute to my team. I adore my career. Restorative Dentistry not only combines my love of science paired with my fondness for intricate manual dexterity but provides the chance to make a real, tangible improvement in the quality of life of my patients. I place a high priority on a beautiful smile. Since finishing Dental School in 2012 at the UNIFLU in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I have five years of experience practicing dentistry. I have gained experience and developed a particular focus on Restorative Dentistry. I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Restorative Dentistry with an emphasis in cosmetic dentistry at the Sao Leopoldo Mandic University in Sao Paulo. After earning my Postgraduate Diploma, I moved to Australia to accompany my significant other, improve my English, and investigate possibilities to advance my career in the Land Down Under. To be able to practice dentistry in Australia, I have taken the very demanding Australian Dental Council examinations, passing both the theoretical and practical exams with excellence on my first attempt. Practicing dentistry in Australia has been a wonderful experience, as I have been blessed with a dentist position in a great dental practice. I have enjoyed full access to the best dental technologies, such as intraoral scanners, Cad-Cam, and CBCT machines. Adding all that into a multicultural environment has been a most rewarding experience, enabling me to grow enormously on several professional levels. I am now a consummate professional who focuses, primarily, on scientific evidence. I could not be more committed to providing my patients with state-of-the-art dentistry. Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry are in high demand in Australia. Thus, I see giving my all to a residency program in this area to be timely. I hope to become one of the few restorative dentists practicing in Australia with a world-class education in their field. I hope to become a highly distinguished practitioner, most accomplished at providing people with what I see as the greatest gift of all, the lovely smile. Last year, 2020, I earned my Invisalign Provider Certificate, and I have been mostly enjoying the great diversity of patients to whom I have been attending. I am studying French intensely because of my love for the language and because I have been treating several French speakers professionally, and I want to speak to them in their first language. French also is helpful with many immigrants from Africa to Australia. I thrive best in a highly diverse, multicultural, multilingual society. I look forward to receiving my advanced training in Restorative Dentistry while continuing to celebrate diversity and explore perspectives in Global Restorative Dentistry. I thank you for considering my application to your distinguished advanced training program in Restorative Dentistry. Personal Statement MSc Restorative #ms #residency #restorative #dentistry #personalstatement #editing #service

Complete Dental School Application Package Academic Explanation (1500 Characters) Are there any factors that may have affected your academic record? Simultaneously studying and working while caring for my family was a herculean task throughout my undergraduate years. Several tasks were always waiting for me, and time and resources were minimal. However, I never let these problems overpower me, and despite the many obstacles set in my path, education has now been my top priority for several years. For as long as I can remember, I have been the head of our four-member household, the father and guide of the family, caring for my younger siblings. In the USA, I was in a completely foreign education system as I had grown up learning and doing everything in French. On top of the challenge of English, at the same time, I found myself forced to become an entrepreneur so that we could have time and resources to study and build a future. In 2013, I lost my maternal grandfather, who had been my constant source of support and motivation, a grandpa and a dad rolled into one. His death led my mother into a spiral of deep depression, aggravating our circumstances since, at the time, we were genuinely struggling to put food on our table. I had to work more hours while grieving; it was excruciatingly painful. In 2014, I lost my paternal grandfather to cancer. A year later, when it finally looked like we were rising above perpetual suffering, my paternal grandmother followed my grandfather and died of breast cancer. Thus, my undergraduate years were full of challenges. I kept on pushing not only for myself but also for my family. After all, what matters most is how we rise above adversity. Proposed Course Information (1000 Characters) Will you take additional course(s) after submitting your application? Will these courses lead to a degree? If so, what degree? Will/are you taking post-baccalaureate courses after submitting your application? Will that lead to an additional degree or certificate earned? Yes, I will be taking one last course, eight credit hours of Human Gross Anatomy, needed for the completion of my Master´s Degree in my Biomedical Sciences program. After dental school, within a few years, I hope also to earn an MBA that will help me with the business side of dentistry, especially concerning finding creative ways to finance the care of the underserved. Other Responsibilities (1500 Characters) Please explain any other responsibilities you may have outside of being a student. I am preparing myself to have zero responsibilities when I start dental school, hopefully in the Fall, giving 100% to the program and never letting my focus waver or my passion stray. As a serial entrepreneur, I have put many things in place to eradicate my entire workload before entering dental school. I have had the time, energy, and focus needed to excel in my master's Program, and I have put multiple people in place to manage my business operations. I recently placed my barbershop in Roswell, GA, up for sale and will drop the price as much as necessary until it is sold. Nothing is as important to me as being free to give my all to dental school. I am determined to become a dentist in Georgia, mainly since it’s my home. On the personal front, I am still the head of the household and the role model, and I will be for the rest of my life. However, it is not a burden or a chore; we have come a long way in the past ten years and are financially improving. Thus, I will continue to contribute to my mother's and my siblings' support while completing the program. Hometown (1500 Characters) What state, county, and/or country did you spend most of your life from birth to age 18? From birth to age 18, I spent my life in Douala in Cameroon, Central Africa. Disparities (1500 Characters) Do you feel that the area where you grew up has health disparities such as medically underserved, dentally underserved, or reduced and free lunches provided for high school students? If yes, please explain. Absolutely, yes. In Cameroon, I grew up surrounded by poverty and disparities everywhere, not just in healthcare. Going to a doctor or a dentist was a luxury. Most needed healthcare, and few could afford it. My country is medically and dentally underserved. Yet, excellent care will always be available at a price, often one hundred times what the poor pay for healthcare. Shortage of resources puts a fatal strain on a minimal number of healthcare institutions in the country. To add insult to injury, there are not enough physicians. Even when they are present, they have little equipment and less medicine to work with; the equipment that they do have is ancient. I have seen many people writhing in pain with no one attending to them. Those physicians that do exist in Cameroon are not well-trained. Often, they can provide only momentary relief to the patient. There aren’t enough rooms and beds, and hospitals paint a bleak picture since they are always overcrowded. It is common to see several patients lying on the floor, waiting for an empty bed. One person passes away, and the other one gets into his bed. There is little dignity – either in life or death. And this was pre-COVID-19. Complete Dental School Application Package Statement of Interest (1500 Characters) Why are you interested in receiving your dental education from The Dental College of ___ University? Georgia has been home since I landed in America a decade ago. My whole family has always lived here, everyone who migrated from Cameroon before and after us. My mother moved here 15 