Dentistry degree personal statement example (1f)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

The complex and integrated physiology of the body fascinates me, and I have always felt I would pursue a career in a branch of medicine. It was when I changed my dentist two years ago that I first considered Dentistry as a career. I had an instant connection with him and found myself asking many questions about the processes and science of Dentistry and also realised the importance of communication in the healthcare professions. To pursue this new interest and to give myself an insight into the working life of a dentist I carried out two weeks observation in general practice in two different towns with different demographics. It was invaluable in illustrating to me the variety of work a dentist undertakes and the vast wealth of knowledge required. In my first week I also visited a dental lab, this was extremely useful in illustrating to me the importance of communication within the branches of the dental profession. An area that interests me greatly in a dental career is the varied career paths it offers and so I undertook a day of observation in an orthodontic practice and have booked for two days observing in surgery in the oral and maxillofacial department of my local hospital once I turn eighteen in October. I hope that all my achievements and experiences show that I am driven and committed to succeed and accomplish my aims. I would relish an opportunity to help and work with people in the varied and challenging career that is Dentistry.

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

I believe my AS choices of the three sciences and geography show my passion for understanding the natural processes that go on around us all and that the extra reading required to fully understand the subject beyond the classroom is very similar to that required to master the plethora of knowledge in a medical subject. I have a passion for biology and particularly enjoy practical work, for instance the dissection of a fish in order to study its gills in great detail, I especially enjoyed the dexterity and precision required for this task. I have also gained multiple academic awards for biology during my time at school, which shows my affinity for the subject.

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

I am also a NPLQ qualified lifeguard, I feel this has prepared me to make fast and accurate decisions in high pressure situations, which I believe is a valuable attribute to have. Having been a competitive swimmer for over ten years, I feel I have gained many other attributes that that will lend themselves well to a profession in Dentistry, from balancing commitments of school and social life with up to sixteen hours of training a week, to being a hard working member of a large team. In 2010 I was voted by the swimmers as Club Captain of Worcester swimming club. I used this as an opportunity to use my team working skills and also develop leadership skills, but I also believe it shows me to be an approachable figure. In my final year of school I have been appointed the position of Head of House to further develop these skills. I am also a qualified UKCC level one swimming coach and by time of reading I will have begun my level two. Since qualifying in 2010 I have volunteered in the younger squads at my club as a lane coach and discovered a passion for teaching, which I see as an integral part of the work of a healthcare professional. Coaching has also allowed me to develop other vital skills such as communication not only with swimmers but also with the parents in order to aid the development of the child. I also realised quickly that I would have to adapt my coaching style to be effective for different individuals, having also observed this during my time shadowing in practices I believe this lesson will put me in good stead to become part of a caring profession. I have enjoyed taking part in other extra-curricular activities such as all three levels of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and the Young Enterprise company scheme, both of which were useful in developing team work skills and I feel have rounded me as an individual.

Universities applied to:

• King's College London
• Manchester
• Cardiff
• Leeds

Grades achieved:

• Biology (AS) - A - Done to A2 - Predicted A*
• Chemistry (AS) - A - Done to A2 - Predicted A*
• Geography (AS) - A - Done to A2 - Predicted A*
• Physics (AS) - A - Dropped

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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