Why does one choose to be a Dentist

i will be starting dental school in august and i thought i would share with ya'll what my personal statement stated. i know it's quite lengthy, but with the help of friends and family, i think it's one of the best, if not THE best, things i've written (not to toot my own horn or anything). seriously though, i'm very modest. on second thought, this is the worst thing i've ever written. there. now you have no expectations when reading it. enjoy!

At the age of thirteen, I nervously surveyed my surroundings from the dental chair. Prior appointments had outlined my need for braces and a head gear, and the day had finally arrived. Jaws aching, light blinding, and eyes watering, I had undergone an experience like no other. Although I was not smiling after the procedure, I remember the grin that my orthodontist, Dr. Stevenson, had from ear to ear. Despite my new reason to be even more self-conscious, I was pleasantly surprised that he treated me with the same level of kindness after the procedure as he did before it started. This compassion which he exhibited for another person not only led me to regard Dr. Stevenson with a sense of admiration but also lay the groundwork for a budding interest in the field of dentistry.

The years after my initial meeting with Dr. Stevenson gave me more opportunities to experience the field of dentistry with greater proximity. Because my brother himself is a dentist, I had the privilege to witness firsthand what being in this particular profession entailed. I began by shadowing him after my sophomore year in college and subsequently, I started to work for Dental Smiles, the dental office he is employed in at present. Currently, I am working full time as an office worker at the same dental clinic, and I am looking into becoming a certified dental assistant. From my experience there, I noticed that hard work, cooperation, and communication are all essential to delivering quality care to patients. Aside from the actual treatment and manual dexterity needed, a dentist must also possess the ability to talk to people. Being able to effectively converse with both assistants and patients is of vital importance to this profession.

The ability to establish a connection with people through good communication skills was not something I acquired early on in my school life. Back in high school, I was not involved in sports, clubs, or school activities because I was so focused on my classes and studies. I graduated summa cum laude, but my social skills needed improvement. When I entered college, I decided to live on campus for the first two years so that I would have the opportunity to be surrounded by my peers. Although it did entail some degree of sacrifice in terms of grades, I developed the ability to interact with people, which cannot be obtained by reading any textbook. I met people of different races, religions, ethics, and cultures and learned how to relate with them. In the process, I formed a bond with some people who eventually became my close friends. I soon came to realize that my relationships with my friends all possess the same qualities which should be found in a doctor-patient relationship: trust, openness in communication, honesty, and care.

My continued exposure to the everyday affairs of Dental Smiles has made me see that there is much more to the life of a dentist than possessing the correct technical expertise and fostering the right relationship with patients.

At the root of dentistry lies service. Pairing this notion with my high school motto, "Men for Others," I know that I have the right attitude and heart for a future in dentistry. This desire to reach out to others has been channeled through the volunteer work I have done with health-related camps and activities. For instance, I remember feeling a great sense of fulfillment when I volunteered at "The Camp that Love Built," a summer camp geared towards individuals with spina bifida who are working to be independent. I was paired with a camper and for a week, I would assist him in daily activities such as bathing, eating, changing clothes, and swimming. The week was exhausting but the gratitude that the camper's parents showed me made everything worth it. Currently, I am volunteering at San Jose Clinic, which provides healthcare to the disenfranchised and uninsured. Watching the doctors there, especially the dentists, proceed with their daily work has confirmed my desire to pursue the path towards a degree in dental medicine.

I hope that one day, as a dentist, I can give people the same feeling of happiness and self-confidence that Dr. Stevenson gave me. I experienced it personally with my braces and I can now perceive it visually through the patients at Dental Smiles. My brother has also played a huge part in pursuing a degree in dental medicine. Having been given so much by my parents, he is now giving back to the community and because I have come to look up to him as my role model, I also aspire to do the same. Not only do i desire more than anything for the opportunity to help out people, but I also want the chance to work side-by-side with my brother in a field where we can do our part in making other people's lives a little better.

thanks for reading.

-jdv