years ago to join my uncle, who has been in Georgia for almost three decades. My siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends - everyone calls Georgia their home. I have a community here that has followed and watched me grow since I arrived. I cannot imagine myself being as happy anywhere else. Additionally, I own multiple businesses in the State of Georgia. The warehouse for my online shops is located here in Georgia. All the schools I have been to are in Georgia except for my master's in biomedical sciences in Mississippi, based on the recommendation of Ms. Perry at DCG. After attending a dental impressions program for three years in a row, attending every information session at Kennesaw State University, virtual events from DCG, visiting the campus, talking to multiple representatives, and building relationships with current dental students at DCG, I am in love with my fingers crossed. I felt like I belonged there when I visited. Some say that ‘home is not a place, it is feeling,’ Georgia, with all its fascinations and flaws, makes me feel very at home. Future Plans (1500 Characters) Please describe your plans for practicing dentistry after graduating from dental school. After graduating from dental school, I plan to specialize further and would love to do so at the ____ College of ____, and then spend the balance of my life giving back to the State that has given so much to me. I have most enjoyed community life in Georgia, especially in my barbershop. Coming from Cameroon, I am all too familiar with the deep despair of not being able to find dental care when one needs it most. I aspire to work in a low-income area on a sliding scale, growing, learning, and being exposed to as many cases as possible. I will thrive on the appreciation shown by patients. Working in my community will always be my top priority, and I will consistently work hard to support my family and help the community. I also plan on learning more about the business aspects of dentistry in and out, so I can open my private practice in Georgia someday in an underserved area. I have seen several lives lost in Cameroon due to the lack of timely help, which disturbs me. My overarching life goal has always been to become a dentist at the service of the people. Heal not only the outside but comfort the inside along the way is my lifelong mantra. I want to give people something affordable and accessible, not burn a hole through their already ripped pockets. Virtual Shadowing (six hundred Characters) The pandemic has created new opportunities to explore the dental profession, including virtual shadowing. We want to understand the details of these varied experiences and how they add to your application. Please describe your virtual shadowing experiences and what you learned from them. (Include details such as (1) what type of interaction you had with the dentist, (2) did you have any interaction with patients and (3) whether you were able to communicate with the office after the experience.) Virtual shadowing has been one of the best discoveries I have made during the pandemic, allowing me to learn a great deal from various dentists. I observed many procedures and treatments and was fortunate to shadow dentists engaged in all aspects of dentistry. Although I could not interact with the patients directly, I watched their transformation happen. I observed the monumental changes in peoples’ lives, solidifying my desire to become a dentist. Required Short Essay (250 words) Please write a short essay, no more than 250 words, to explain your experience, which may mirror the example below: Discuss an accomplishment, event, realization, or change of career plans that sparked personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. How has that illustrated resilience, determination, and perseverance as part of your authentic character? The opening of my first business, a barbershop in Atlanta, was my first momentous change in the USA. I come from a family steeped in penury, with uncertainty covering us from head to toe. I had just moved to the US with my family with an empty bank account, no guiding figure, and no action plan. But somehow, I knew I had to keep attending school despite disappointing grades. I had to study while working full time and assisting my siblings as I was the oldest of the three, I did not know how, but I had to figure out a way to generate more income with limited resources in such a way that it left me time to study. I persevered with grit, brainstorming, and researching ways to prosper financially. Once I figured out how to buy a barbershop, I had a fighting chance. I started planning, strategizing, and learning how to make business plans. I built the shop from the ground up, making plans, changing plans, giving directions, receiving feedback, and criticizing what I had accomplished so far, encountering numerous challenges, and tackling each one of them head-on. It’s like I was reborn, a phoenix rising from the ashes. I started living that way then and ever since. Growth has made me a good entrepreneur with sharp business acumen and a more compassionate human being. I am ready for dental school. *Supplemental Questionnaire (This would be a generic or common answer I would use for all the dental schools that ask me this question in their supplemental essay application) Why do you want to pursue dental education at our College of Dentistry? Throughout my journey here in the US, I have acquired many skills and worked hard to cultivate my character as an African American who wants to become a moral leader in my community. While exposed to entrepreneurship, healthcare in general, and customer service through my multiple jobs, I learned about Americans, their lifestyles, and their values through osmosis, focusing more on what Americans share than their differences. Through my life experiences, I have learned patience, resilience, fortitude, organizational skills, hospitality, time management, and how to prioritize. My decade in America has been a constant challenge and a valuable learning experience. I trained myself to become entirely self-disciplined to evaluate my thoughts and react most effectively and graciously. This, I believe, makes me an excellent candidate for your College of Dentistry. I struggle each day to craft and build my character in such a way as to be remembered by all as a compassionate and sincere dentist who works miracles for people with his hands and loves dentistry more than his billfold. A caring and nurturing person by nature and habit, I seek lifetime growth in Dentistry. Your dental program is a perfect match for my level of motivation and lofty aspirations and ambitions. From my interactions with current students or alumni via social media to the faculty members I briefly encountered, I felt welcomed. Your dental school can bring out the best in me, giving me the wind I need beneath my wings. *You and ____ (600 Characters) Consider your interests, experiences, characteristics, and skills. What makes GSDM a good fit for your dental education? As a dental student, how will you contribute to the school community? My dentist is a ____ alum practicing here in Georgia, and we have spoken at length about his experience at ____. He has given me many pointers and unique details about the school, and my desire to participate in your program has grown steadily. I would be in heaven, surrounded by Boston's spectacular sophistication and diversity. If I were to be selected for the program, the unrivaled advantages of Boston would most certainly tip the balance in favor of GSDM. DSE in a few words (1000 Characters) Born and raised in Cameroon, Central Africa, I grew up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood with the most meager resources. As far as one’s eyes could see, there was poverty and helplessness with little infrastructure and no materials at school. When we had an informatics class, we had to share a computer desktop with between 3 to 5 students. Sometimes, we had one desktop computer for the whole class. My home was modest and comfortable, but our city was the criminals’ den. We had neither supermarkets nor much in the way of public transportation. Of course, there was no movie theater and few restaurants - everyone cooked and ate at home to save money. The firstborn in a family of three with no father present, I am the head of the household and the role model for my entire family. I have always assisted my mother and siblings and plan to continue doing so if they need my support. You and Howard (5000 Characters) How does our program fit with your career plans? As an African man born and raised in Africa, it would be a great honor to be accepted to HBCU for dental school. Since your program, as I see it, is the crème-de-la-crème when it comes to African American education, I would be able to learn many essential things that I would be able to learn at no other dental school. Black consciousness in America, the Black Lives Matter Movement, for example, has not been at the forefront of my interests since I have had a myopic mindset focused exclusively on Dentistry. I plan on practicing, however, in an area of the country, such as Atlanta, where Black customers will represent most of my clientele. Becoming a dentist at Howard would help me better understand my future patients, at least the African American ones, whom I plan to serve for the balance of my professional life. I moved to the US more than ten years ago from our native Cameroon to pursue my dream and be a voice for my community – taking full advantage of the vast opportunity America presents to fulfill one’s dreams. If I want to make a positive contribution to my community and be the leader of tomorrow that I aspire to be, HBCU would be a perfect choice, preparing me intellectually as well as scientifically to serve the black community as a dentist and much more, also as a leader for social programs that protect youth, and a role model for young black men and women who are considering a career in dentistry in particular. I would love to be a part of the most dynamic academic community at HBCU, with constant knowledge exchange sessions with professors and peers. I would love to follow a rigorous course on the path to excellence in dentistry as a member of Howard’s academic community, especially the community of dental students. I keenly look forward to the rigorous education in Dentistry that I hope to receive at HBCU, the ideal program to become a community leader and a top-notch dentist. Cultural Experiences (5000 Characters) Describe any experiences and/or skills that have made you more appreciative or sensitive to other cultures or the human condition. My firsthand experiences of growing up in extreme poverty in a highly impoverished country, Cameroon, facilitated my learning constant and valuable lessons in compassion, empathy, and sensitivity. Until I left Cameroon and arrived in the USA a little over ten years ago, I was unaware of cultural diversity since all Cameroonians' cultural beliefs and practices are similar. Since I landed in America, however, I have been learning about diversity, multiculturalism, multilingualism, and how cultures contrast, co-exist, and sometimes collide in the urban America of today. I celebrate diversity and always will, and I see it as speaking to the single greatest strength of our country. My move to the US encouraged me to grow, learn, and acclimate myself to new worlds, not only America writ large but also numerous subcultures, ethnic- and language-based pockets, or spheres of urban areas with their cultural characteristics, which one sees clearly in Atlanta for example. I immediately began to learn from those around me, fit in, imitate, gradually finding my own space and playing my role as part of these larger, complex wholes. My barber shop was a community focal point, and I loved the interaction, jokes, news, and friendship. Many of my neighbors, if not the majority, were originally from somewhere else, and we enjoyed learning and sharing. All strangers to each other on some level, we cohabitate nonetheless and help each other as much as possible. As I began living in such a diverse and multicultural environment, it was an unprecedented experience for me. Different, but much needed, helping me to realize that change is the only constant. Whether we like it or not, it makes us better. It drives us to do better, keeps us engaged, and prepares us for what is coming next. I started opening my heart to others as I understood their necessities within our common frameworks of understanding. I learned to love despite the hate around us. I learned to empathize and treat others’ problems like my own. It made me a much more mature individual, more empathetic, more caring, and more receptive to diverse and contrasting opinions. Provide a specific example of how you promoted diversity in your community or school. (5000 characters) Promoting diversity has long been among my goals in life, and I try to reflect this in everything I do and try to build. I now own a barbershop in the heart of my community, Roswell, Georgia, in a white area. Because of the racial dynamics, many of my Black friends suggested that setting up a business here might not be a promising idea. I felt otherwise attracted to the idea of serving as a representative or ambassador to this white community. It was not easy, but certainly worth it. As the days rolled by and business flourished, I was able to unite people from every generation and race in a colorblind space where gender and even sexual orientation were neutral and respected, age revered, and one’s social class ignored. On top of that, this business has also allowed me to introduce many people to Black culture and the origin of barbershops. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is central to my core values- they define who I am and will become throughout my career. Not only because of where I’m originally from but also because of the values I have assimilated while trying to fit in. I know first-hand the feeling of being excluded and treated like a ‘other’, and I will always do everything in my power to unite people rather than to drive a wedge between them. There is, in fact, no greater power than that of association and collaboration. Unity in diversity, always. Self-Promotion (5000 Characters) If you could appear before the Admissions Committee, what information would you want them to know that is not included in your application? I feel enormously grateful for this precious and competitive opportunity, even to have a chance of being accepted to Dental School. This is already a miracle for me since I come from the other side of the planet and saw little more than death, destruction, and despair while growing up - without electricity, clean water, or healthy food. Every day was a struggle for my family to arrange two square meals. Coming to America and building and growing multiple small businesses on my own paid my way through my undergraduate studies, and I continued to support my family. I am immensely grateful and will forever be to the United States of America for taking me in and giving me a solid chance to pursue my dreams. I came from behind, but I now feel strongly that I will live a fulfilling life at the service of my community, which has nurtured my growth. Now, as I approach the realization of my longtime dream of becoming a dentist, I approach God on my knees, my body trembling with a keen desire to serve him as fully as I can for the balance of my life every time that I help someone poor, suffering, and who has fallen through the cracks in our society. The common denominator throughout my enterprises has been my resilience - I have never given up, no matter how difficult the situation seemed. That is the kind of person I am, determined to carve out a life of service, for this is what I most prize. From Cameroon to Atlanta, I have not stopped moving constantly, and now from a barber chair to a dental chair, I seek the critical, definitive move. When I am not working, I study, and little by little, this enables me to secure a place for my entire family to be safe and comfortable and learn and pursue their dreams. Now is my time, and I beg you to look favorably at my application. The barber from Atlanta will have room in his heart and his chair for a long time for those who most need to be there. Preparation for the DAT (5000 Characters) How did you prepare for your DAT? If you took the DAT more than once, describe your preparation for each. I did not prepare for the DAT as I should have, primarily due to the pandemic. I had less than a month to prepare, take the exam, and submit my application if I didn’t want to be late and miss the chance of being considered. Firstly, for many reasons, I did not do well in grades during my undergraduate years. However, I have been trying to make up for my mistakes during my master’s program and show the committee that I am worthy of representing them in the dental community of tomorrow. I took a whole load of extremely challenging courses each