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In response to popular demand, we are including a sample dental school essay. Note how the author reveals a lot about herself without overtly saying "I am this and I am that." She is obviously hard working and disciplined, probably compassionate and kind. Interested in dentistry for a long time, she has clearly considered other options. And she tells a good story . Our experts can help you tell your story just as effectively -- check out our AASDAS application packages here .

I could hardly keep myself from staring at the girl: the right side of her face was misshapen and bigger than the left. Only later did I notice that Cheryl, about nine at the time, had light brown hair, lively brown eyes, and a captivating smile. When she walked into the candy shop where I worked six years ago, Cheryl told me she was a student of my former fourth grade teacher with whom I had kept in contact. We talked then and spent time talking each time she visited. She became a very special friend of mine, one whom I admire greatly. At the time we met, I was taking honors and AP classes, working about twenty hours a week, and feeling sorry for myself. Cheryl's outgoing confidence and good cheer put my situation in perspective. Cheryl was strong, kind, and surprisingly hopeful. She never focused on her facial deformities, but always on the anticipated improvement in her appearance. Her ability to find strength within herself inspired me to become a stronger person. It motivated me to pursue a career where I could help those like Cheryl attain the strength that she possesses.

At the time, my initial interest turned toward psychology. Impressed with Cheryl's outlook, I overlooked the source of her strength: she knew that treatment will improve her appearance. Focusing on the emotional aspects of her illness, I volunteered at the Neuropsychiatric Institute. There, I supervised the daily activities of pre-adolescents, played with them, and assisted them in getting dressed. I worked with crack babies, autistic children, and children who had severe behavioral problems. I enjoyed interacting with the children, but I often became frustrated that I was not able to help them. For instance, a young autistic boy frequently hit himself. No one was permitted to stop this child. We had to turn away and allow him to continually strike and hurt himself until he tired.

I was increasingly disappointed with the lack of progress I saw in my volunteer work at NPI, but my job again pushed me in the right direction. During the fall quarter of my junior year in college, I left the candy shop where I had worked for nearly five and a half years, and I began working as a senior clerk in the Anesthesiology Residency Program. Ironically work, which frequently made study difficult, helped me find the right path. There I learned about the oral and maxillo-facial specialty, which will allow me to help people like Cheryl.

To explore my interest in dentistry, I volunteered as a dental assistant in Dr. Miller's dental office. Dr. Miller introduced me to various dental techniques. Although I was mainly an observer, I had the opportunity to interact with the patients. I came in contact with a diverse patient population with different problems and dental needs. I observed as Dr. Miller dealt with each patient individually and treated each one to the best of his ability. He familiarized me with strategies for oral health promotion and disease prevention. I learned a great deal from him, and as a result, my interest in dentistry grew.

I choose to pursue a career in dentistry after following a circuitous path. My friendship with Cheryl motivated me to enter a field where I can help the severely disfigured cope with their condition. Although I initially turned to psychology, I found my work at the Neuropsychiatric Institute to be frustrating and was searching for a different way to achieve my goal. Ironically, Cheryl had told me all along the source of her strength: the knowledge that her condition was treatable and improving. Through maxillo-facial dentistry I will help others with serious facial deformities have the same knowledge and source of strength.

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10 Dental School Personal Statement Examples

Including key tips for a strong dental school personal statement.

Dental School Personal Statement Examples

Before you start crafting your own stellar dental school personal statement, you must review some dental school personal statement examples. Why? These sample essays can help you brainstorm and reflect on what you would like to include in your essay. This blog dives into some dental school personal statement examples from our own past successful students, and then our  dental school advisors  will go over our proven strategies to help you create your own from scratch! As you review these examples keep in mind that these are final works and the result of multiple rounds of reviews by our admissions experts as part of our  application review  programs. Writing fantastic statements for dental school requires patience and multiple rounds of revisions before a perfect statement can be written.

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Article Contents 15 min read

Dental school personal statement example #1.

In the final moments of a key game in a hockey tournament, I jumped over the boards and onto the ice without putting my mouth guard back in place. It was attached to my helmet, but I had a chance for the puck, and I took it. Moments later, an opponent’s stick caught me in the face, knocking out my front tooth. Play stopped, and my team found my tooth on the ice. I looked to the bleachers. My mom was already on the phone getting initial instructions from our dentist for saving the tooth. Within 15 minutes, we were outside the clinic as my dentist unlocked the door, despite it being a Saturday night. As I was treated within half an hour, my tooth could be saved by stabilizing it as it healed. Until that moment, I thought of my dentist as someone I only saw every six months; I hadn’t seen her as a critical part of my healthcare team.

I realized from this experience that time is a factor in dental care, and thus a career in dentistry. My tooth was saved because I lived in an urban centre and had immediate access to care, not to mention the continuity of care I’ve had since I was a child. My mother is employed and has good dental coverage, but this is not the case for many. Without timely check-ups, both oral and medical issues that could be detected and prevented can become more serious conditions.

With this awareness, I have for the last 6 years volunteered in two ways. In the time since my hockey accident, I’ve worked with my dentist on a safety awareness campaign for young hockey players and their families, teaching about the necessity of mouth guards, as well as how a quick response to such injuries may help in recovery. I’ve also worked alongside dentists for the Smiling Children Foundation in vulnerable neighborhoods, where dental neglect is not uncommon, and continuity of care is rare. Recently, we set up a mobile clinic in a school, where I record personal information and take a medical history for each child. A young boy, 10 years old, complained of constant headaches and pain in his body. Upon examination, the dentist noticed his gums were dark purple in places and bled easily. Our team alerted a community doctor of a potential immune disorder, and the young boy was diagnosed and treated, returning to good health within months. That day, I learned that oral healthcare is holistic healthcare, and that it is a privilege to support those who may not have time, resources, or access to oral healthcare.

I have had this privilege in what began as dental shadowing and is now part-time employment, where I liaise between patients and insurance companies, manage team schedules, and comfort anxious patients. This might be as simple as holding a hand while the dentist performs the procedure. Or, I might hold a baby while the father sees the hygienist. I’ve learned to read an X-ray accurately, prepare the instruments needed for a procedure, and balance the books. I have been mentored by both a medical and business professional, and I have borne witness to our patients’ high and low points. I have worked hard to understand what goes into growing and maintaining a successful dental practice and feel capable to meet the challenge of the multiple roles required in this dynamic vocation.

It bears mentioning why my first-year grades are not what I’d hoped they would be. I joined a good number of co-curricular clubs with the intention of participating in our campus community and developing my professional skills. By midterm, I realized I had oversubscribed myself. Unfortunately, willpower and desire were not enough. My grades suffered as I tried to manage my responsibilities. By attending time management seminars and learning to manage time rather than be managed by time, I was able retrieve my grades. From 2nd year forward, I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA while moving up the ranks of student organizations and taking an active role in a research project. Resilience is like a muscle that needs time, exercise, and perseverance to build.

From a sports accident, to volunteer work in an underserved community, to employment in a dental office and an academic career that shows both mistakes and recovery, I have thought carefully about what dentistry is. A dentist is part of a larger healthcare team, and a dentist can often treat not only a single patient over decades, but provide intergenerational care to a family. I aspire to dentistry to accompany my patients through life, 6 months at a time, offering compassionate, whole-person healthcare. (4,497 characters, including spaces)

  • Inciting incident: the moment that influenced the student’s outlook on dentistry as a career is highlighted in spades. Seeing the structure here as almost like a story, you’re taking the reader on a journey from point A to point B. For the personal statement, your opening should hook in the reader. This writer does this well.
  • Addresses weaknesses: the student mentions how their first-year grades weren’t what they’d hoped for. They acknowledge their faults and briefly outline the circumstances without making excuses before getting into the most important part: what they did to improve or learn from their mistakes. If you’re in a position to use your personal statement as a way to address gaps or inconsistencies, then you can follow the same rule.
  • Major experiences are detailed: you need to show the admissions committee that dentistry is the right career for you. The best way to do this is to describe clinical experiences, ideally in a dental setting. The student who wrote this sample described their experiences shadowing, being a part-time employee, and volunteering at a foundation. If you have many experiences like these, don’t simply list them off, but select a few to describe in more depth.

Want some tips for writing a dental school personal statement? Check out this video:

"Ready, Set, Bake,” shouted the host of Bake-Off. I was 16 and a contestant of a televised baking show. Our 6th challenge gave us 3 hours to perfectly bake the most decadent and timing consuming dessert: the mille-feuille – layers of puff pastry, filled with whipped cream and custard, and glazed on top. Despite being the only teenager in a field of contestants ranging from 20-70 years of age, I’d made it through several days of cuts for one of the spots on the show. I wish I could say that my dessert was a masterpiece, but as the timer counted down and I plated it, the filling oozed, and the pastry crumbled. I’d made to the Top Six, but the mille-feuille defeated me and I was asked to hang up my apron. As I reflect on this experience, the solo and team challenges, the practice to get on the show, the mastery needed to gain a top spot, I realize that I’m grateful even for the defeat, because I learned valuable lessons that helped me develop key qualities and skills that are in-line with the core competencies necessary for dentistry, my chosen profession. Both dentistry and competitive baking require innovation and excellence, communication and accountability, and the necessity of precision, focus, and a steady hand.

Both of my parents are dentists. While the influence of their careers on my own access to knowledge cannot be underestimated, I have been deeply cognizant of making an autonomous career decision. That decision is my own, but my parents have admittedly opened unique conversations around ethics, technology, and patient care to me. My earliest memories include attending dental conferences with them and being encouraged to explore the Exhibits Floor, where I learned about the newest dental products and treatments and “test drove” the latest innovations in dentistry. I developed an aptitude for predicting which products and technologies were gimmicks and which would effectively support excellence in patient care. This knack has made me something of an informal consultant for my parents and their colleagues, who value my insights on innovation and efficacy of new treatments.

While technology is at the forefront of change, what remains consistent over time is the importance of communication and accountability to provide excellent patient care. I’ve had the privilege to shadow Dr. Ann Lee, an oral surgeon, over the past 3 years. Among many things, she showed me that inherent in communication is accountability. Many of her patients are children and teens having teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. The son of a family who had been Dr. Lee’s patients for over a decade arrived for a complicated wisdom tooth extraction. Despite familiarity with the family, the doctor painstakingly reviewed the extraction process to prepare them effectively. The procedure went well in the office; however, on the way home, the boy began haemorrhaging. An artery had been compromised during the surgery. I watched as Dr. Lee packed bone wax around the artery to stem the bleeding. What struck me about this experience was the standard of accountability to which the surgeon held herself, as she communicated with the family by phone, made a house call later that evening on her way home, and remained on-call over the weekend to ensure the safety and healing of the child. The family maintained their trust in Dr. Lee because of her open communication and sense of accountability. I also learned just how fragile and technical dental work is, requiring both dexterity and precision.

Volunteering in a dental brigade in Haiti, Mirlande, 6, taught me about vulnerability and trust. Mirlande was scared and reluctant to open her mouth for her first dental exam. I took her aside and, as she watched, I carved a perfect tooth from soap using dental instruments. I carved slowly and precisely, and then presented her with the gift. She put the tooth in her pocket and then allowed me to clean her teeth. I was immediately struck by the vulnerability of not only soft tissue, but of hearts, as she leaned back and opened her mouth in trust. This moment solidified my decision to become a dentist.

Though the earlier comparison between baking and dentistry is merely an analogy, it is one that suggests I have developed key skills and am aware of the core competencies a dentist must hold to best serve their patients professionally and ethically. Dentistry is my vocation, baking a hobby, but both speak to my investment in excellence, precision, and doing for others.  (4,500 characters, including spaces)

A dental school personal statement is your opportunity to show admissions committees who you are as a person and aspiring dental professional, aside from your CV, GPA, Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) score, and other quantitative data. As any personal statement essay, the dental school personal essay should be a narrative account that gives the admissions committee the opportunity to learn more about you than what can be conveyed in a dry document like a CV or transcript. 

For dental school  ADEA AADSAS  applications, the American Dental Education Association requires an essay of no more than 4,500 characters (including spaces), which must demonstrate your key personal qualities, aspirations, and reasons for pursuing a career in dentistry to the schools to which you are applying. This process isn’t as standardized in Canadian programs, so you’ll need to check the application requirements for the programs and schools to which you are applying to see if a personal statement is required. In doing so, you can also learn whether there are any specific requirements regarding the length of the essay, whether there is a specific prompt to which you must respond in your dental school personal statement, and whether there are any other application requirements.

Want some more personal statement examples? Watch this video:

Writing a Strong Dental School Personal Statement

If you're applying to  dental schools in Canada  or the US, a personal statement, or similar essay, is often required as part of your application package, regardless of whether you're applying through AADSAS or  TMDSAS . It’s important to craft a statement that draws from your experiences, such as your dental school extracurriculars. You can also refer to your dental school application experience examples , or even your dental school letter of recommendation for help. This blog will help you understand the key things you must do (and that you must avoid) in composing your essay, with dental school personal statement examples that demonstrate these strategies, so that you can draft the strongest, most compelling dental school personal statement possible.

1. Tell a story

Ideally, you will craft a story or detail a defining moment that helped you realize why this is the profession you want to pursue. Providing an anecdote or vignette – perhaps an experience you’ve had as a dental patient, an interaction you’ve witnessed as a volunteer or while shadowing a dental care professional, a story about someone you know, etc., – is often a useful way of giving the evaluators a window into your life and motivations.

