Dentist Personal Statement

Why I want to do Dentistry
To be the first in my year to need braces, I was made aware of the impact such intervention could have. Impressed by how my orthodontist had a vision of what my crooked teeth could become, I began to develop an interest in oral health and the ways in which dentists and orthodontists can have such a massive impact on the quality of people’s lives.
Work Experience
I have undertaken three weeks of work experience at both NHS and private practices. I was particularly interested in endodontics; I was amazed by the patience required whilst drilling through a tooth to create an access cavity, and the precision and dexterity needed to fill the narrow root canals. As well as being meticulous and calm, I realised that it was
Contrary to the affordable and easily accessible dental care we are used back home, in poorer countries such as Uganda, it was difficult to find a dentist, let alone being able to afford being treated by one. The vast number of oral health problems seen in the camp made this evident. During the camp, I worked alongside dentists, doctors, optometrists, ophthalmologists, as well as in the pharmacy and as a dental nurse. I was able to observe a variety of fascinating medical and dental cases, including one of a teenager with two supernumerary teeth behind his maxillary incisors. I was also fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to assist in two tooth extractions. As oppose to the complex and intricate treatments carried out by dentists in the UK, the majority of tooth problems at the camp were solved by usually-straightforward extractions, with some patients being lucky enough to receive a filling or even a scale and polish. Despite this, the gratitude that the patients had for the dentists after they solved years worth of pain, made my experience an incredibly eye-opening and insightful