semester. Due to my record, I needed to take more courses than others and excel in each one. I have sought to demonstrate that I am not the same student I once was. Older and more mature, with over a decade under my belt in America, I have developed multifaceted organizational skills and advanced significantly in oral articulateness, intellectual acumen, and analytical ability. I took over 13 credit hours every semester during my master's program, including this Summer, 2020. My grades now reflect consistency and maturity. I was limited in the time to study and prepare for the DAT, primarily by the rigorous coursework I was taking, which was essential to my application. I started studying for the DAT when I took my final for the last course of my summer semester at the beginning of August. School for the Fall semester started at the end of August, and I also had a human gross anatomy class on a graduate level to complete. So, I had to take my DAT before that class to maximize my chances of doing well on both. I gave only one part-time month to prepare for the DAT. Thus, I feel strongly that the grades that I have obtained in my master's Program are a more accurate reflection than the DAT of my ability to hit the ground running and excel in your program. Academics Please describe and explain any academic problems in college and/or graduate/professional school. This may include withdrawals from courses or school, incomplete grades, and grades of D or F (or their equivalent). By the time I came to America, I had begun to regard my childhood daydream of becoming a dentist as something of a pipedream, a fantasy, and more immediate concerns were dominant in my life for the first few years, including most of the time that I was completing my undergraduate education. My central goal in life at that time was only to graduate. I just had to make it until the end, no matter how long or impossible. I had so many responsibilities when my family and I moved to the US that my only ambition was to get through the day; not yet obsessed with Dentistry as I am now; I was too busy working multiple jobs in multiple domains. I typically searched for more overtime hours to keep food on the table. Additionally, I understood that I had to build something for myself if I wanted to have a chance to have a steady income while going to school. I could not pay much attention to academics, and my grades began to suffer. Becoming a small business owner became necessary to achieve financial freedom for myself and my family. So, I also became an entrepreneur as an undergraduate, on top of overtime shifts here and there. We achieved greater economic security, but my grades took a significant hit. In fact, while I was studying toward my undergraduate degree, entrepreneurship was my primary focus. I began taking my first classes shortly after moving from my French-speaking homeland to the US. Once here, I had no mentor or guide and had to take one day at a time and find answers on my own. I was lucky to get a passing grade, and I hunkered down in a process that I hoped and prayed that I could someday finish. The rest was all uncertain. I was so busy scrambling to feed my younger siblings and buy them what they needed for school that I was not even aware for a few years that my school system had advisors that could have helped me. Toward the end of my senior year, I finally walked into an advisor’s office. Once I learned more about the educational system in America, I came to understand why I had failed to take advantage of what academic resources do exist; I took a long hard look around me, my life so far, the chance to go far with a bit of help, I focused from then on out almost exclusively on preparation for dental school. Other information Please describe a healthcare or social issue you are passionate about, and explain why. What role can you play in addressing this issue? The single most significant historical factor driving my passion for becoming a dentist is that there were none where I grew up in a small village in Africa that also did not have a doctor. The lack of a dentist to even so much as pull a tooth was horrific. From an especially underserved area of one of Africa’s poorest countries, I have been quick to note that even Africans that have been transplanted to America, like me, tend to oral health decay that is a legacy of their childhood. Where I come from in Africa, people only think about a dentist when they are in pain, this is the norm. If it doesn’t hurt, then they conveniently forget about it. I never visited a dental office until I came to the USA. I was just amazed by the beauty and the importance of it. Unfortunately, it is still considered a luxury back home. I hope to someday return to Africa to labor in the face of such overwhelming need, using my leadership and organizational skills to institute sustainable progress in oral health care. I want to do this as a dentist, an African man, and an entrepreneur. Someone must bear the cost of dental care, and at least eventually, it must be the people themselves. I look forward to brainstorming with like-minded peers about ways to make oral health advancement sustainable in the Global South. Complete Dental School Application Package #dentalschool #admission #supplemental #material #package #documents #successful

Like many Orthodontists, my story began with dark experiences in childhood. Growing up in ____, just another village in the South of India, I received constant harassment for something that I knew was not my fault: my teeth. I had protruding upper and lower front teeth and flashed gum when I smiled. I stayed home to avoid pictures and social gatherings throughout high school for every birthday party, wedding, etc... As I saw it at the time, the Devil himself could not have designed a worse nightmare to bring with me to young womanhood. To snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, I enrolled in Dental School. Then I completed my master's degree in India and gained experience. I write this statement on behalf of my application to a residency program in America. As a dentistry student, I learned about Orthodontics in detail for the first time and began to plan to pay for my treatment. Post-treatment, the person who smiled back at me when I looked into the mirror post-surgery, was a completely different personality. While my lovely teeth would have to remain hidden for another two years, the confident smile I was eventually blessed with was magical. Thus, I would like to live and work in a world where the smile is seen as an innate or God-given human right. But, since I do not, I want to devote myself to helping as many young people as possible who are now in the shoes that once were mine. I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer in a mobile dental clinic. I visited several rural areas without access to dental care and began to reflect on the systemic need for attention to orthodontic issues in India. This motivated me to earn my Masters's in Dental Surgery (Orthodontics) in May 2020 from a top-tier Indian college. I now consider myself fortunate to have provided orthodontic treatment for well over 100 patients and have become well-versed in several advanced orthodontic treatment techniques, as testified to by the fact that I graduated at the top of my master's class. I have worked as a full-time consultant orthodontist in India since March 2021. I work alongside and in coordination with a full-time periodontist, an oral surgeon, an endodontist, and a general dentist. My responsibilities include diagnosing and treating malocclusions for young and adult patients. I educate parents about the importance of early interventions during childhood to prevent possible dental malocclusions. Equipped with advanced skills in orthodontics, I am the go-to provider for many complex cases in our office. I am particularly confident in placing mini implants to move teeth, a technique many orthodontists practicing in my area are not trained in. I am also well trained in Invisalign, and I am most keen on staying abreast of the technological advances that we look forward to tomorrow. I particularly look forward to giving all to help children and adolescents from marginalized and at-risk families and neighborhoods who are in greatest need of the kind of boost that comes with transforming what is for the patient a nightmare into a beautiful smile. I want to save young, vulnerable people from the soul-crushing agony of being bullied due to their appearance. Several years later, I aspire to lay the foundation for my orthodontics clinic providing comprehensive care for patients. I take pride in my practiced grasp of the importance of collaboration with Periodontics and Oral Surgery, always focused on the best possible outcome for each unique patient. At this juncture, I have decided to dedicate myself to my advancement as an Orthodontist. I hope to become a trailblazer in Orthodontics in India, and distinguishing myself in this area as an Indian woman is still an uphill battle. I take heart in the fact that I am part of a wave, with the number of female students in dental schools increasing rapidly vis-à-vis that of males. I hope to be selected by a particularly distinguished program in harnessing innovative technology for oral health advancement. I am confident that my professional skill set resulting from a lifetime of academic projects and professional dedication will enable me to hit the ground running in your program and distinguish myself from the first day forward, going on to reach my fullest potential because of having been taken under your wing. Thank you for considering my application. Indian Woman Orthodontist in Residency Program #orthodontics #residency #personalstatement #samples #service #editing #indian