2. Demonstrate why you’re a “good fit”

Your dental school personal statement should also express why you are a strong candidate and a "good fit" for the school and program, while stirring the interest of your reader. Review our blog,  dental school acceptance rates  to find out which schools are best suited for you. Admissions committees will review hundreds of these personal statements, so draw on the values of the profession and the mission of the institution to highlight your alignment with the vision and goals of this vocation, and do so in a way that is engaging and enjoyable to read. Again, narrative is a great way of doing this – people love stories and are often naturally drawn in by them. Bear this in mind as you begin drafting your essay.

Here are some more tips for writing a dental school personal statement:

3. Be authentic and readable

In your personal statement, you want to present your very best self, emphasizing your genuine passion for the field and your enthusiasm for working in a healthcare profession like dentistry. Don’t try to cram in complicated terminology or jargon, thinking it will make you sound smarter (it won’t – true experts know how to explain their ideas effectively to an audience of non-specialists), and don’t rely on clichés (e.g., “I want to help people” – this is a lovely desire, but it’s over-used and too generic). Use polished prose that represents your genuine voice and reasons for pursuing the profession, and write in a way that will be comprehensible even to those outside this particular specialization. This can take practice. You might go through multiple drafts of your essay before you’re confident in submitting it. If you’re having trouble getting to this point, consider dental school admissions consulting . 

4. Express your desired contributions to the field

Quite simply, you need to explain why you will be a good dentist, in both practical terms and in terms of devoting yourself to patient care. You need to show that you know how to become a dentist in terms of skills and experience; there will be other opportunities to address other aspects of your candidacy through things like the dental school manual dexterity question or the multiple mini interview (MMI) collaboration station . For now, answer the following questions: what does it mean to you to dedicate yourself to the profession and to patients? What experiences have you had with the dental profession so far, and how have these impacted you? What are your priorities as an aspiring dentist? Thinking through these questions, while also pointing to concrete experiences or accomplishments that support your responses, will help the committee see not just who you are now, but who you are working to become as you pursue the goal of becoming a dental professional.

Need help with your dental school application? Learn what our students say about our services:

Things to Avoid in a Dental School Personal Statement

Here are some key “don’ts” in composing your dental school personal statement:

1. Don’t summarize your CV

Your personal statement shouldn’t simply repeat information available elsewhere in your application materials. Referring to experiences discussed in those materials, for the purpose of expanding on them or contextualizing them, is fine. Just ensure that you’re actually doing that work and demonstrating the significance of the experience(s) you describe. For example, if your CV indicates that you’ve done volunteer work at a dental clinic or with an organization, it’s totally fine to discuss this volunteer work in your personal statement; however, that discussion must go beyond what is offered in your other application materials. Your dental school personal statement shouldn't be a dry recitation of events in your CV. It should be a persuasive and engaging work that draws on just a few select experiences that epitomize your interests, priorities, and the work you've done so far in working toward becoming a dentist. For example, instead of giving names, dates, and general facts about your experience as a volunteer, you can tell a story of a particularly meaningful accomplishment or interaction, reflecting on how it helped solidify your desire to pursue this career.

2. Don’t dwell on negative experiences

If you’ve overcome challenges or if there are less-than-ideal aspects of your educational experience so far (such as a term where your GPA took a dip), it’s fine to address these in a personal statement essay. However, it is crucial that you reflect on this from a perspective of growth, resiliency, and capacity for improvement, rather than focusing on the negatives. If your grades took a hit one term because of extenuating circumstances, by all means, take some time to explain this, if you think it will be helpful (and it often is). However, the discussion around the circumstances should be minimal – just a set-up for a more substantial discussion of what you learned, how you grew, etc. – and you shouldn’t use this as an opportunity to make excuses. Rather, briefly describe the event, own up to your mistake or misstep (if applicable), and then spend the most time explaining how you addressed the issue, how you moved past it, and why you will be a better future professional for having gone through it.

Probably the biggest mistake students make is to not take the personal statement seriously enough, waiting until just a few days before it’s due to even begin. You must begin early – a strong personal statement essay can take months and numerous revisions to be the best it can possibly be. You need to put a lot of thought into this document, as it is a very important component of your application. This is your chance – and often your only chance – to address the evaluators on a human level, prior to answering  dental school interview questions , including   MMI questions . So, rather than thinking of this as a chore, think of it as an opportunity to demonstrate your best self to the admissions committee. 

4. Don’t submit your dental school personal statement without getting expert feedback

The personal statement isn’t just about what you’ve done, it’s about who you are – what your values are, what your priorities are, what your reasons for pursuing this profession are, and how all of these things align with the discipline and school you are approaching with your application package. Getting expert feedback from those on the “other side” of such applications, those who have gone through the process successfully or those who have been part of admissions committees, will give you incredibly valuable insights into how to make your own personal experiences stand out and work for you most effectively. At this stage of your professional development, you face a wealth of “unknown-unknowns”; i.e., things that you don’t even know to look for or consider, because it's likely that you simply haven’t been exposed to the field or the process long enough or in an official capacity. This can be a considerable hindrance, so don’t try to take on this task alone. Seek out expert feedback, and do so early enough that you can review, revise, and implement any necessary changes to make your dental school personal statement the best it can possibly be.

8 Dental School Personal Statement Examples

Dental school personal statement example #3, dental school personal statement example #4, dental school personal statement example #5, dental school personal statement example #6, dental school personal statement example #7, dental school personal statement example #8, dental school personal statement example #9, dental school personal statement example #10.

  • Starting too late. Getting your personal statement right requires multiple edits and revisions. If you start working on your statement too late, you risk running out of time for proper revisions and edits, leaving a rushed, sub-par statement. Remember, your personal statement is a direct reflection of who you are as a person, and who you'll become as a dentist. It's not something that can be, nor should be rushed.
  • Showing instead of telling, for example, saying “I'm a great listener” instead of demonstrating that you're a great listener through real examples in your essay.
  • Focusing on too many experiences. In general, it's best to discuss 2-3 experiences in your personal statement. You should be able to discuss each experience in-depth, and reflect on what you learned from a particular experience. Too many experiences crammed in doesn't allow you to really expand on each experience and doesn't provide an in-depth analysis of how this experience was transformative on your path to becoming a dentist.
  • Listing information that's already found in your application materials. Your personal statement is not a list, instead, it should be a story of your journey to dentistry.
  • Jumping around in time. Your personal statement should be in chronological order, beginning with your initial interest in dentistry and evolving to your absolution that dentistry is the right career path for you. Jumping around in time makes for a disjointed essay that will come across as confusing to admissions committee members. In addition, you want to ensure that you utilize strong transitional sentences, as these tie together paragraphs and aid in the overall flow of your essay.
  • Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Mistakes and errors in your personal statement are harmful because they tell admissions committees that you're not detail-oriented, you rushed your statement and because of that, you don't really care about it, or their program. Ensure your statement is reviewed multiple times, ideally with a professional's help, to ensure your essay puts your best foot forward and is free from any spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
  • Boasting. While you can certainly highlight a few key accomplishments in your statement, such as finishing at the top of your class or raising money for a good cause, it's important that you are tactful in how you phrase your accomplishments. You always want to be humble, and think about what an achievement means to you and why. Lastly, it's a good idea to reflect on what you learned from your achievements and how that can translate in your career as a dentist.

While the majority of your personal statement should be about you - your experiences and how they relate to your decision to pursue dentistry, you can certainly include information relating to another person. For example, you could mention a family member's struggle with a disease, a patient's story, or a conversation with a dentist. As long as you circle back to why this story is significant in your pursuit of dentistry, what you learned from the experience or even how an experience changed your point of view.

Your personal statement must adhere to the ADEA's character count of 4500 characters, including spaces. However, this doesn't mean that you must include this many characters. As long as your essay is below the count, it's most important that you focus on creating a powerful, in-depth essay that proves to the admissions committee why you want to be a dentist and why you would be suitable for a career in this field, then it's perfectly acceptable.

Your personal statement is one of the most important aspects of your entire dental school application. It will serve as your introduction to admissions committees – letting them know who you are a person, who you are as a candidate, and essentially, that you're suitable for a career in dentistry. A poorly crafted personal statement can result in rejection from dental school, so it's essential that your statement is both engaging and memorable to secure you an invitation to interview.

No, remember, this information will be included elsewhere in your application, so it's not suitable to include this in your personal statement.

  • Brainstorm ideas.
  • Create an outline.
  • Focus on body paragraphs first using a maximum of 3 experiences.
  • Ensure you SHOW what you learned (don’t tell) by using examples.
  • Write your conclusion.
  • Write your introduction last.
  • Attention-grabbing introduction: Not just a thesis statement, but something interesting to draw the reader in, like a quote or a story.
  • Transitions: These should lead from one paragraph to the next, creating flow. Use linking words such as however, additionally, also, next, etc.
  • Strong examples: This way you are showing, not telling.
  • Clear and direct language: Your language does not have to be fancy, what's most important is that it's easy to read and follow. For example, “utilize” is one of the most over-used words in academic essays and “use” works just as well.
  • Conclusion: This should summarize your main points, but also leave the reader with a compelling closing sentence that makes them want to find out more about you. For example, include a call back to your opening anecdote and highlight how far you have come.

Dental school personal statement editing, just like medical school personal statement editing , is very important. Begin by writing the BEST first draft you can and then begin your edit. Don’t write something of average quality, half-done, or way over the character limit. Trying to work from these copies will only create confusion and delays. Next, you should read your essay out loud to yourself sentence by sentence to ensure it flows well and to catch any grammatical errors. Each sentence should be contributing to the overall point. If you find yourself repeating your thoughts in multiple forms, think about paring your sentences down. Quality is more important than quantity.

Next, repeat this process 2-3 times. Resist the urge to keep tinkering over and over again. There are multiple strong ways to word sentences and express your thoughts. There are probably even multiple experiences you could highlight and have an equally strong personal statement. However, obsessing over each sentence and word once you have written a strong statement will just lead to changing too many things, delays, you feeling nervous, and sometimes even a weaker essay than you started with!

Yes, you can definitely mention experiences in your personal statement that are non-academic or not related to dentistry. A strong experience to mention should be one that taught you important skills and that influenced your decision to pursue dentistry. Personal experiences can also have a strong influence on which profession you pursue, so you can definitely mention non-academic experiences.

It’s certainly normal to want input from others when we are crafting personal statements. A strong reviewer is one who has experience and expertise with professional school applications and has helped other students before. For example, someone with an advanced degree like a practicing dentist or other professional. Even though you may feel tempted to ask friends and family, you may want to refrain from this, as they are often invested in your success and may find it hard to be objective.

Try to find someone who does not know you so well so they can give objective guidance. The other thing you want to avoid is having “too many chefs in the kitchen.” Too many different people reviewing your statement is only going to pull it in too many different directions, ultimately leading to confusion and even more delays. And again, some students might feel more comfortable using a dental school admissions consulting service for this aspect of their application.

Just like you would address this during an interview, your statement can address areas of concern by following these steps:

  • Take responsibility.
  • Explain mitigating factors.
  • Don't make excuses.
  • Share strategies for what you learned and how you would avoid a situation like this in the future. 
  • Make sure you end on a positive or proactive note.

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Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions.

Yutika Maharaj

Hi there Do you have any sample personal statements for a foreign trained dentist applying to ADEA PASS and ADEA CAAPID. Thanks

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hi Yutika! Thanks for your comment. As an international applicant, your personal statement should follow the same structure and contain pertinent info about yourself and your application. Use these samples to construct your own, unique narrative!

It is remarkable, very good information

Thanks, Code!

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Your personal statement is a one-page essay (not to exceed 4,500 characters, including spaces, carriages, numbers, letters, etc.) that gives dental schools a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in dentistry.

Although there is no set of rules mandating what a strong personal statement should include, here are a few tips to help you successfully craft a winning personal statement:

  • Explain a defining moment that helped steer you toward a career in dentistry. Consider using that moment as the focal point of your essay.
  • Be colorful, positive, imaginative and personal when discussing why you’re a good candidate for dental school. Ask yourself—in a pile of 100 applications, would I enjoy reading my statement? Be sure to convey your passion for dentistry in your statement.
  • Be yourself.  Don’t use jargon, clichés or big phrases that you would not use in daily conversation. Remember, dental schools want to know about the real you.
  • Be original and thoughtful: Discuss how you would contribute to the profession and patient care, all of which will help you stand out from other applicants.
  • Tell your story—make sure the essay is your story, not someone else’s. 
  • Recruit a friend. Ask a friend, relative or faculty advisor to read your essay and provide constructive criticism. Ask them to think about whether the essay is a good representation of your character, and what they know of your ideals and aspirations.
  • Give yourself time to organize your thoughts, write well and edit as necessary. And don’t forget to proofread, proofread, proofread!

Here are a few things to avoid when writing your personal statement:

  • Writing what you think the admissions committee wants to hear.
  • Using a gimmicky style or format.
  • Summarizing your resume or repeating information directly from your transcripts or recommendation letters.
  • Emphasizing the negative.
  • Waiting until the last minute to get started on your statement.

