Dentistry degree personal statement example (1g)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

A traumatic swimming incident during my childhood left me visiting many dental chairs where I suffered from an irrational fear of dentists. Every visit started with my fears but ended with my gratitude to these dentists, who had performed complex operations seamlessly. These experiences stemmed an interest in dental biology exploring topics such as root canal treatments; here I realised that a dental career would allow me to both explore human biology further but also actively improve our society’s welfare.

My numerous experiences at dental clinics have reinforced my determination to study dentistry; it would combine practical based work with my affection for science, and a desire to provide a vital service to the community. As an inquisitive applicant with great personal drive I believe that I can not only contribute to dentistry but also better help my community.

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

I have undertaken work experience at a local NHS practice to observe what the profession entails. The difficulty of the job was admirable due to the level of manual dexterity and patience involved. In addition, I saw the importance of compassion that dentists showed to their patients and how they gained trust of the patient’s immediately. To get an overview of other specialties I shadowed an implant specialist and an endodontist, where the dentist’s team working skills and the essential role of dental nurses became emphasised, in order to streamline the increasingly complex surgeries.

Spending a week in a dental clinic in Canada gave me insight into the transatlantic dental approach, allowing me to compare styles such as the greater emphasis on preventive procedure which they have overseas. Arranging shadowing at Harley Street allowed me to witness procedures such as Invisalign, which made the gap between private and NHS treatments much more apparent, as well as the pressures of running a private business. A week at a dental lab and attempting some denture construction myself allowed me to appreciate the usage of various dental materials.

In pursuing my interest in science, I have entered essay competitions such as the National Institute of Medical Research’s and have attended lectures at London Universities, covering topics such as stem cell usage. Reading the ‘The Roots of Disease’, has made me aware of the detrimentally effects that faulty dental work can have on a patients’ overall health and exploring other texts such as ‘Why do Chemical Reactions Occur’ has allowed me to explore molecular science to a greater depth. My aptitude in maths allows me to teach at my school’s Junior Maths Club, where I had to alter my tone and approach towards younger students such as the dentist did when comforting frightened patients.

At school, representing the cricket team has enhanced my hand eye coordination whilst improving my ability to perform calmly under pressure and as a team. Attaining the rank of corporal in the school’s Combined Cadet Force allowed me to lead field training exercises and tested my ability to think on my feet.

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

I work voluntarily at St Luke’s Hospice Charity Shop which has helped me improve my communication and time management skills; which will be beneficial in a dental career. Through helping regularly at a Care home I have learnt much about patient care for those with disabilities and the elderly and noticed that the nurses’ approach to these patients was very similar to the dentist’s; caring but assertive. I play the Violin and Flute; both involve use of complex finger gestures, and in turn, I play as a soloist and in ensembles, which has increased my confidence to address crowds.

Universities applied to:

• King's College London (Dentistry)
• Manchester (Dentistry)
• Sheffield (Dentistry)
• Leeds (Dentistry)
• University (BioChemistry)

Grades achieved:

• Maths (A2) - A*
• Chemistry (A2) - A*
• Biology (A2) - A*
• Economics (A2) - A*

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.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.