To Whom It May Concern, My name is Dr. ____ ____, and I have been a dentist in private practice in CITY, STATE, since DATE. I am writing this letter on behalf of Dr. ____ ____, who hopes to be accepted into an International Dentist Program. ____ served in my clinic from DATE to DATE, observing and assisting. It became immediately apparent that he was a quick learner knowledgeable concerning numerous essential functions of the dental clinic. ____ has noted nitrous oxide is the best way to perform conscious sedation. He also assisted with several restorative procedures (crowns and composite fillings). I could always tell how much ____ was learning by the profound questions he asked me, which were always the most intelligent and pertinent to the task. He supported me with multiple extractions and paid particular attention to how I managed the patients’ pain. ____ is excellent in his interactions with patients, doing wonders to put them at ease, and superlative in his interactions with other team members, assistants, hygienists, etc. He is particularly adept at Periocharting for the hygienists and the business side of operations and is also deeply knowledgeable about advanced materials. . On his Endodontics examination, ____ - demonstrated a precise understanding of the rationale behind percussion, palpation, and sensitivity tests. He is eager to learn and grow further. He has an advanced ability to connect what he is learning to his existing knowledge base. With new advances in Dentistry at every turn, ____ is exemplary in staying abreast of the new developments in our field. I discussed with ____ the various treatment options available for each patient, and he clearly understood the rationale behind our decision on any proposed treatment plan. A great communicator, always quick at asking questions and seeking answers, Kalyana has also made progress at learning Spanish to maximize his contribution to the underserved in the USA, many of whom speak Spanish as a first and often only language. ____ is very patient-centric and will be an excellent practitioner of patient-centered care. He is highly respectful of everyone in the clinic. A natural leader, he is open to embracing new opportunities. It would be a pleasure to provide you with any further information concerning ____’s candidacy for a place in your IDP program. Sincerely, Letter of Recommendation International Dentist #LOR #letterofrecommendation #internationaldentist #writingandediting #support #help

Originally from India and now in the USA to advance my career, I am a dentist who prioritizes creativity, experiential learning, professional passion, and compassion for one’s patients and their families. I am grateful for the privilege of practicing dentistry and count myself most fortunate to have become a dentist. My central goal is to provide state-of-the-art, patient-centered care, bringing my theoretical and pragmatic finesse, knowledge, and skills to bear on my service to my patients and the community. I see International Dentist Programs in the USA as having no equal in their excellence. Especially as someone who could not be more devoted to the cause of access to dental care for the underserved, being accepted to and completing your program is fundamental to maximizing my contribution to dentistry - for the balance of my professional life. Earning my MS Degree in Health Services in January 2014 at the University of South Dakota has helped me prepare for making the most of my career in Dentistry as a service provider, the business side of operations, and I feel strongly that what I learned in this program will assist me in the future as well, as I seek to enhance my contribution to the oral health of the underserved. I finished the program with a 3.8 GPA, demonstrating my capacity to excel in an American institution of higher learning. I had an opportunity at USD to exercise my leadership skills, and it was a pleasure to contribute to celebrating diversity on campus. I served as a representative for the entire graduate student body, sitting in on and participating in the Graduate Student Council meetings. I also served as Vice-president for Toastmasters International on our campus, helping to make a success of numerous cultural events. In recognition of my efforts, I received the President's Award for Diversity and Leadership. As a volunteer, I immensely enjoyed serving with the Action Care Community Clinic and as an intern with Children's Dental Services. These two experiences have been incredibly formative for me since both organizations are dedicated to assisting the underserved. I have also shadowed two general dentists and an implantologist. I was raised in a healthy and untroubled home by well-educated parents. Growing up in a stress-free and nurturing environment fostered innovative, creative thinking and enabled me to make the most of various interests. I was a track and field athlete and a straight-A student, accomplished at dancing, singing, painting, and photography. My father often shared inspirational stories about my great-grandfather, who set a terrific example by being the first doctor in our district, selflessly serving the community. This left a deep imprint on me, and I gradually developed a particular respect and admiration for healthcare workers and doctors. I chose Dentistry because of its singular, fundamental importance to overall health and because this career spoke to the artist in me and my appreciation for aesthetics. A top performer in dental school, I also sought ways to serve the community, helping conduct various healthcare camps for the underserved. One ecstatic moment was when the head of the Prosthodontics Department placed my articulator with the complete denture in our Dental Museum, a rare honor for a student. The University of South Dakota offered numerous opportunities to explore my leadership skills while earning my master's in health administration. I received the prestigious President’s Award for Diversity in 2015. I religiously participated in multiple leadership summits, trained next-generation leaders, conducted cultural learning programs, and participated in the Graduate Council and many other student organizations. Upon graduation, I joined Unity Point Clinics to help them establish a new program. With Dr. ____ at ____ Dental & Orthodontics in Texas, I learned a great deal about state-of-the-art technology like UVC wall mount systems for disinfection of treatment rooms during COVID, Nomad X-ray machines, composite warmers, etc. I observed Dr. ____, a cosmetic dentist and implantologist, performing endosteal implant surgeries and bone grafting procedures. My brother is currently an Internal Medicine resident at UTRGV who often advises me on career issues and is incredibly supportive. As the principal of a women's college, my mother campaigned in rural areas of our district for women's education and motivated over two thousand rural women to join her college. Thus, I grew up to become an advocate for women's education. My mother is no longer with us; her spirit is alive in me. I am making rapid progress in learning Spanish with priority attention to vocabulary closely related to dentistry. I share with my mother a keen affection for ordinary people of scant resources, and Spanish will open doors of service for me to do what I love most here in America, caring for the underserved. Thank you for considering my application to your Advanced Placement Program for International Dentists. International Dentist from India #internationaldentist #advancedplacement #personalstatement #foreigntrained #editing