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This video provides suggestions on developing your applications strategically to highlight your strengths and maturing competencies for a future in dentistry.

Some tips for applying to dental school—apply early, ask early, research, proofread your work, be organized and talk to your health professions advisor!

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dentistry school essay

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Sample Dental Personal Statement — AADSAS

Got accepted to penn, ucsf, nyu, nova, umich, maryland, uf.

A terrified girl with a swollen upper lip trudges into the endodontic clinic. She needs an emergency retreat of her root canal due to a poor previous obturation. As the needle pierces her gums, childhood memories of getting root canals without anesthesia flood her body with even greater pain and fear. Her student dentist wipes away her tears and holds her hand tighter. “The worst part is over,” remarks the soothing voice of the resident as she puts away the syringe. She is amazed by how fast the pain goes away. This girl was me three years ago, and it was this moment that I first envisioned dentistry as my career. [MZ1]  

I was born and raised Uyghur, a Turkic ethnic minority in Central Asia. Growing up in a mixture of Turkish, Middle-Eastern, and Asian cultures helped me appreciate cultural diversity and collaborative environments later in life. Shortly after my high school graduation, I made the biggest decision of my life: to pursue an undergraduate degree in the United States, where I would be able to blossom in a free academic environment. I packed my ambitious heart and dreams into a suitcase and headed for the U.S.

Being away from home for the first time, I was thrilled to explore the world on my own. Determined to overcome the language barrier, I took every possible opportunity to practice my English skills while attending a language institute. Within six months, I passed the placement test and started taking college-level courses. Small victories like this strengthened my determination, and prepared me to overcome future obstacles that I faced while pursuing undergraduate studies and finding my career path.

[MZ2]  

Dealing with frequent illnesses as a child led me to spend a lot of time in the care of others. Nurses, doctors, and dentists became my heroes, and I dreamed of being like them one day. In order to gain more experience in the healthcare field while pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, I became a Certified Nursing Assistant and began working in an assisted-living facility caring for residents with Alzheimer’s disease. The bonds I built with these kind people and their families helped me realize how much I love caring for others and making positive impacts on their lives. [MZ3]  

Around the same time, I became a patient at the University of Florida College of Dentistry team clinics. A long history of poor dental care led me to undergo an extensive amount of dental work at the clinic. This is where I first met Magda, my student dentist from the root canal story. As soon as I expressed my interest in the healthcare field, Magda enthusiastically began explaining dental procedures to me, teaching me to recognize dental instruments and even how to interpret x-rays. Her proficient skills, professionalism, and concerns for patients truly inspired me to further explore dentistry as my prospective profession.

I subsequently started shadowing at the team clinic, which enabled me to gain a closer look at dentistry. From various types of periodontal therapies, restorations, and extractions – every procedure I assisted with, pumped my body full of adrenaline. I fell in love with how much creativity is utilized in dentistry and relished every bit of patient interaction.

The knowledge from the team clinic further inspired me to pursue a community-based dental experience. I began to shadow Dr. XXXX, a general dentist at ABC Dental Clinic. ABC is a community for people with developmental disabilities. Volunteering at the clinic has been the most eye-opening and rewarding experience I have had in my limited exposure to dentistry. Most of the patients are not verbally responsive and are very challenging to work with. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Garvey’s patience and empathy makes everything possible. His unwavering commitment to serve the underserved population is inspiring me to become a dentist like him. From there, I started working at the UFCD Pediatric Dental Clinic as a dental assistant. [MZ4]  

Luckily, I never had to return to the endodontic clinic again as a patient, but my unflinching determination in pursuing a dental career has only grown stronger since. Utilizing both creativity and discipline in caring for patients, serving the underserved, and relieving pain is what I have found I love doing the most. If that can become a lifelong career, then I am confident that dentistry is, absolutely, my future vocation. Even better, I will be the first Uyghur dentist in the U.S., now wouldn’t that be something? [MZ5]  

Got accepted to Midwestern University (IL) (Re-applicant with a 2.9 GPA and 19 DAT; Got 5 interviews)

My grandfather made me fall in love with the quote: “Use your smile to change the world, don’t let the world change your smile.” I grew up without my parents, and faced adversity and bullying throughout my childhood. It took a toll on my confidence, made me shy, and discouraged me from smiling. Whenever I feel discouraged, my grandfather’s words always comfort me and push me toward my goals. Last year, I found it incredibly painful to deal with his passing after he battled nasal cavity cancer for eight years. He persevered through harsh medical treatments and never stopped smiling in front of me. Even after his dentures stopped fitting him, he would still smile. He gradually lost his appetite and without dentures, he became nutrient deficient since he could not consume the range of food that he needed. This was when I learned about the importance of dentures and their impact on a person’s health.  Watching how strong he was, I yearned to make him a perfect set of dentures as a special gift one day. My ambition was to watch my grandfather enjoy a wide variety of food and to see his old smile again. Since then, I began to see the power behind my grandfather’s smile. His smile speaks for the positivity, courage, and strength that taught me to embrace obstacles and challenges because they will help me thrive as an independent and a mature adult. Although I lost my grandfather, the pain of losing him strengthened my character and pushed me to pursue my dream to become a successful dentist.  [MZ6]  

During my last quarter at UC San Diego, my grandfather’s condition worsened. I constantly worried about him, as he was the only close family I had. There were times when I struggled to balance family responsibilities with academics, and I had felt mentally and physically exhausted every day. Every time I went to see him in the hospital, he told me not to worry about him and to focus on my academics. My anxiety took a toll on my grades and I realized that it helped neither my dream nor his health. Gradually, I learned to manage my time and my stress, and improved my grades later on through more coursework in post-baccalaureate program . Luckily, my aunt is capable of taking care of my grandmother now, so I can further my studies and work as a dental assistant during my free time. [MZ7]  

As a dental assistant, I channeled my desire of taking care of my grandfather into taking care of patients. [MZ8]  During the preparation for an implant case, I noticed a patient was clenching her fists anxiously. I offered her with a cup of water and started a conversation to ease her worries. Later, she calmed down and was ready for the procedure. She was cooperative when I took a periapical x-ray on the difficult position of tooth #15.  Fortunately, the picture turned out clear and the dentist was able to see the depth of the post and the distance between her sinus. When I greeted the patient during her next visit for abutment, she said “thank you” and gave me the most heartwarming hug that I could ever ask for. Her expression of gratitude kindled my desire to serve more patients as an aspiring dentist. [MZ9]  

Knowing that my grandfather lacked oral health education and had limited dental care during his lifetime, I felt a sense of duty to help those who lack access to dental care [MZ10]  . I helped serve the underprivileged by volunteering at the California Dental Association Free Clinic. In particular, I remember a forty-year old Hispanic immigrant named Julio, who was also a low-income immigrant and a father of four. Majority of his teeth was decayed and in need of urgent restoration. After talking to him, I learned that his condition was the result of a lack of access to quality dental care. Due to financial constraints, he could not afford to visit a dentist for a long time. He was grateful that the Free Clinic had given him this opportunity to restore his teeth. Talking to Julio was eye opening, as it inspired me to reach out to the disadvantaged population and educate them about oral health. One day, I wish to provide equitable access to dental care to all. [MZ11]  

After my grandfather’s death, I wrote a letter to him that ended with this passage: “Thank you, Grandpa, for helping me find my passion and for making me realize the power that genuine smiles can bring. Although you are no longer with us, your wisdom continues to motivate me to spread beautiful smiles and to improve the lives of others. As a tribute to you, I am ready to dedicate myself to the career of dentistry.” [MZ12]  

Got accepted to Penn, UCSF, NYU, Pitt, and Rutgers

‘ Shri Ramajeyam!’ chanted the village magician back in Bangladesh, as he tried to heal my grandmother’s toothache for 40 Taka (equivalent to $0.50 in the US). The cheap hocus pocus failed and ultimately, an oral screening at a local hospital diagnosed an oral lesion in her mouth. However, it remained untreated because of my family’s limited finances. [MZ13]  

These financial challenges that have continually haunted my family have helped ingrain the value of patience within the very essence of my personality. Our patience in reapplying for the Diversity Visa Lottery over and over finally paid off the 9 th time, when we won. We thought our financial distress would improve, so we happily left for America. But, surprises ensued. Extreme poverty, accompanied by a sudden cut in Medicaid forced me to curtail my visits to the orthodontist, but I continued to wait, as I had always been, for a change in fortune. [MZ14]  

That change came when my orthodontist halved my fee after sympathizing with my situation. This drew me to a dentist’s prerogative to demonstrate compassion. The importance of a good patient-doctor relationship stood out even more when I shadowed Dr. Pinto, an oral surgeon. During his interaction with a medically compromised patient, who was suffering from a prior iatrogenic procedure, I saw how dentists not just treat the local symptoms of pain, but also address it in a systemic way. This interactive process reminded me of my time leading mentoring program as an International Youth Scholar, in which I mentored a Somali refugee named Abdi. Being psychologically vulnerable as a result of having faced a civil war, initially, he appeared reserved. With my consisted efforts, I built rapport with him as he slowly opened up about his struggle in the refugee camp, his love for soccer, and his dream to study in the U.S. With my encouragement, he applied and received a scholarship at Syracuse University. I will never forget his smile when he gave me the news.  It reaffirmed the holistic nature of a dentist’s influence on an individual’s systemic as well as psychological health.  [MZ15]  

In addition to treating individuals, I want to expand the influence of dental awareness on a community-wide scale and I began this by targeting my local Philadelphia community. I co-founded the Community Dental Disease Prevention Society aiming to reduce the prevalence of dental diseases. We conducted workshops at low-income schools in the city. Despite the initial lack of interest among students, gradually the number of workshop participants grew as they could relate the workshops to their real life experiences. Here Tagita, a first grader shared her story of waiting for a dental appointment due to her family’s financial incapacity, reiterating the inaccessibility of the dental care provision. Meanwhile, high school students expressed concerns about the increasing prevalence of dental malpractice. This made me extend our goals to educate dental providers of iatrogenic dentistry. Additionally, we also set about spreading scientifically based awareness in dispelling damaging propagandas such as those spread by the Fluoride Action Network about the harmful effects of water fluoridation. [MZ16]  

Aside from my involvement with the community, I found personal gratification and further enhancement of my endurance while I was taking a sculpture course.  After the caffeinated nights and clay-stained hands at the studio, looking at my first project – a clay bust of Abraham Lincoln, an unprecedented sense of pride flooded through me. Right then, I knew that in order to be fulfilled I would need manual involvement in my future profession. [MZ17]  

The unique opportunity offered by dentistry to integrate my manual dexterity with my love for science further drew me in. My passion for science grew in a crowded lab-hood at my organic synthesis lab, where I endured repeated tedious phases of optimization of the reaction conditions. Ultimately, I experienced a deep sense of satisfaction as I produced newer molecules in high yield culminating in a co-authorship of a paper in Organic Letters. [MZ18]  

Perseverance gained throughout my life and from my involvement in science, arts and community activism makes dentistry a perfect match for me. Be it campaigning against iatrogenic dentistry via CDDPS, or making someone like Abdi smile confidently, dentistry has allowed me to consolidate my ideals. As I continue to advocate for increased accessibility to dental care for financially disadvantaged patients, I understand that progress will be slow; for now, I vow to stay focused, stay patient. [MZ19]  

  [MZ1] Terrific hook. The story is engaging and vivid. She also amazingly ends the paragraph with her interest in dentistry. Perfect first paragraph.

  [MZ2] Author provides sufficient background and talks about her personal journey to depict her personalities. She shows us a glimpse into her world and provides a subtle glimpse at her personalities

  [MZ3] Explains what she has done during college. It falls under extra-curricular/leadership bucket. But definitely shows her career interest progression. This paragraph does not employ any vivid story, but at this point it’s not needed anymore because she already earned your trust and you’re reading this.

  [MZ4] The last three paragraph provides the picture of how the author pursued her interest further. It’s a logical continuation of her journey.

  [MZ5] Great concluding sentence! Super-catchy. Creates an unique identity for the author.

  [MZ6] Absolutely great introduction. Author takes you into her world and tells you about her personal life. She provides a nice story to back up why she wants to be a dentist. Great introduction, although a bit too long.

The essay revolves around her grandfather and she continually ties back to this theme.

  [MZ7] She explains her situation but reassures the reader that she will be able to handle the tough workload at dental school.

  [MZ8] Great topic sentence brings back the theme of her grandfather.

  [MZ9] Through telling us a story she provides a glimpse into her personality. From this story, we can make assumptions about what kind of dentist she will become – a compassionate, kind hearted one.

  [MZ10] Again, tying back to the theme

  [MZ11] This is called future pacing. She’s basically telling you her dream as a dentist.

  [MZ12] Slightly unconventional ending, but worked really well for her.

  [MZ13] Unique beginning, proven to be quite effective for the author. The story also hooks you right away. You feel a certain level of sympathy for the author’s family.

  [MZ14] Author is using life story to focus our attention on his personality. It’s very subtle and crafty.

  [MZ15] This paragraph is AMAZING because it talks not only about the things that author admires in his dentist, but he also demonstrate how he implemented those qualities into his extra-curricular activities. This is an advance concept and hard to implement, but if you can do it successfully, you have a great shot at getting into many dental schools (just like the author)

  [MZ16] Tells us a STORY about his community service involvement.

