Dentistry degree personal statement example (1e)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My decision to pursue a career in dentistry was born out of careful consideration and research, as well as an inquisitive nature and an interest in oral health matters. I am naturally caring and empathetic and I feel these qualities would serve me well in a dental career. In dentistry, forming a climate of calm and trust is essential to good quality care. This is something I do with my two elder autistic brothers on a daily basis.

My experiences of dentistry have convinced me that it is absolutely what I want to do. Improving people's oral health and standard of living in a hands-on way really appeals to me, and I believe I possess qualities which are important in dentistry: my caring and empathetic nature, my dexterity and creativity, and my ability to communicate effectively. I hope I have demonstrated a commitment to my goal of becoming a dentist as well as an understanding of the qualities required.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

As part of my research into dentistry I arranged work experience. This included six months at an NHS/private practice, a week in a pharmacy, a week in a dental lab, a week shadowing surgical specialists in a hospital and a week with an orthodontist. During my experience, I observed a medical emergency, which showed me a dentist needs to keep calm under pressure. I also witnessed the attachment of a crown to the abutment of an implant. I noticed how the dentist constantly checked the spacing both mesially and distally as well as any interference with the bite. I realised that attention to detail is very important in dentistry.

In my time at the dental lab, I was able to make a wax denture and a gum shield. Throughout these processes, I used the technicians drill to cut, sharpen and polish the end product. I had to consider aspects such as shaping the appliances to accommodate the movement of certain oral muscles, whilst maintaining a good fit. I found this process rewarding and informative. It showed me that a dentist has to coordinate effectively with the dental team to provide good quality patient care.

I am a keen musician and this gives me a number of skills which are vital in dentistry. Playing Tenor Horn and piano requires good hand eye coordination and the creative process of composing is something from which I take great pleasure. Music also allows me to relax, this is important to me as I feel a good work-rest balance is essential. I also enjoy relaxing through sports; go-karting, kayaking and cycling are my sports of choice. I have raced karts for the Welsh team three times; this required good team working and communication skills, which are essential in dentistry.

In school I was a prefect, peer mentor and member of the debating club. These roles taught me the value of responsibility.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

I have noticed some problematic sides to dentistry i.e. the difficulties experienced when trying to explain to a patient why extraction is the best course of action. Despite this, it is a dentist's duty to provide empathetic support and accurate explanations of the facts. This is something I feel I would be good at as I have volunteered at a Special Needs gym club for six months, where I found that reassuring the children was a strong quality of mine. I would often encounter very upset children and I was able to draw from personal experiences with my brothers; to calm them down. This often involved inventive ways of communication and explanation. I feel this ability would be very useful in dentistry.

I currently volunteer at a care home on weekends. Working with vulnerable people is fulfilling and helps to develop my caring nature.

In my gap year so far I have been tutoring A level biology and chemistry. I have also organised a week with a paedodontic specialist in London, two days with a special care dentist and two days in a radiography department. I hope this will give me further insight into the workings of dentistry as a whole.

Universities applied to:

• Barts and The London (Dentistry)
• Leeds (Dentistry)
• Liverpool (Dentistry)
• Bristol (Dentistry)
• Manchester (Pharmacy)

Grades achieved:

• Chemistry (A2) - A
• Biology (A2) - A*
• Music (A2) - A*
• Business (AS) - A
• Welsh Baccalaureate - Pass (equivalent of A, 120 UCAS points)
• Business studies - A*
• R.E - A*
• Welsh - A
• English Lang - A
• English Lit - A
• Science double award - A
• Additional science - A
• Resistant materials - A
• Maths - B
• German - C
• UKCAT - 623.5

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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