The day I had been dreading was finally here. I could not avoid it anymore. As my feet unwillingly dragged me to class on my first day, thirty pairs of eyes greeted me with hushed tones. If only I had Harry Potter’s invisible cloak to vale those prying eyes. My immigrant parents had transferred me to a new high school for my senior year. While many of my classmates were applying to their top college choices, I was searching for new hobbies that would distract me from my misery and take my mind off my sense of being uprooted from our home in Thailand. During this time, I discovered my love for sketching and the piano. The art I create, and the musical pieces I play have become more intricate as my discipline, coordination, and agility have continually improved. Later in my senior year, dentistry captured my attention after visiting my dentist, Dr. K, for a simple restorative procedure. I was mesmerized by the degree of technical and manual dexterity skills at his command as he restored my tooth. Dr. K's kind and caring demeanor also had a lasting impact on my professional direction, and he is one of the principal role models I continue to think about to this day. When I walked into Dr. K’s clinic, I felt welcomed by each dental staff member. The constant feeling of being an ‘other,’ an outcast at the school, had marred my self-esteem, and here, I felt a sense of belonging. The diversity and hospitable nature of dentistry compelled me. After exploring and researching dental professions, I became increasingly attracted to all aspects of Dentistry. The dentist that I want to become is an artist, provider, educator, researcher, and community leader - all at the same time. Not long after becoming a dental assistant eight years ago, I realized that Dentistry represented much more than a successful career; it was rapidly becoming my purpose in life. My experience in the dental field has provided me with ample opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. It has taught me how to build meaningful relationships with others and utilize my skills for the greater good. Most of all, I have learned that nothing comes easy without hard work and determination - which I will cling to tightly for the rest of my life. Now serving as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, I work closely with the dentists at ____ Dental to fulfill the needs of every patient, developing tailor-made approaches for each one. Alongside my license to restore fillings, being an EFDA has allowed me to form deep connections with patients, cultivating their trust in my abilities to help care for them. When I started my position here, I was inspired by their motto, "Grow with us." The mentorship of each dentist here has contributed to the growth of my clinical skills and active participation in the community. While volunteering at their annual Dentistry from the Heart event, I assisted and restored cavity preparations and witnessed free dental care's profound impact in underserved communities. Patients’ letters of gratitude for relieving them of years of pain have been the icing on the cake and have filled me with a profound sense of contentment. For me, this was a further testament to how dentistry makes a lasting and sustainable impact on the lives of others and can have an indelible impact on someone else’s life. I want to use my passion as a vehicle for educating others. Since my dad has Type 1 diabetes, one of my first college courses was Biochemistry to help me to understand better the physiological and chemical processes involved in diabetics. I hope at some point to research the effects of systemic diseases on oral health. As a dentist, I could continue my education and work constructively in the right direction in a unified, viable, and sustainable way. I aim to provide patients with top-notch care while creating an environment that fosters connection, vitality, and comfort. My commitment to becoming a dentist stems from years of experience, thought, and reflection. I believe that I have acquired the necessary skills needed for dental school, and I bring a growth mindset and excitement to learn, which will help me hit the ground running in your program and excel. I assure you that, if accepted, I will utilize my potential to serve the community with the highest standards of professional ethics. Thank you for considering my application to Dental School. Dental School Personal Statement #expandedfunctions #dentalassistant #personalstatement #dentalschool #examples #editing

As an applicant to residency programs in Pediatric Dentistry, earning a master's degree at the University of ____ would be my finest scenario. I see U_ as unsurpassed in the areas where I hope to develop the most solid grasp, including the biological bases of oral surgery theory and especially the rapidly developing role of technology in oral surgery. As an Indian woman raised in Thailand, I thrive in multicultural and multilingual settings. After becoming a dentist in Thailand and gaining extensive experience, including an internship in China, I came to the USA to advance my career. Since then, I have taken advanced courses in Esthetic and Operative Dentistry at ____ University (2019-2021). An inquisitive global citizen, I aspire to make my mark in dentistry, focused progressively on helping to increase access to oral health care at the grassroots level, especially in Asia. My quest to become and excel as a pediatric dentist has more inspiration than I can remember. Foremost amongst them is Som, a little girl from the Hmong tribe in the northern highlands of Thailand. I was volunteering as an English teacher in her rural community, and while the entire class cheered and chatted, she only mumbled a few incomprehensible words. Whenever I questioned her, Som’s replies would be limited to a nod or a blank expression that stemmed from the fear of becoming the class’s laughingstock. Over six weeks, I watched as this bright girl remained wrapped in a cocoon of disengagement. Eventually, I learned from a volunteer dentist that Som’s timid personality stemmed from insecurities about her cleft palate. This was the first moment I felt like my destiny had just caressed my cheek, and I have been on an oral surgery track ever since. I entered heaven when I started dental school in Thailand, soaking up both the practical and the theoretical. I also embraced several opportunities that came my way to participate in collaborative research, assessing and evaluating data. I am incredibly thankful that my experiences before coming to America gave me a solid foundation to build after my arrival, especially concerning dental technology. It was an enormous privilege to have contributed to “A Morphological Study of the Third Cervical Vertebrae from Digital Panoramic Radiographs,” which took two years to complete. When I presented our research study at the FDI World Dental Federation in Poznan, Poland, in 2016, it was the zenith point of my career. While interning at a clinic in Shanghai, China, I assisted with a sinus lift surgery, cutting a bone window, and lifting the inner membrane of the sinus using a piezoelectric handpiece. The precise nature of this procedure felt like peeling the shell of an egg without destroying the inner membrane. This enabled me to better understand the complexities and challenges of oral surgery and reaffirmed my already intense joy that I had chosen the right field. In Thailand, I have seen members of several tribal communities writhing in agony from lack of access to care, leaving an indelible impression that will drive me to the end of my days. The value of my existence on this earth shall primarily be measured by how much I can help people like them. I would also like to teach Pediatric Dentistry at some point in my career and envision doing so in Thailand, where my efforts could result in the highest yields. My experience of tutoring dental students at ____ has boosted my confidence, and I have especially enjoyed helping them to master a variety of techniques. My studies in esthetic and operative dentistry at ____ have enabled me to focus on research in anterior restorations in orofacial clefts patients, living out my long-term dream for Som. The absolute highlight thus far was in 2017, when I volunteered at Operation Smile and assisted surgeons in treating kids with cleft lip and palate surgeries. I love to explore different techniques and materials used for pediatric patients in the never-ending quest to safeguard, protect, and restore their smiles. Thank you for considering my application to the Pediatric Dentistry Program at the University of ____. Pediatric Dentistry Residency Personal Statement #pediatric #dentistry #residency #personalstatement #samples #editor #service #help