  [MZ17] Manual dexterity can be part of your personal statement but add it such that your essay does not lose flow. This is a strong example of how to talk about your manual dexterity.

  [MZ18] Most people don’t have publication as an undergraduate; if you do, talk about it! It will 20X your chances at getting into a dental school. You should not shy away from talking about your accomplishments.

  [MZ19] Great ending. Author used a catch phrase at the end. Quite cliché, but it is executed properly and makes you remember the author.

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Writing a personal statement for dental schools

Is what I’m writing too personal or not personal enough? Should I be writing more about teeth?  How do I shorten my personal statement without omitting important details? Am I even answering the prompt!?

Writing a personal statement can be an intimidating step in the application process for dental school. I remember reading dozens of example essays online trying to find the “perfect one” that would inspire me and guide my writing so that I would end up with a personal statement that could sum up my entire personality and life goals in just 4,500 characters. The reality is that trying to display who you are and the experiences that make you who you are in one page can be daunting and challenging. But is not impossible! Passion is something that can be detected through writing, so make sure to write about something that you are passionate about and it will be evident to the reader. A common misconception is that your dental school personal statement should be a list of dental experiences or how much you know about dentistry. Although you should be answering the question “why dentistry," the main objective is to paint a picture of who you are and what led you to pursue this career. So, where do  you start? 

Here are 3 tips on writing a personal statement that will make you stand out:

1. always keep the prompt in mind.

The personal statement prompt for dental admission usually doesn’t change and is posted on the ADEA website as the following:

“Your personal statement is a one-page essay (not to exceed 4,500 characters, including spaces, carriages, numbers, letters, etc.) that gives dental schools a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in dentistry.”

Make sure that every sentence- every word- you write serves the purpose of answering the question above. If you find yourself writing about something that you feel doesn’t answer the prompt in one way or another, then it doesn’t belong in your PS. The allotted characters are concise and don’t allow for fluff or fillers. Once you have understood the prompt and the message you want to get across to admissions, then picking your words and what you want to share is made easier. 

2. It is okay to be vulnerable

If there is a life changing moment that you believe ties in to why you are pursuing dentistry, then don’t feel shy to write about it. We all have vulnerable moments, and you might be on the fence on whether to include those moments or not. My advice is to go for it! These moments give the reader a chance to get to know you outside of an academic context. In a pile of 1,000s of essays, you want the reader to connect with you, stories of vulnerability help make that connection.

3. If you talk about an adverse event, make sure to write an ending 

Many applicants do a great job at setting the scene to their stories but forget to write the ending! Let’s say, for example, that I write about the time I worked at a bakery (I wish!) and had many complex orders that needed to be done by the end of the day. I write about how difficult the task was and how impossible it first seemed. Then, I write that I was able to finish everything up and felt good about it. There are many things missing that highlight the significance of why I am writing this story. If you write about a certain experience in a story format, it should answer some of these questions:

  • What have I learned from this experience and how can I implement it to answering the prompt?
  • What skills (leadership) traits did I gain from this experience?
  • In adverse times, what/ who do I find myself turning to? And why?
  • What did I learn about myself through this experience?

By adding dimension and reflection to your stories, the reader will have a better understanding of who you are and how you react to difficult situations. Remember, this point circles back to tip #1: always keep the prompt in mind. By showing growth through your experiences, you demonstrate the resilience that you have that is needed to get through dental school!

dentistry school essay

Hoda is a dental student at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She previously earned a BS in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Psychology at the University of Illinois in Chicago, graduating summa cum laude.

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College of Dentistry

How to craft a winning personal statement for dental school application.

How to Craft a Winning Personal Statement for Dental School Application

Have you put some thought into how you will write your personal statement for application? How will you stand out among the hundreds of other applicants?

With over 11,000 potential candidates applying annually to US dental schools, competition has never been stronger. Above average DAT scores and GPAs aren’t good enough anymore to truly stand out. 

That's why Helen Yang, DMD, a Harvard Dental School graduate and current endodontics resident at UIC, has written a  new book to help applicants become more successful.

In her new book, Your Essential Guide to Dental School Admissions: 30 Successful Application Essays and Collective Wisdom from Young Dentists , Dr. Yang and collaborators offer a holistic strategy for a winning dental school application. The second half of the book focuses on the personal statement and consists of 30 essays written by dental students across the country.

Helen-Yang-book2b.JPG

With a background serving on Harvard Dental School’s admissions committee and working in admissions counseling, Yang offers an invaluable and highly beneficial perspective.

“I looked at what kind of books were already out there. They tended to be written by a single person, so just featuring one person’s experience. Also, they focused a lot on the statistics of getting into dental school, Yang explained, as her inspiration for writing this book.

About half of the book is devoted to crafting a compelling personal statement, because “the personal statement of all the things in the application plays such a big role in making the applicant seem like a real human being.”

“I wanted it to have a strong emphasis on the human aspect of getting into dental school. How can I present myself as a more interesting applicant, and what are the admissions officers looking for?

"The book really focuses on how to make yourself seem more interesting, more human and more like a valuable member of the community. I think that’s what really makes people stand out.”

Four key components of getting into dental school.

Each of the four chapters covers a different key aspect of getting accepted into dental school.  These aspects of the admissions process are explored in detail in Yang’s practical and inspiring guide for dental school admissions.

1. Assemble an Outstanding Application. Creating an application package that is so compelling that it can’t possibly be ignored. This means going beyond application prerequisites  such as competitive GPA, required coursework, and dentist shadowing .

2. write a winning personal statement. retaining individuality and standing out from the deluge of applications with the personal statement. structuring it for success and individuality., 3. ace the interviews. successfully preparing for and dominating the dental school interview..

RELATED:  How to Prepare for the Dental School Interview

4. Map Your Road to Dental School. Deciding on worthwhile extracurriculars and hobbies. Making a seamless and successful transition to dental school.

RELATED:  Roadmap to Dental School  

Succeeding with the Personal Statement

The personal statement is crucial in terms of presenting your individuality as part of the dental school application. It helps admissions representatives understand who you are, your unique experiences and why you chose to become a dentist. Despite it's importance, there is often great uncertainty regarding how it should be structured, what it should focus on, and how to make the best use of it to stand out.  

From ADEA Go Dental:  What is the personal statement for?

Your personal statement is a one-page essay (not to exceed 4,500 characters, including spaces, carriages, numbers, letters, etc.) that gives dental schools a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in dentistry.

Read more @ ADEA Go Dental

Given how important the personal statement is to a successful application, Yang dedicated the entire second half of her book to it. In this section, 30 successful traditional and non-traditional dental students from diverse backgrounds share the personal statements they used to gain admission into a top school of choice.

These students crafted personal statements that genuinely impressed admissions committees and got them into dental school – the exception, not the norm.

 “We got over 50 submissions [for personal statements]. They were all very good. I worked with a team of eight other young dentists to distribute them, had them blinded, and had each essay critiqued and ranked based on quality of writing, how substantial the essays were and how effective they were.”

This process ultimately resulted in 30 top selections. Yang never thought she would get the submissions needed to fulfill the project, but the interest of young dentists to share their statements and help others was clear.

The personal statements showcase helpful examples of what works, and more importantly, expert feedback on why they worked. They offer practical guidance on how to present a story and background to gain an edge in one of the most competitive admissions processes out there.

“When I talk to pre-dental students, most people don’t think of themselves as unique or interesting or impressive. They are like ‘my grades are average, my stats are average. How on earth do I stand out?”

It’s a very common problem, but Yang recognizes that every applicant has something genuinely worthwhile to share, “The first thing I do when I meet with any pre-dental student is I get them to talk about themselves. From that, you can tell that everyone has a unique story that no one else has.

So even though they may not feel special because they lived with that their whole life, you can say ‘Look, no one else has your story. If you can wisely tell that story, that would make you seem different and more outstanding than other applicants.’”

Dr. Yang holds little back in this thorough book. She provides an unadulterated and authentic account of what it takes to thrive in the admissions process, present a compelling story and individuality, and plan for the long-term commitment that a career in the field demands.

Dr. Yang exudes a genuine passion for helping pre-dental students accomplish their dreams. Her book is an invaluable resource that has culminated from her years of experience in dental admissions and her desire to offer a more holistic strategy than the formulaic types of admission tips that are often seen.

Available on Amazon Now

The book has received highly positive reviews since its recent release in 2018.

Your Essential Guide to Dental School Admissions is available in softcover for $14.99 and Kindle for $9.99 on Amazon .

Get ready for dental school, get the information you need to begin your journey into an outstanding career in dentistry today.

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Getting Into Dental School: Essays, Recommendations, and Interviews

Essay… Personal Statement… Statement of Purpose… Candidate’s Admission Statement… These terms bring a shiver to the spine of many a potential dental student. You should think of the application essay, however, as an opportunity to show admissions officers what you’re made of. They want to know why you want to attend their optometry program and this is your chance to tell them as clearly and compellingly as you can.

Your application essays can serve two basic purposes. First, they show whether or not you can write a clear, coherent essay that’s logically and grammatically correct. These days, students’ writing ability is often presumed deficient unless proven otherwise. Second, they provide you with the opportunity to present the admissions committee with more of a “three-dimensional” portrait of yourself as a deserving candidate than GPA and DAT numbers possibly can. What you choose to write sends clear signals about what’s important to you and what your values are. You can explain why you really want to pursue dentistry and the career path it will enable you to follow. Your essay also enables you to explain things like a bad grade or term in an otherwise creditable record.

The dental school essay should provide a 3-dimensional picture of you.

Essays are the best way for admissions officers to determine who you are. So, don’t hesitate to go beyond your current experience for essay topics. Feel free to discuss other events that help define who you are. If you have overcome significant obstacles, say so. If you were honored with an award, describe the award and what you did to achieve recognition.

It behooves you to do a good job here. So start early. Go over your goals and aspirations, write several drafts, talk to students and professors. Then give some thought to your goals. How will you accomplish them? What can you contribute to the dental school community? What can you contribute to this particular school or program? If you can answer these questions in a clear, concise manner, the statement will be a relative breeze.

A Few Final Tips for Dental School Essays

  • Answer questions.
  • Follow directions.
  • Match yourself with the school.
  • Be your unique self.
  • Tell stories and make your essays interesting.
  • Start with a bang.
  • Ask other people to read your essay and give you their impression.

Getting Recommendations for Dental School

Recommendations rank among the most important items in your admissions file. In many cases, they are the most important, making or breaking many an application. So start thinking about them as soon as possible. The whole process of identifying good recommenders, lining them up, and then making sure they follow through with winning letters can take a lot of time.

If you’re still in college or a recent grad, your college professors will likely make the best references. This is especially true if you’re going on to study the same subject in grad school.

Make it personal

Choose people who like you, and who think you’re good at what you do. Choose good writers who can express their opinions clearly. If a potential recommender seems less than enthusiastic in any way, keep looking. That person’s ambivalence is likely to come through in the letter.

The more personalized and detailed your letters are, the better. So invest the time to make your recommenders’ job as easy as possible. Try to set up an appointment or lunch interview to discuss your grad school interests with each letter writer. At these interviews, review your academic performance and see what other information they’d like. Providing copies of your papers, portfolios of your work, and the like will help writers make their letters as focused and specific as possible.

Provide your recommenders with all the info, forms, stamped and addressed envelopes they’ll need. Make sure they’re aware of deadlines and follow up later. By all means, give them as much time as possible. Writing a good reference takes time and your recommenders will likely have other competing demands for time—and other recommendations to write.

Keep your recommendation writers on schedule. Provide a gentle reminder when a deadline is approaching. Pave the way for this reminder when you first ask for the recommendation by mentioning a date for a follow-up call. And, of course, a thank-you letter at the end of the process is always appreciated.

Finally, letters from big-name scholars can certainly get admissions committees’ attention. But the usefulness of a letter from Prof. Supernova, who can’t quite place your face, not to mention your abilities, is questionable.

Ask yourself these questions when considering potential recommenders:

  • Have you worked closely with this person?
  • Do you feel this person thinks favorably of you?
  • Does this person know you in more than one context (e.g., work plus an activity)?
  • Does this person know that you intend to go to grad school?
  • Is this person an effective narrative writer?
  • If this person knows you from previous rather than current experiences, have you kept in touch?
  • Will this person complete your recommendation letter by the deadline you give?

The Dental School Interview

When applying to dental school, your interview is an important requirement for admissions. In addition, some schools use interviews to evaluate borderline cases. Whatever the reason for the interview, it’s important that you schedule with the admissions officer early.

Top Dental School Interview Tips

  • Review your application. The interviewer is likely to ask specific questions about it.
  • Be ready to relate several stories on how you took initiative or participated in a leadership role.
  • Be open and honest.
  • Ask good questions and make sure the answer is not in the school’s reading materials.
  • Be prepared to give a convincing answer to the interviewer’s inevitable question, “Why here?”
  • Follow proper business decorum.
  • Watch your non-verbal clues, such as eye contact, posture, and fidgeting.
  • Write a thank-you note.
  • Be courteous to the administrative staff. How you treat them can have an impact (positive or negative).

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Dental School Secondary Questions

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AL - University of Alabama School of Dentistry (UAB)

Supplemental questions location: emailed to everybody IS, only selected OOS applicants.  

Required for all applicants:

  • What ties do you have to Alabama, if any? (no word/character limit)
  • Why do you want to attend the UAB School of Dentistry? (no word/character limit)
  • How would you describe your healthcare exposure? This may include shadowing, employment/volunteerism in healthcare setting, medical/dental mission, research, etc. Include your role/duties. (no word/character limit)
  • To what activities or hobbies do you like to devote your time and efforts? (no word/character limit)
  • What else do you want the admissions committee to know about you? (no word/character limit)

AZ - A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH, ATSU-AZ)

Supplemental questions location: mailed to all applicants that meet requirements.

  • Why are you applying to ASDOH? What makes our school different from other dental schools? (500 words)
  • What changes do you think we will see in the profession in the future? (500 words)

Optional for all applicants:

  • Please list any changes or updates to your AADSAS application. If your AADSAS application is complete and accurate, please move on to the next question. (no word/character limit)

AZ - Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine (CDMA, MWU-AZ)

Supplemental questions location: emailed to all applicants that meet requirements.

Required when applicable:

  • If you were a non-science major, how has your major course of study prepared you for a career in the health professions?
  • If you have any C- or lower grades and/or any course withdrawals on your transcript, please explain the circumstances of these grades and/or withdrawals.
  • Is there any additional information that you would like Midwestern University to have that is not included in the AADSAS application?

CA - California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine (CNU)

Supplemental questions location: AADSAS.

  • What is important in selecting a dental school? What factors do you take into consideration when deciding which dental school to attend? (3000 characters)
  • Why do you want to join the California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine Family? Please state briefly how you will contribute to CNU College of Dental Medicine. (3000 characters)

Optional for all applicants:  

  • Please use the following space to tell us anything additional that you believe is relevant to your application. (5000 characters)

CA - University of Southern California, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry (USC)

  • Have you previously applied to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC? If so, did you participate in an interview? (2000 characters)
  • Have you taken any classes at a community college? If so, list each institution’s name and the number of units you have completed. (2000 characters)
  • Please list your professional achievements and include when and how long. (2000 characters)

CA - Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLU)

Supplemental questions location: emailed to all applicants.

  • Tell us what characteristics of Linda Linda University are particularly attractive and meaningful to you and why you have chosen to apply for advanced education. (4000 characters)
  • Discuss how your spiritual origins, development, and experience have influenced and been integrated into your daily life. (4000 characters)
  • Tell us the desirable qualities that you see in yourself that you believe would aid us in considering your application. (4000 characters)
  • LLU believes deeply in integrated values into the educational experience. As a result, religion courses and chapel attendance are part of the curriculum. Tell us why you believe that a faith based education would be a special benefit to you. (4000 characters)
  • As a Seventh-day Adventist institution, LLU has lifestyle expectations which include abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug/substances in all forms while enrolled. If you are accepted to Loma Linda university, are you willing to abide by the lifestyle policies of the university while enrolled? (4000 characters)

CA - University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry (UCLA)

  • How do you deal with failure? (350 characters)
  • How would you assess your ability to ask for help and give one example of when you had to do so? (350 characters)
  • Please LIST 3 ways you deal with stress. (100 characters)
  • Are you making, or have you already made, a career change prior to applying to dental school? Please explain. (350 characters)

Required for applicants not currently in school:

  • If you are not currently enrolled in school, what have you been doing since graduation? (600 characters)

Required for applicants interested in the DDS-PhD program:

  • Please explain your future plans for your DDS-PhD career. (600 characters)

CA - University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry (UCSF)

  • What is important to you in selecting a dental school? How will you make your decision about which school to attend? (1500 characters)
  • Why do you want to join the UCSF community? Please state briefly how you will contribute to the UCSF School of Dentistry. (1500 characters)
  • Please use this space to tell us anything additional that you believe is relevant to your application. (5000 characters)
  • If you intend to apply to the DDS/PhD program, you must submit an additional essay below which outlines your reasons for your interest in the DDS/PhD program. Your application will not be considered for the joint program if you do not supply this additional essay. If you selected "no", please enter "N/A" (1600 characters)

CA - University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry (UoP)

There are no supplemental questions that require an essay response.

CA - Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine

Supplemental questions location: admissions website.

  • Please explain why you chose to apply to WesternU’s College of Dental Medicine (500 words)
  • If you have any additional information you would like the Admissions and Selection Committee to consider or aspects of your application which you think may seem confusing or incomplete as they are stated elsewhere, you can upload a Word or PDF document (limit to one page).

You may also use this as an opportunity to explain factors such as: factors that may have had a negative effect on some aspect of your academic performance, experience in dentistry, including virtual experiences, extracurricular/volunteerism/community service, and why you are applying to the Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine specifically.

CO - University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU)

Required for applicants with outstanding prerequisites:

  • The University of Colorado requires that all prerequisite course work be completed at the conclusion of the spring term of the year accepted with a letter grade of C or better. If you have not completed all of the prerequisite courses (including upper division course work), please provide us with your timeline for completion of all prerequisite courses. (Not answering this question could delay processing your application) (1000 characters)

CT - University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine (UConn)

  • Do you meet the 50 hour general dentist shadowing requirement? If yes, please list your shadowing experiences. If no, please explain how you will meet this requirement. (500 characters)

DC - Howard University College of Dentistry

  • Explain what motivated your decision to apply to HUCD. (5000 characters)
  • How does our program fit with your career plans? (5000 characters)
  • Describe any experiences and/or skills that have made you more appreciative or sensitive to other cultures or the human condition. (5000 characters)
  • Provide a specific example of how you promoted diversity in your community or school. (5000 characters)
  • If you could appear before the Admissions Committee what information would you want them to know that is not already included in your application? (5000 characters)
  • Tell us about your childhood/adolescence. Briefly describe your family, community, and disadvantage(s), and any other information that is important about your background before college. (5000 characters)
  • How did you prepare for you DAT? If you took the DAT more than once, describe your preparation for each. (5000 characters)
  • Please describe and explain any academic problems that occurred in college and / or graduate/professional school. This may include withdrawals from courses or school, incomplete grades, and grades of D or F (or their equivalent). (5000 characters)

FL - Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine (LECOM)

Supplemental questions location: emailed to everybody that qualifies.

FL - Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine (NSU)

Fl - university of florida college of dentistry (uf).

Supplemental questions location: emailed to selected applicants.

There are no supplemental questions that require an essay response

GA - Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University (DCG)

  • Are there any factors that may have affected your academic record? (1500 characters)
  • Please explain any other responsibilities you may have outside of being a student. (1500 characters)
  • Do you feel that the area where you grew up has health disparities such as medically underserved, dentally underserved, or reduced and free lunches provided for high school students? If yes please explain. (1500 characters)
  • Why are you interested in receiving your dental education from The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University? (1500 characters)
  • Please describe your plans for practicing dentistry after graduating from dental school. (1500 characters)

IL - University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry (UIC)

Il - midwestern university college of dental medicine (cdmi, mwu-il).

  • If you were previously accepted into a health profession but did not enroll, or enrolled in a health profession program but withdrew, please explain.

IL - Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU)

Supplemental questions location: AADSAS and admissions website.

  • What is your particular reason for wanting to attend SIU School of Dental Medicine? (1500 characters)

IN - Indiana University School of Dentistry (IU)

Applicant’s choice, choose one out of the three:

  • Discuss an accomplishment, event, realization or change of career plans that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. How has that illustrated resilience, determination, perseverance as part of your authentic character? (250 words)
  • The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? (250 words)
  • Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, or an ethical dilemma—anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain the significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution (250 words)

IA - University of Iowa College of Dentistry (UI)

  • Why do you feel that you are well prepared for a career in the dental profession? (2000 characters)
  • Tell us about a time your integrity was challenged. (2000 characters)
  • Besides dentistry, what are you passionate about? (2000 characters)
  • Share obstacles that you may have overcome to achieve your goals. (2000 characters)
  • In which type of community or setting would you like to practice? (2000 characters)
  • How do you plan to use your dental education after you graduate? (2000 characters
  • Why the University of Iowa College of Dentistry? (2000 characters)

Required for applicants who answer they are part of a community that is underserved:

  • Please elaborate. (2000 characters)

KY - University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UK)

  • Describe an instance where you failed to achieve a goal (personal, professional, or academic) that you set for yourself. (2000 characters)
  • Explain how you handled this situation.
  • What did you take away from this situation?
  • What failure might you anticipate as a dental student?
  • Describe an instance where you received feedback from a mentor, supervisor or instructor that was critical of your performance. (2000 characters)
  • Explain how you handled this feedback.
  • Describe a time when you believe you were treated unfairly. (2000 characters)
  • How did you handle this situation?
  • Please identify one of your long-term service activities. (2000 characters)
  • How did this service activity directly impact another individual?
  • Explain how this service activity impacted you.
  • Is there anything additional you would like to share that is not found in your application? (2000 characters)
  • To assist us in reviewing your coursework, please explain your performance in any course in which you received a C+ or lower or chose to withdraw. (2000 characters)
  • To assist us in reviewing your DAT scores, please explain any scores of 17 or below. (2000 characters)

KY - University of Louisville School of Dentistry (U of L)

Supplemental application location: AADSAS

  • Briefly describe your personal or professional reasons for choosing the University of Louisville's DMD program. (1000 characters)
  • What contributions do you see yourself making to the field of dentistry? (250 characters)
  • Is there anything else you want ULSD to know that is not included in this application? (2000 characters)
  • If you have not taken classes in the past year, please explain what you have been doing. (500 characters)
  • Please briefly explain why you earned any D's, F's and/or W's on your transcript. (1000 characters)

LA - Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Dentistry (LSU)

Supplemental questions location: emailed to qualified applicants.

Required for OOS applicants:

  • If you were fortunate to be accepted to more than one dental school, how would you decide where to attend? Note: we are not looking for you to say, “LSU is my number one choice”. What we really want you to discuss is the process you would use and, more importantly, the criteria you would use to make your decision. (no word/character limit)

ME - University of New England College of Dental Medicine (UNE)

  • Why do you want to attend a dental school with a mission grounded in public health? (3000 characters)
  • Please describe a healthcare or social issue that you are passionate about, and explain why. What role can you play in addressing this issue? (3000 characters)          
  • How has your background and experience prepared you to contribute to an environment that holds diversity as a core value? How do you see yourself demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a dental student and future dentist? (3000 characters)

Required for applicants that have not met shadowing hour requirements, optional otherwise:

  • How have you engaged with the dental profession during the pandemic? (3000 characters)

MD - University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMB, UMD)

Ma - boston university, henry m. goldman school of dental medicine (bu, gsdm).

Supplemental questions location: AADSAS

  • Consider your interests, experiences, characteristics and skills. What makes GSDM a good fit for your dental education? As a dental student, how will you contribute to the school community? (800 characters)
  • Comment on any aspect of your application, if desired. (500 characters)
  • If COVID-19 affected your dental school application preparations, please explain. For example, indicate affected courses, changes to instruction or grading policy, and outcomes. (500 characters)

MA - Harvard University School of Dental Medicine

Supplemental questions location: emailed to applicants invited to interview

MA - Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Supplemental questions location: emailed to applicants invited to interview.

Required for applicants invited to interview, must be handwritten:

  • Fear can sometimes have an immobilizing effect.  Explain a situation in which you were fearful, and what if anything, you did to overcome fear.
  • Imagine being colorblind, what does that mean to you?

MI - University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry (UDM)

Mi - university of michigan school of dentistry (umich).

Required for applicants claiming disadvantaged status:

  • Provide any information about your background that can help clarify your disadvantaged student status. (1000 characters)

MN - University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (UMN)

  • Please provide context for any Incomplete "I", Withdraw "W", "C-", "D" and/or "F" grades. (3000 characters)

Required for reapplicants:

  • If you have previously applied to ANY dental school (not just UMN) and were not accepted, please explain why you feel you are better prepared or better qualified as a candidate this year than when you last applied. Please specify changes/improvements made to your application. (3000 characters)

MS - University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry (UMMC)

Mo - a.t. still university, missouri school of dentistry and oral health (atsu-mo, mosdoh).

  • Why did you participate in the volunteer activities you listed in the Clinical, Volunteer and Community Service section of your AADSAS application? What did you gain from participating in these activities? (500 words)
  • Why do you want to attend the Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health? (500 words)
  • Please list any changes or updates to your AADSAS application. This section may be left blank if your AADSAS application is complete and accurate. (no word/character limit)

MO - University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry (UMKC)

  • Why are you interested in attending the UMKC School of Dentistry? (500 characters)

NE - Creighton University School of Dentistry

  • What is your reason for choosing Creighton? (no word/character limit)
  • Please state if there is anything of particular importance that the Admissions Committee should know about you. (no word/character limit)

Required for applicants with breaks in education:

  • If there was a break in your education (other than the normal school vacations) please explain fully your occupation or activities during that time. (no word/character limit)

NE - University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (UNMC)

  • Please describe the most challenging situation or obstacle you have had to overcome. (500 characters)
  • What was the life lesson you learned from this experience? (300 characters)

NV - University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (UNLV)

Nj - rutgers school of dental medicine.

Supplemental questions location: none.

NY - Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

Ny - new york university college of dentistry (nyu).