Frank Sinatra sings ¨New York, New York¨ constantly in my mind as I have long dreamed of making New York City my home. My first choice for Dental School is NYU. When I was in the first grade in my native Poland, it was trendy to write diary entries, and I wrote: ¨I want to be a dentist and live in New York¨. Since then, I have remained convinced that NYC is the most fantastic city in the world - and my dream is now more vivid and alive than ever before. At NYU, I want to learn how to become the most effective and compassionate dentist possible. I want to ´make it´ in NYC by learning to provide optimal dental care to as many New Yorkers as possible. This is how I sing, and I sing best in NY. I hope to pursue my dental education in the heart of Manhattan at NYU. It is a perfect place for students from Europe like me who are most comfortable in an environment characterized by great cultural diversity. I picture myself interacting with people of many different ethnicities and places of origin and learning more about their cultures and unique oral health issues in their home countries. I see NYU as the perfect place to expand my horizons and think globally about dentistry, everyday learning to practice more effectively so that I can become a dentist for all. At NYU, the third oldest dental school in the USA, one also receives a history lesson everywhere you look. I deeply respect the program at NYU for educating no less than 10% of American dentists; I also very much admire the tremendous amount of innovative research in Dentistry that goes on at NYU. I appreciate the large patient pool, among the most diverse in the world, and the vast opportunities for professional development afforded to students at NYU. I find the prospect of four years of education in one of the largest dental school programs in the country to be delightful, for where there are large numbers of students, there are many resources and opportunities. I look forward to making friends worldwide who share my passion for dentistry and caring for the underserved. I love the modern facilities and want to take full advantage of innovative technology, and I hope to build a professional network at NYU that will last a lifetime. One of the doctors I worked with, Dr. ____ ____, attended dental school at NYU and has a practice in Manhattan. He only speaks of NYU Dentistry in superlatives. He likes to say that the city and the school combined make NYU the best place to study Dentistry in the world. He declared his clinical experience at NYU to be top-notch, and he graduated with significant hands-on exposure. He even gained experience with lasers, CAD/CAM, and the best materials. I live in Queens with my mother, which would be an easy commute to school on the subway. This would enable me to concentrate on my studies 24/7 with no distractions or worries – and still have an early breakfast with my best friend every day, my mom. Not long after coming to the United States, we walked past NYU, and she told me that she hoped one day I would be able to study there. If accepted, we plan the happiest breakfast in Queens before heading to Manhattan. We both thank you for considering my application. This applicant made the first cut at NYU and asked me to provide her with answers to additional questions as follows. Covid-19 has negatively impacted me, my family, and my friends, as it has with most people. Every day in my living building, somebody was taken out in a black body bag. 'Back home' in Poland, my family and friends in Europe were also hard hit by the pandemic. Two of my family members died of COVID-19. The suspension of face-to-face learning during my last semester of college in the Spring of 2020 was a blow to my education. I missed the interaction with classmates and with professors. I have always treasured each moment I listen to a professor providing me with counsel, playing it repeatedly in my mind - emails are not the same. I took a Biochemistry course which I started with strong A grades. Then the semester went online for the remainder of the semester. I lost the ability to interact with the professor. I was hoping to receive a letter of recommendation from Dr. ____. The pandemic made it more difficult to ask him for this favor. Concerning my employment, I could not continue tutoring children in their homes as before, which resulted in the loss of my primary income for an extended time. But I found another income source, helping undergraduate students with Chemistry courses. I saved several students from dropping the course in these challenging times. I helped my cousin struggle with her grades to organize better and improve her academic performance. My family appreciates me for being the only one who speaks much English. This was enhanced by the pandemic, as suddenly, there was an even greater and urgent need for translation and interpretation. Since everyone in my family speaks Polish the Pandemic resulted in my progress in English suffering, as I had fewer face-to-face role models to imitate and practice with. While I have devoted a lot of time to using resources available on the Internet to improve my English and have made it a point to talk at length in English with my friends, there is no substitute for face-to-face contact. My face-to-face contact has been hampered since I often read lips as I listen to English speakers, which is impossible with a mask on. I am hoping to be able to return to the classes soon and pick up where I left off in my quest to improve my English constantly. Personal Statement for Admission to Dental School #nyu #dentalschool #nyc #newyorkuniversity #personalstatement #samples #editng #help

To Whom It May Concern, My name is ____ ____, Ph.D. and I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at ____ College. This letter aims to recommend my student, ____ ____, for dental school. I have been ____'s professor since he was admitted into the master's Program. I am familiar with ____’s work since he has been in several of my classes, including Metabolomics in the Fall of 2020, Molecular Diagnostic II in the Spring of 2021, BIO 6549, and, in the Summer of 2021, my Mitochondria in Medicine class, BIO 5443. ____ has earned a straight ‘A’ in all my classes. Thus, I could not feel more confident that he has what it takes to excel in dental school. As ____’s academic advisor at ____ College, I helped him to adapt to his new surroundings and to get through a challenging first semester. He is adaptable and always thinks on his feet; resilient, he has borne adversity well and never gives up on his dreams. His academic work constantly improves even though it is already excellent, he is warm, kind, outgoing, and congenial; with the kind of people-person personality that one needs to be a successful dentist, working with numerous people daily. I am confident that Lauryn will succeed because he knows where to look for resources and is highly dedicated to his work; this will help him make significant contributions to dentistry in the future, meeting up to the lofty expectations that we all have for him. ____ has shown great capacity for academic excellence and enormous potential as a researcher. I could not recommend him more highly for a space in your program. I have spoken with ____ at length about his plans to become a dentist, and I admire his determination to help the underserved. We joke that someday I want to be one of his patients treated on a sliding scale. I especially admire ____ for his humility, which is central to his future success. His sense of humor is always timely and endearing. He follows directions and has enormous critical thinking and problem-solving skills. He also needs minimal supervision, working well on every project. Once ____ decides to do something, he gives it his all. The other thing that I especially admire and respect about him is the way he constantly encourages his peers to struggle for academic excellence as well as himself. Especially after getting used to seeing ____ in the laboratory, working alongside his classmates, I find his sheer joy to be quite contagious and the combination of his leadership skills and humility to be most endearing. Never have I met anyone who enjoys his studies more than ____. I see him as a natural leader. I could not feel more confident that he would contribute significantly to his field if accepted to dental school, especially concerning the underserved. ____ embraces a challenge and stays with it until the task is complete. Loyal, tenacious, honest, and driven. XXXX will be an excellent dentist. Sincerely, Letter of Recommendation to Dental School from Professor #letterofrecommendation #dentalschool #examples #help #editingservice #professional