  • Why do you want to pursue your dental education at New York University College of Dentistry? (5000 characters)

Required for reapplicants who did not previously apply to NYU:

  • Please explain why you are submitting an application to NYU Dentistry this cycle when you did not previously apply here? (500 characters)

NY - Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine

  • Have there been changes in your preparation from the application to dental school? (500 characters)
  • Is there anything you want us to know that we have not asked you? (500 characters)

NY - Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College

Ny - university at buffalo school of dental medicine (ub).

Supplemental questions location: none

NC - East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine (ECU)

  • What specifically led you to apply to East Carolina University's School of Dental Medicine? (1000 characters)
  • Describe a time that you collaborated with others in working toward a common goal. What did you learn from that experience? (1000 characters)
  • Describe a crisis in your life and what you learned from it. (1000 characters)
  • In times of academic or personal challenges, who is among your support network? In what specific ways has that person(s) been supportive? (1000 characters)            
  • Describe a situation where your attempts at leadership were not successful? Why do you think that was? (1000 characters)

NC - University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Adams School of Dentistry (UNC)

Supplemental questions location: AADSAS and emailed to all applicants.

  • Please describe your interest in choosing University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry for your dental education. (1500 characters)            
  • We all have unique values, aspiration, and a sense of purpose that define who we are and how we live. What is your personal mission? Describe how your personal mission and professional goals align. (250 words)
  • Comment on your ability to work with a team, both as a leader and as a productive team member. (250 words)
  • The dental patient population is becoming more diverse with time. Share your experiences working with diverse groups of people. (250 words)
  • Communication is key in modern healthcare. Share your skill set, experiences, and strengths/weaknesses in communication. This may include experiences in expository writing, public speaking, drama/acting, debate, etc. (250 words)
  • Comment on your college course performance. (250 words)
  • Comment on your DAT performance. (250 words)
  • What have you done to explore dentistry as a career? (no character/word limit)

Applicant’s choice, choose one out of the two:

  • Accessing dental care, for a variety of reasons, is a challenge for many Americans. In your opinion, what role should dentists play in addressing this issue? (250 words)
  • Describe an ethical dilemma you have faced. How was it resolved and how might this experience influence your future career or your time as a dental student? (250 words)
  • Describe a meaningful experience you have had either in a clinical encounter or with a dental role model. What did you learn and how will this influence the type of clinician you will become? (250 words)
  • Describe a time when you have faced conflict. How did you work to resolve it? (250 words)
  • Describe a time when you experienced failure. How did this change you? (250 words)
  • Describe a time when you worked on a team to solve a problem or develop a project. What did you learn about the challenges faced by teams? (250 words)

OH - Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (CWRU)

Required for applicants interested in the DMD/MPH program:

  • Please write a statement about why you are interested in the MPH/DMD program and how this program fits into your long-term professional goals. (500 characters)

OH - The Ohio State University College of Dentistry (OSU)

  • How has your undergraduate experience influenced your outlook on life? (500 characters)
  • Describe a community to which you belong and share a way in which you have made a difference in that community. (500 characters)
  • Describe a challenging circumstance in your life and how you coped with the challenge. (500 characters)

OK - University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (OU)

Or - oregon health sciences university school of dentistry (ohsu), pa - university of pennsylvania school of dental medicine (upenn).

  • What ethical dilemma(s) have you encountered during your education? Please describe. (1000 words)
  • How will you judge if you are a successful dentist?  Please describe. (1000 words)
  • What qualities of Penn Dental Medicine do you feel will help you achieve your professional goals and how? Please describe. (1000 words)
  • Please list any additional predental experience not included in your AADSAS application. This experience can include but not limited to observation in a private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting; dental assisting; dental laboratory work; dental research, etc. Please include time allotted to each activity, dates of attendance, location, and description of your experience. If you do not have any predental experience, please indicate what you plan to do in order to explore dentistry as a career prior to matriculation. Do not include, expand, or repeat information submitted on your AADSAS application in the Dentistry/Shadowing experience section. You may leave this question unanswered if applicable. (1000 words)
  • Please use this space to add additional information regarding your application if needed.  You may use this space to provide information regarding courses (including AP or IB courses) used to meet your prerequisites, clarify areas of your application, provide additional information if you are reapplying this year, and other information relevant to your application. (500 words)

PA - University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine (Pitt)

Required for applicants interested in DMD/PhD:

  • In order to apply for the program, please include an essay that addresses the following questions. This statement is a vital part of the application, and carries the most weight in our admissions decision for the simultaneous degree program. Please describe your intellectual and professional interest in graduate study in Oral Biology. What are your primary interests within your chosen field of study (i.e., Craniofacial Genetics or Tissue Regeneration) and list any relevant background experience that might make you a good candidate? Which faculty mentor and lab would you like to work with? Where do you see yourself after graduate school (what type of career are you training for)? (5000 characters)

PA - Temple University, Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry

Pr - university of puerto rico school of dental medicine (upr), sc - medical university of south carolina, james b. edwards college of dental medicine (musc).

  • For the Essay section, write a brief essay that includes discussion of the following: Previous research experience(s); Current research interests; Why you want to pursue the combined DMD/PhD degree; Why you are applying to MUSC; Your long range goals. (no word/character limit)
  • For the Resume/Personal History below, provide the following information in resume or curriculum vitae format: Past employment; Undergraduate or summer research experience(s); Publications; Academic honors, awards; Extracurricular / community / professional activities; Membership in professional organizations. (upload file no larger than 10 MB)

TN - Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry

  • Please indicate why you wish to attend Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry? (no word/character limit)

TN - University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry (UT, UTHSC)

Tx - texas a&m university college of dentistry, tx - texas tech university health sciences center el paso, woody l. hunt school of dentistry, tx - university of texas health science center at houston school of dentistry (ut-h, uthsc-h), tx - university of texas health science center at san antonio school of dentistry (ut-sa, uthsc-sa), ut - roseman university of health sciences college of dental medicine, ut - university of utah school of dentistry (u of u).

Supplemental questions location: AADSAS and emailed to qualified applicants.

  • Please tell us why you are interested in the University of Utah School of Dentistry? (9999 characters)
  • Please tell us any additional information about yourself not already in your application. (9999 characters)
  • Please list three obstacles that you have encountered in your preparation for dental school and how you have or are managing each. (9999 characters)
  • Please describe how your prior employment has helped prepare you for dental school. (9999 characters)

VA - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry (VCU)

  • Is there any information not included elsewhere in your application that you would like us to know? (no word/character limit)

WA - University of Washington School of Dentistry (UW)

  • Embracing equity, diversity and inclusion is a value the UWSOD seeks to uphold in its teaching, service and research. We don’t take these values for granted, they are things that everyone in our dental school community must actively practice. If you are selected to be a member of the incoming predoctoral class, how would you contribute to developing and maintaining a sense of belonging for all of your classmates? What challenges do you think you might encounter? What benefits would you expect? (1500 characters)
  • Service to others is highly valued at UWSOD. Please describe a memorable experience within the last two years in which your service to someone or to a community in need was enriching to the recipient(s) of your action. What was your motivation to pursue this particular area or theme of service and what was the most meaningful part of the service for you personally? (1500 characters)
  • Please describe a challenge or barrier you have faced in your life. How has that influenced who you are today? (1500 characters)
  • Is there an area of your application that you think is not an adequate representation of your abilities? If so, please explain. (1500 characters)

WV - West Virginia University School of Dentistry (WVU)

Wi - marquette university school of dentistry.

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dentistry school essay

  • Dental Communities (DDS and DMD)
  • Dental Students

Is there a lot of writing in dental school?

  • Thread starter Rlow04
  • Start date Mar 23, 2010

dentistry school essay

Full Member

  • Mar 23, 2010

No19Prophy

Although I have yet to start dental school, to the best of my knowledge, there is barely any writing in dental school, I think unless you join a PhD program. I've asked a few dentists and dental students, and most agreed that aside from a 1-page paper or two throughout their entire education, and essay type questions in some tests, there isn't any writing. I hope some dentists or dental students would confirm or correct what I've posted.  

DrReo

"Thread Necromancer"

Very little. In first year, we have had two writing projects that were easy tasks.  

Every now and then we have to write out a response to a question but hardly is it ever more than a page long. Most of my physical writing will occur in the form of treatment planning, and notes about the patient visit.  

samirmerch

Wittig, Pronounced:Vittig

  • Mar 24, 2010

almost through my first year at Ohio State, and we haven't had to write anything. All tests/quizzes are scantron. I'm sure each school differs.  

You never have to write anything. Unless you need to write to study. All our exams, books, and notes are on our computers. No writing, a lot of reading.  

Thanks for your responses - that's exactly what I was hoping to hear.  

Junior Member

If you can circle one of these, then you'll be fine: A) B) C) D) E)  

  • Mar 25, 2010

6 Page paper due next week for a class. Other than that not to much so far though  

1992Corolla

1992Corolla

Cheerioking.

  • Mar 26, 2010

Sometimes it looks like this A) B) C) D) E) F) A and C G) none of the above H) three of the above I) A, B, D, and E J) B and E K) all of the above L) I feel abused M) The statement is true and the reasoning is related N) The reasoning is true but the statement is false O) necrotic  

Flipper405

"Excessive" flosser

1992Corolla said: Sometimes it looks like this A) B) C) D) E) F) A and C G) none of the above H) three of the above I) A, B, D, and E J) B and E K) all of the above L) I feel abused M) The statement is true and the reasoning is related N) The reasoning is true but the statement is false O) necrotic Click to expand...
  • Mar 27, 2010

reapply2007

Senior member.

I like these- Periodontics is the most important thing in all of dentistry. Without good soft tissue management all restorative dentistry will fail. A) True B) False  

paul510psu

  • Mar 28, 2010

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10 best dental schools in the us in 2024 .

dentistry school essay

Table of Contents

One of the most growing and demanded fields of medical sciences is Dentistry. If you are someone who aspires to make people’s smile brighter and happier, then this blog is for you. If you are also planning to pursue this course and make a successful career in it, then you must know the top dental schools in the US.  

In this blog, you will find the list of the best dental schools, with their rankings and acceptance rates. But before we begin with school, let’s first understand what Dentistry really is in the medical field. 

What is a Dentistry course? 

A dentistry course can be understood as the study of oral or dental medicine. There are some renowned and top dental schools in the US. Many students from all over the world go to the United States of America to pursue their dream of becoming a dentist. But dentistry is a wide course, so first let’s see the branches of Dentistry.  

  • PROS : Prosthodontics 
  • CDNGPR : Canadian General Practice Residency 
  • GPR : US General Practice Residency 
  • PERIO : Periodontics 
  • AEGD : Advanced Education in General Dentistry 
  • ANES : Dental Anesthesiology 
  • OMS : Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 
  • ORTH : Orthodontics 
  • PED : Pediatric Dentistry 

Duties of a Dentist 

Dentists have several duties when it comes to taking care of a patient. Some of these duties are given below. 

  • Educate patients on oral hygiene. 
  • Examine patients with utmost professionalism. 
  • Diagnose dental problems. 
  • Perform clinical procedures – fillings, extractions, design, and more. 
  • Interpreting X-rays and diagnostic tests. 

10 Best Dental Schools in the United States of America 

If you are planning to study Dentistry abroad in the USA, then you must have wondered at least once ‘How many dental schools in US?’. While it is good to know the number of options you can have, it is crucial to know which ones are the best. A field like Dentistry requires serious, authentic and exposure filled course curriculum, which is why we are here with the list of best schools in USA and those dental school rankings. The rankings given below are according to QS World University Rankings for Dentistry in USA 2024. So, let’s begin! 

University of Michigan School of Dentistry:

While this university overall is an excellent one, the school of Dentistry is exceptional. With a brilliant network of affiliated clinics and exposure opportunities, students from all over the world dream of studying Dentistry at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. The university has about 120 full time teachers, and about 15 different programs.  

University of North Carolina :

One of the best dental universities in the world, this Dentistry school is every international student’s dream. Thanks to their A-C-T curriculum, they have managed to become one the best dental schools in the entire United States of America. The Advocate-Clinician-Thinker policy trains students to be problem solvers. 

UCLA School of Dentistry:

Thanks to the extensive curriculum, community service and education planning, UCLA school of Dentistry is one of the best universities for studying Dentistry. The school follows CBCE (Community Based Clinical Education) that gives students opportunities to work with underprivileged clients and work in free clinics.  

Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University:

There is no list of best universities in the United States of America without Harvard University in it. Without any doubt, the dental medicine school of Harvard University is a top school for students who wish to become a dentist one day. It offers the best research programs, along with practical exposure that gives students confidence and determination.   

University at Buffalo :

With a variety of comprehensive dental programs available in the university, this remains to be one of the best dental schools in the US. Students have the choice to pursue a DDS Degree or a Dual Degree. They can also pursue an MBA along with it. 

University of Pennsylvania :

A professional school with three independent research centers within campus, UPenn continues to be a dream of many students. Along with this, the dental school also offers six specialty clinics. Students get to learn a range of sub-specialties, or they can also major in one particular specialty. 

New York University :

NYU, the dream city and university of hundreds and thousands of students worldwide, has one of the best dental schools in the world. The school serves approximately 3,00,000 patients every year. Since this dental school is quite expensive, and in an expensive city as well, students can look for financial assistance.  