To Whom It May Concern, It is an enormous privilege to draft this letter recommending a member of my church, ____ ____, for admission to dental school. I have gotten to know ____ well over several years since he arrived from the Ivory Coast in the USA. My name is Father ____ ____, and I am a priest in the Archdiocese of ____, currently serving as pastor of ____ Parish in ____, since July 1, 2020. Previously, I served at ____ Catholic church in ____ for eight years. I hold a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theology with a concentration in Systematic Theology. As a priest, I had the privilege of getting to know ____ and his family, who are devout Catholics. I admire them for their profound faith and determination to succeed in life against all odds. Like the -___ family, I am also from the Ivory Coast. I speak French with the XXXX family and teach and give mass in Spanish. I sit on the board of the Catholic Foundation of ____. I believe that ____ ____ would make an excellent dentist and that we need more dentists who look like him, a 6’3 Black man unstoppable on the basketball court. People look up to _____ figuratively and literally and they appreciate him for his kindness, warm disposition, openness, and sincere compassion. His physical talent, combined with his compassionate disposition, make him a natural for Dentistry. I have been close to the ____ family for years, as we enjoy the company of others from our native country. I have attended and assisted with every celebration the family has organized: graduation, birthdays, etc. Thus, I am very much a family priest; ____’s mother never misses a mass, and all of them come as they can. I have mentored ____ ever since he came to the US. I often have referred to him in French as “home chef” because he has looked after his little brother and sister materially and spiritually, always helping them and steering them in the right direction. ____ is highly responsible, and I have had extensive opportunities to observe him as an active member of the church who has helped in the nursery and with charity and community events. ____ helps to cook meals for events, helps with the sound and projector, makes coffee, and assists with Bible studies. He is excellent with children and youth, a super role model for young people from minority backgrounds. His chosen profession, Dentistry, suits him well because it will enable him to give back to the community something of great, sustainable value, which he most treasures and longs for in his future. Do not hesitate to let me know if I can provide you with any further information about the candidacy of ____ ____ for a place in your dental school class. Sincerely, Letter of Recommendation for Dental School #dentalschool #lor #letterofrecommendation #black #african #applicant #minority #editing

If you make the first cut and a dental school is considering your application, they often send you some additional questions to answer, I also help my clients with this material, as with the following provided as a sample. Manual Dexterity (600 Characters) Describe any activities requiring manual dexterity (For example, activities requiring hand-eye coordination such as cross-stitching, sewing, art, crafts, playing musical instruments, auto repair, etc.) at which you are proficient. Ensure you enter your response as a narrative list; do not use bullet points! I have always enjoyed excelling at basketball. As a barber, I am especially efficient at using scissors and clippers to cut hair and beards. Whenever I play soccer, I especially enjoy being a goalkeeper, always ready to fly. I garden after church on Sundays and have played video games with my brother and friends for as long as I can remember, not only because it is fun but because I am convinced that it helps me maintain nimble, capable, fast, fast, agile fingers and hand motion. I have worked with beads as a craftsman and taken stitching classes in high school. I also braid hair. Childhood Residency (250 Characters) What is the type of geographic area where you were raised? - Rural Description of Childhood Residency I spent my childhood and adolescence in a modest but comfortable home in a semi-rural area with a high crime rate. Growing up in Cameroon, Central Africa, we had little infrastructure and no materials for school. Later on, we would share computers; sometimes, we only had one for the entire class. COVID-19 Impact (2500 Characters) COVID-19 has broadly impacted the world. If you want, you can use this space to describe how COVID-19 has impacted your preparation for the application to dental school up to this point. Each program will determine how a response to this question will be considered part of the admissions process. You might consider these questions as you formulate your response: Academic: Did your school move to offer only online coursework? Did you have to leave an academic program? Were the grades for your coursework, especially prerequisites, affected? Was your Dental Admission Test (DAT) exam canceled or delayed? Did you lose the ability to interact with professors or advisors? Professional: Was your job, paid or volunteer, affected? Did you lose a job or seek new opportunities? Was your shadowing experience shortened or modified? Were your financial responsibilities shifted or increased? Personal: Did you have to move out of a house or dorm? Did travel restrictions impact you outside the country? Did you seek out volunteer opportunities that arose from the crisis? Did you help family members who were affected? Getting everything ready for dental school has been challenging since much of the world stopped due to COVID-19. The pandemic made it more challenging to get shadowing hours, and I was turned down several times, even in locations where people knew me. I count myself most fortunate to have finally found some volunteer work available. As an entrepreneur interested in several areas, COVID-19 has been a disaster for my business interests and many others. I could have lost everything I had worked so hard to build if I had not been thinking quickly. I pivoted to new strategies that enabled us to survive and swallow our losses. I learned to adapt quickly and effectively. My master's program was late going online, dividing us into groups. Nevertheless, the pandemic has been especially hard on me because I am outgoing and social. Not being able to connect with my classmates was hard. All communication was online, studying and sharing documentation. I ended up taking only two classes online in my MS program. I found it more challenging than being in class. I had to learn a different type of personal discipline and time management. I had to adapt quickly in order not to fall behind. Nevertheless, I quickly learned how to excel in my online classes. One aspect of my preparation for applying to dental school that was not negatively affected by the pandemic was my discovery of opportunities for dental shadowing. I also spent a lot more time than would have been the case otherwise, learning a lot online and taking full advantage of many resources that I did not even previously know existed. I have been educated by dentists online in several specialties, listening to their firsthand experiences. I even got to follow many students during their full days in dental school and shadow several dentists in my community. Online, in private practice, or with a corporate organization, I have observed many dental procedures performed by dentists originally from all over the world. This was the most positive aspect of the time spent under pandemic restrictions. While COVID-19 made me scramble, especially at first, and some of my short-term plans were delayed, overall, it has made me stronger and more dedicated to Dentistry than ever before. #dentalschool #application #questions #editing #support #service