Columbia University :

Everyone dreams of being a part of an Ivy League school one day, and what’s better than Columbia? With a standard four-year DDS program, the university offers regular classes. Students can also apply for post-doctoral fellowships after completing their dental program. Interdisciplinary degrees like MBA are also available at the university.  

University of Washington :

Located in one of the best places in the United States, the university offers an extensive and comprehensive dental program. They pay major attention to practical exposure and have a diverse faculty. Quality education, collaboration, and plenty of opportunities are bound to be shared if students choose this dental school. 

University of California :

This continues to be one of the best dental schools for international students seeking quality education. From research opportunities, updated curriculum, and hands-on experience, the dental school has everything that you are looking for. The professionals of this dental school cater to about 120,000 patients in a year, and also address children’s oral health.  

Rank, Average Fees & Acceptance Rate 

University of Michigan School of Dentistry $497,152 6.5% 
University of North Carolina $485,861 132 17.1% 
UCLA School of Dentistry $122,197 15 5% 
Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University $470,380 11 3.18% 
University at Buffalo $259,400 491 5.25% 
University of Pennsylvania $143,122 19 6.1% 
New York University $626,384 38 11% 
Columbia University $138,680 23 5% 
University of Washington $551,983 24 6.1% 
University of California, San Francisco $69,832 6.98% 

Finding the right university/college is never easy, and when it comes to choosing one Dental school out of so many, it is definitely an overwhelming feeling. To make your search easier, and your decision wiser, we have written this blog that provides you with the top 10 dental schools in the United States of America. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring your journey towards being a successful Dentist, and making everyone smile wherever you go! 

Also Read:- US Grading System 2024 , Duolingo Accepted Universities In USA

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Applying to Medical School with AMCAS®

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The American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®) is the AAMC's centralized medical school application processing service. Most U.S. medical schools use the AMCAS program as the primary application method for their first-year entering classes.

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The AMCAS applicant guide outlines the current AMCAS application process, policies, and procedures. This comprehensive resource helps you understand how to complete your AMCAS application.

The American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®) is the AAMC's centralized medical school application processing service.

These pages outline the sections of the AMCAS® application, including the Choose Your Medical School Tool. Full details can be found in the AMCAS Applicant Guide . Visit the  FAQ page  for answers to your questions.

Use the AAMC American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®) Medical Schools and Deadlines search tool to find application deadlines at participating regular MD programs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®) application process. For more detailed FAQs on the AMCAS Letter of Evaluation process including information for letter authors please visit the AMCAS How to Apply section of the site.

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The American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®) application policies are established protocols for applicants and admission officers.

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The application processing fee is $175 and includes one medical school designation. Additional school designations are $46 each. Tax, where applicable, will be calculated at checkout. 

If approved for the Fee Assistance Program, you will receive a waiver for all AMCAS fees for one (1) application submission with up to 20 medical school designations ($1,030 value). Benefits are not retroactive.

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Local Anesthesia for the Dental Assistant: A 45-Hour Training Program - September 2024 - January 2025

Local Anesthesia for Licensed Dental Assistants

Get ready to take your dental assisting career to new heights with our exclusive 45-hour course. This Minnesota Board of Dentistry-approved training program will equip you to administer supraperiosteal injections under direct dentist supervision. Our comprehensive course includes 25 hours of engaging didactic instruction through pre-recorded video lectures and assignments, 5 hours of hands-on injection experience in both at-home and clinical settings, and an immersive 15 hours of on-campus training where you'll successfully perform 50 supraperiosteal injections during the course. Gain the confidence you need as you document your achievements and receive final approval for completing your training from our top-notch dental hygiene faculty at the renowned University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. 

Pre-clinical assignment information will be sent prior to the course. Onsite clinical training will be held on Saturday and Sunday, January 11-12, 2025.

Register for upcoming sessions.

September 16, 2024 6:30 pm - January 12, 2025 3:00 pm

All times for all events are in local Central Time.

Session Location:

Zoom Webinar, in-office/at-home practice, and the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

Course Number: CF4697

Enrollment is limited to 36.

  • Description
  • Credits and Fees
  • Already Registered

The new Minnesota Board of Dentistry rule states that administration of local anesthesia by a dental assistant is limited to supraperiosteal and field block injections 37.10 as prescribed by a dentist. 

Before administering local anesthesia, a licensed dental assistant must: 

  • have at least one year of experience in general chairside dental assisting,
  • complete a board-approved didactic and clinical course at a school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation that requires clinical 37.16 competency in the administration of local anesthesia,
  • pass a board-approved, nationally recognized local anesthetic examination (CDCA local anesthesia examination) and
  • submit the Minnesota Board of Dentistry’s application for local anesthesia certification. 

The University of Minnesota's three-part, board approved training program provides:

  • 25 hours of self-paced didactic instruction including a welcome video/Zoom webinar, recorded video lectures, reading assignments, quizzes, and worksheets. 
  • 5 hours of at-home clinical experience, including a recorded presentation and practice time. Course participants may complete these hands-on experiences at home or in their dental office.
  • 15 hours of clinical experience held at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis campus.

Course Prerequisites

  • Minnesota Dental Assisting License
  • Minimum of one year of current chairside dental assisting experience
  • CPR certification

Learn How To

Analyze basic aspects of local anesthesia                         .

  • Selection and preparation of armamentarium
  • Topical anesthesia
  • Trigeminal nerve
  • Basic injection technique
  • Emphasis on aspiration and slow deposition
  • Proper infection control techniques
  • Proper disposal of sharps
  • Types of injections (field blocks vs. nerve blocks)
  • Documentation and record keeping
  • Sharps injury prevention

Discuss pharmacology and neurophysiology

  • Pharmacology of local anesthetics
  • Neurophysiology
  • Pharmacology of vasoconstrictors
  • Anesthetic agents

Complete a patient assessment and assess dosage 

  • Indications for administration of local anesthetics
  • Contraindications for administration of local anesthetics
  • Absolute contraindications
  • Relative contraindications
  • Calculating the maximum recommended dose
  • Emphasis on using minimum effective dose

Analyze potential complications and manage patients effectively 

  • Local complications
  • Systemic complications
  • Prevention, diagnosis, and management of medical emergencies
  • Review medications in a standard emergency kit

Consider the importance of toxicity

Demonstrate supraperiosteal/infiltration technique               .

  • Anatomy of the head, neck, and oral cavity as it relates to administering local
  • Anesthetic agents for SPs
  • Facial/Buccal SPs
  • Palatal SPs
  • Pediatric Considerations for SPs

Overview of injection techniques                       

Load a syringe and demonstrate safe recapping technique , memorize essential anatomical landmarks, training methods.

Lecture, discussion, self-study sessions, case studies, demonstration, simulation, laboratory exercises

$2,995 licensed dental assistant

Tuition includes food, parking, and most materials and supplies.

Includes 2 credit hours in infection control.

Zoom Session

Monday, September 16, 2024 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

On-campus Session

Saturday, January 11, 2025 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Sunday, January 12, 2025 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM

View the preliminary training schedule

Meet Our Course Director

Jill Hormann, BSDH, MSDH, Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Dental Hygiene, Department of Primary Dental Care, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.  

Ms. Hormann received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry in 2015. Following graduation, she practiced full-time as a dental hygienist before pursuing her career goal of becoming a dental hygiene educator. In 2019, Ms. Hormann received her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. In 2020, Ms. Hormann began teaching for the Division of Dental Hygiene and now provides clinical and didactic instruction to dental hygiene and dental therapy students at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

This course is a combination of on-site clinical training, Zoom presentation and in-office/at-home injection practice.

All registered course participants will receive an email with more details about the course materials, google drive, on-campus location, access to the building, final schedule, and equipment

Refund Policy

A full refund will be issued if you cancel at least one month (30 total days) before the first program session.

No refunds will be allowed after this period.

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Premedical Program

Prepare for medical, dental, veterinary, or physician assistant (PA) school through the postbaccalaureate Premedical Program at Harvard Extension School.

Overview & Benefits of the Premedical Program

In the Premedical Program, you’ll take challenging core science courses, many of which are taught by Harvard University faculty. And you’ll have the opportunity to enroll in clinically relevant electives.

Through either the premedical or pre-physician assistant (physician associate) track , you’ll develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in professional school and demonstrate your competency to admissions committees.

Individualized curriculum to help you become a competitive applicant

Personalized advising on course selection, the application process, & sponsorship

Harvard faculty from such schools as the Medical School & School of Dental Medicine

Flexible course schedules for the part-time student

Clinical & research opportunities

Engaged peer community & Harvard alumni network

The Premedical Program offers two tracks:

Track Prepares you for application to: Course format:
On campus:

Physician assistant (associate) program

We’ll work with you to create a customized course curriculum to meet your academic needs based on:

  • Your chosen curriculum track
  • An assessment of the courses you took as part of your undergraduate degree
  • The courses you’ll need to fill gaps and complete prerequisites.

Most students take a mix of core courses and electives in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and math.

Watch Our Information Session

Learn more about the Premedical Program from our program administrators and a current student in our recorded information session .

Our faculty come from across Harvard University, including Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and the TH Chan School of Public Health.

Director, Premedical Program, Harvard Extension School

Sirinya Matchacheep

Lecturer on Chemistry and Chemical Biology and Director of Instructional Laboratory Programs, Harvard University

Britt Stockton Lee

Clinical Simulation Faculty, MEDscience Simulation Lab, Harvard Medical School

Our Student Community

Graduates of the Premedical Program have been accepted into—and graduated from—top medical and dental schools across the United States, including Brown University, Emory University, Johns Hopkins, and Weill Cornell Medical College.

As a student, you'll engage with peers and faculty regularly in class and weekly gatherings. After you complete the program, you’ll join the global network of the Harvard Alumni Association.

Learn more about our students in the Premedical Program Fast Facts sheet .

Check out the full list of program benefits .

Average age

Average # of years between undergrad degree earned and program admission

Have healthcare work experience

Average # of years to program completion

The weekly clinician chats are excellent opportunities to connect with physicians in the Boston area and gain exposure to the various paths in medicine one can take.

Cost & Aid

The total cost of the program will depend on how many courses (credits) you need to complete the requirements of your chosen programs and schools.

  • Course tuition: Our 2023–24 tuition for a 4-credit undergraduate course is $2,040.
  • Financial aid: After admission, you may qualify for federal aid. Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.
  • Reduced Harvard Summer School tuition: You’ll pay Harvard Extension School tuition rates for Summer School courses as a student in the program. 
  • Payment plan: Program participants may be eligible to enroll in an interest-free payment plan for fall, spring, and summer tuition.

Admission to the Premedical Program

Students in the postbaccalaureate Premedical Program are chosen through a selective application process. The application process is the same for all students interested in pursuing medical school, physician assistant school, dental school, and veterinary school. 

You are eligible to apply if you meet the following criteria:

  • Have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Are a US citizen or permanent resident.
  • Have English language proficiency.

Applications for the Premedical Program are accepted between January 10 and April 10.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer!

What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge round-up of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

  • Argumentative Essay Topics
  • Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
  • Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
  • Descriptive Essay Topics
  • Expository and Informative Essay Topics
  • Humorous Essay Topics

Literary Essay Topics

  • Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
  • Personal Essay Topics
  • Persuasive Essay Topics

Research Essay Topics

Argumentative essay topics for high school.

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some possible argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

  • The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
  • The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
  • All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
  • Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
  • The best country in the world is …
  • Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
  • Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
  • Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

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  • Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
  • Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
  • Does social media do more harm than good?
  • Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
  • What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
  • Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
  • Are men and women treated equally?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 100 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

  • Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
  • Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
  • What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
  • Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

  • How does playing sports affect people?
  • What are the effects of loving to read?
  • Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
  • What effect does violence in movies or video games have on kids?
  • Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
  • Racism is caused by …

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

  • Public and private schools
  • Capitalism vs. communism
  • Monarchy or democracy
  • Dogs vs. cats as pets

Dogs vs. cats as pets

  • Paper books or e-books
  • Two political candidates in a current race
  • Going to college vs. starting work full-time
  • Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
  • iPhone or Android
  • Instagram vs. Twitter (or choose any other two social media platforms)

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

  • Who is the funniest person you know?
  • What is your happiest memory?
  • Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
  • Write about your favorite place.
  • When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
  • Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
  • What is your earliest memory?

What is your earliest memory?

  • What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
  • Describe your favorite pet.
  • What is the most important item in the world to you?
  • Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
  • Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
  • Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
  • Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
  • Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( See 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

  • What makes a good leader?
  • Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
  • What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
  • Describe how the internet changed the world.
  • What does it mean to be a good teacher?

What does it mean to be a good teacher?

  • Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
  • Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
  • Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
  • Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
  • What does “financial responsibility” mean?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

  • What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
  • What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
  • Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
  • Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.

Explain why it's important to eat dessert first.

  • Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
  • Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
  • Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
  • Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
  • Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well.

  • Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
  • Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
  • Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
  • Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .

Analyze the role of the witches in Macbeth.

  • Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
  • Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
  • Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
  • Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
  • Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

  • Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
  • Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
  • Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
  • Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
  • Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.

Write about a time when you or someone you know displayed courage.

  • Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
  • Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
  • Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
  • Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
  • Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
  • What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
  • Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
  • Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
  • Tell about your proudest moment.

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience, so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 60 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

  • Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
  • Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
  • What animal makes the best pet?
  • Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
  • Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
  • Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
  • Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
  • The best music genre is …

What is one book that everyone should be required to read?

  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Is capitalism the best form of economy?
  • Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
  • Should schools have dress codes?
  • If I could change one school rule, it would be …
  • Is year-round school a good idea?

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

  • Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
  • Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
  • Describe the causes and effects of a specific war.
  • Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
  • What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?

Tell the story of the development of artificial intelligence so far, and describe its impacts along the way.

  • Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
  • Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
  • Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
  • Choose one animal from the endangered species list, and propose a realistic plan to protect it.

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On Tech: A.I.

Applying to college here’s how a.i. tools might hurt, or help..

ChatGPT might change the application essay forever.

dentistry school essay

By Natasha Singer

I spent the last week talking with university officials, teachers and high school seniors about the dreaded college admissions essay.

I cover education technology at The Times. And I’ve been thinking a lot about how artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, which can manufacture school essays and other texts, might reshape the college application process.

I was particularly interested to learn whether admissions officials were rejiggering their essay questions — or even reconsidering personal essays altogether.

Amid a deluge of high school transcripts and teacher recommendations, admissions officers often use students’ writing samples to identify applicants with unique voices, experiences, ideas and potential. How might that change now that many students are using A.I. chatbots to brainstorm topics, generate rough drafts and hone their essays?

To find out, I contacted admissions officials at more than a dozen large state universities, Ivy League schools and small private colleges, including Juan Espinoza , the director of undergraduate admissions at Virginia Tech.

Right now, he told me, many universities are still trying to figure out how the A.I. technologies work and what they mean for the admissions process.

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Elektrostal

Elektrostal Localisation : Country Russia , Oblast Moscow Oblast . Available Information : Geographical coordinates , Population, Altitude, Area, Weather and Hotel . Nearby cities and villages : Noginsk , Pavlovsky Posad and Staraya Kupavna .

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Elektrostal Demography

Information on the people and the population of Elektrostal.

Elektrostal Population157,409 inhabitants
Elektrostal Population Density3,179.3 /km² (8,234.4 /sq mi)

Elektrostal Geography

Geographic Information regarding City of Elektrostal .

Elektrostal Geographical coordinatesLatitude: , Longitude:
55° 48′ 0″ North, 38° 27′ 0″ East
Elektrostal Area4,951 hectares
49.51 km² (19.12 sq mi)
Elektrostal Altitude164 m (538 ft)
Elektrostal ClimateHumid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfb)

Elektrostal Distance

Distance (in kilometers) between Elektrostal and the biggest cities of Russia.

Elektrostal Map

Locate simply the city of Elektrostal through the card, map and satellite image of the city.

Elektrostal Nearby cities and villages

Elektrostal Weather

Weather forecast for the next coming days and current time of Elektrostal.

Elektrostal Sunrise and sunset

Find below the times of sunrise and sunset calculated 7 days to Elektrostal.

DaySunrise and sunsetTwilightNautical twilightAstronomical twilight
8 June02:43 - 11:25 - 20:0701:43 - 21:0701:00 - 01:00 01:00 - 01:00
9 June02:42 - 11:25 - 20:0801:42 - 21:0801:00 - 01:00 01:00 - 01:00
10 June02:42 - 11:25 - 20:0901:41 - 21:0901:00 - 01:00 01:00 - 01:00
11 June02:41 - 11:25 - 20:1001:41 - 21:1001:00 - 01:00 01:00 - 01:00
12 June02:41 - 11:26 - 20:1101:40 - 21:1101:00 - 01:00 01:00 - 01:00
13 June02:40 - 11:26 - 20:1101:40 - 21:1201:00 - 01:00 01:00 - 01:00
14 June02:40 - 11:26 - 20:1201:39 - 21:1301:00 - 01:00 01:00 - 01:00

Elektrostal Hotel

Our team has selected for you a list of hotel in Elektrostal classified by value for money. Book your hotel room at the best price.



Located next to Noginskoye Highway in Electrostal, Apelsin Hotel offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi. Free parking is available. The elegant rooms are air conditioned and feature a flat-screen satellite TV and fridge...
from


Located in the green area Yamskiye Woods, 5 km from Elektrostal city centre, this hotel features a sauna and a restaurant. It offers rooms with a kitchen...
from


Ekotel Bogorodsk Hotel is located in a picturesque park near Chernogolovsky Pond. It features an indoor swimming pool and a wellness centre. Free Wi-Fi and private parking are provided...
from


Surrounded by 420,000 m² of parkland and overlooking Kovershi Lake, this hotel outside Moscow offers spa and fitness facilities, and a private beach area with volleyball court and loungers...
from


Surrounded by green parklands, this hotel in the Moscow region features 2 restaurants, a bowling alley with bar, and several spa and fitness facilities. Moscow Ring Road is 17 km away...
from

Elektrostal Nearby

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Elektrostal Page

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State healthcare workforce leaders meet at Marquette School of Dentistry

  • By Dan Reiner | Marketing and communication specialist
  • June 7, 2024
  • < 1 min. read

The Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce held its monthly meeting at Marquette University School of Dentistry on June 6. It was the first time the statewide task force convened in Milwaukee.

Dr. Elsbeth Kalenderian, dean of the School of Dentistry, welcomed more than 20 fellow task force members and other state healthcare leaders, including Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek and state Department of Health Services Secretary Kirsten Johnson.

Before the meeting commenced, Kalenderian, Dr. Henry Rossi and dental student John Kerns led visitors on a tour of the dental school, with stops in the dental clinic, the research and preclinical simulation labs, and the Innovation Center.

The meeting was led by a panel of healthcare educators, who discussed education and training, recruitment and retention, licensure and other topics. The task force then broke out into small groups for more discussion.

dentistry school essay

In January, Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #220 to create the task force, which is charged with studying the workforce challenges facing the state’s health care system, including recruitment and retention; identifying ways to improve patient care and alleviating the burdens on the health care workforce; exploring educational and training pathways to grow a sustainable health care workforce; and creating an action plan with solutions related to workforce development, industry innovation, education, and training for consideration in the governor’s 2025-27 executive budget.

Video of the June meeting is available on WisconsinEye (free subscription required).

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School of Dentistry dean appointed to Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce 

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  5. A Day in the Life of a Dental Student [NYU Dentistry D2 Year]

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COMMENTS

  1. Dental School Personal Statement: The Ultimate Guide (Examples Included

    Part 2: How to write a dental school personal statement. According to the ADEA, "Your personal statement is a one-page essay (not to exceed 4,500 characters, including spaces, carriages, numbers, letters, etc.) that gives dental schools a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in dentistry.". That doesn't quite convey the real goal of your ...

  2. Dental School Personal Statement [Sample Essay]

    A Dental School Application Essay. Get Accepted! Speak with an admissions expert today! In response to popular demand, we are including a sample dental school essay. Note how the author reveals a lot about herself without overtly saying "I am this and I am that." She is obviously hard working and disciplined, probably compassionate and kind.

  3. How to Answer the "Why NYU?" Dental School Essay

    By attending NYU, you will have the opportunity to work with the latest tools and techniques, giving you a competitive edge in your future dental practice. In addition to faculty and facilities, NYU Dental School is known for its commitment to innovative research initiatives. The school encourages students to engage in groundbreaking research ...

  4. 10 Dental School Personal Statement Examples

    This blog will help you understand the key things you must do (and that you must avoid) in composing your essay, with dental school personal statement examples that demonstrate these strategies, so that you can draft the strongest, most compelling dental school personal statement possible. 1. Tell a story. Ideally, you will craft a story or ...

  5. Personal statement

    Personal statement. Your personal statement is a one-page essay (not to exceed 4,500 characters, including spaces, carriages, numbers, letters, etc.) that gives dental schools a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in dentistry. Although there is no set of rules mandating what a strong personal ...

  6. PDF A Guide to Writing the Dental School Personal Statement

    By reading this article, you'll receive valuable knowledge regarding the personal statement from interviews conducted with dental school admissions, dental students, and dentists. You'll also learn more about writing strategies for the personal statement, how to stand out, red flags, and what admissions committees are looking for. Methods.

  7. Dental School Personal Statements Explained (With Examples)

    Example of dental school personal statement for pediatric dentistry. The following example might be submitted with an application for a program in pediatric dentistry: I knew I wanted to be a dentist after my first root canal. When I was 13 and nearing the end of seventh grade, I started to notice an ache in my tooth that persisted throughout ...

  8. Sample Dental Personal Statement -- AADSAS

    The essay revolves around her grandfather and she continually ties back to this theme. She explains her situation but reassures the reader that she will be able to handle the tough workload at dental school. Great topic sentence brings back the theme of her grandfather. Through telling us a story she provides a glimpse into her personality ...

  9. Writing a Winning Dental School Personal Statement

    The purpose of your personal statement is to demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have the qualities and experiences necessary to succeed in dental school and in a career as a dentist. You should use this essay to showcase your personal attributes, your relevant experiences, and your passion for the field of dentistry.

  10. PDF Writing Your Personal Statement

    Your personal statement is the first chance to communicate your true self. Below are some suggestions on how to approach this task and what kinds of topics to address in you statements. Begin by sitting down in a comfortable place and writing; don't worry about fitting it on just one page, just write. Write about who you are, your family ...

  11. Writing Dental School Personal Statements

    Here are some key tips to help you write an exceptional and engaging dental school personal statement: Start with a Compelling Opening: Begin your personal statement with a captivating introduction that hooks the reader's attention. Consider using an engaging anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful statement to create intrigue ...

  12. CC

    Here are 3 tips on writing a personal statement that will make you stand out: 1. Always keep the prompt in mind. The personal statement prompt for dental admission usually doesn't change and is posted on the ADEA website as the following: "Your personal statement is a one-page essay (not to exceed 4,500 characters, including spaces ...

  13. How to Craft a Winning Personal Statement for Dental School Application

    In her new book, Your Essential Guide to Dental School Admissions: 30 Successful Application Essays and Collective Wisdom from Young Dentists, Dr. Yang and collaborators offer a holistic strategy for a winning dental school application. The second half of the book focuses on the personal statement and consists of 30 essays written by dental ...

  14. Getting Into Dental School: Essays, Recommendations, and Interviews

    The dental school essay should provide a 3-dimensional picture of you. Essays are the best way for admissions officers to determine who you are. So, don't hesitate to go beyond your current experience for essay topics. Feel free to discuss other events that help define who you are. If you have overcome significant obstacles, say so.

  15. How to Nail the "Why UCLA?" Dental School Essay

    Dental School Essay is a crucial component of your application to UCLA Dental School. In this essay, you have the opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm for attending UCLA, as well as your understanding of the program and your ability to articulate why it is the right fit for you.

  16. Dental School Essay Sample

    Dental School Application Essay "You love teeth and oral hygiene, go be a dentist!" was my husband's candid yet, inspiring remark to me. Since hearing those words, I have been excited and motivated to make strides towards becoming a dentist. Throughout this journey I have experienced immense personal growth and I am

  17. Dental School Secondary Questions

    Supplemental questions location: AADSAS. Required for all applicants: Embracing equity, diversity and inclusion is a value the UWSOD seeks to uphold in its teaching, service and research. We don't take these values for granted, they are things that everyone in our dental school community must actively practice.

  18. Is there a lot of writing in dental school?

    Mar 23, 2010. #2. Although I have yet to start dental school, to the best of my knowledge, there is barely any writing in dental school, I think unless you join a PhD program. I've asked a few dentists and dental students, and most agreed that aside from a 1-page paper or two throughout their entire education, and essay type questions in some ...

  19. Best Dental Schools in the US In 2024

    June 5, 2024 4 Mins Read. Updated On: June 5, 2024. What is a Dentistry course? Duties of a Dentist. 10 Best Dental Schools in the United States of America. University of Michigan School of Dentistry: University of North Carolina: UCLA School of Dentistry: Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University:

  20. Applying to Medical School with AMCAS®

    The American Medical College Application Service ® (AMCAS ®) is the AAMC's centralized medical school application processing service. Most U.S. medical schools use the AMCAS program as the primary application method for their first-year entering classes. The AMCAS applicant guide outlines the current AMCAS application process, policies, and ...

  21. Women in Dentistry

    Provider and children's oral health advocate named dental school distinguished alumnus. Dr. Michael George, West Virginia University School of Dentistry alumnus, past alumni board president and children's oral health advocate, was selected as the alumni association's Distinguished Alumnus at the organization's annual spring reunion in April.

  22. Local Anesthesia for the Dental Assistant: A 45-Hour Training Program

    In 2019, Ms. Hormann received her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. In 2020, Ms. Hormann began teaching for the Division of Dental Hygiene and now provides clinical and didactic instruction to dental hygiene and dental therapy students at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

  23. Premedical Program at Harvard

    Students in the postbaccalaureate Premedical Program are chosen through a selective application process. The application process is the same for all students interested in pursuing medical school, physician assistant school, dental school, and veterinary school. You are eligible to apply if you meet the following criteria:

  24. 120+ Fascinating Essay Topics for High School Students

    The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here.) Public and private schools. Capitalism vs. communism. Monarchy or democracy. Dogs vs. cats as pets. WeAreTeachers. Paper books or e-books. Two political candidates in a current race.

  25. Applying to College? Here's How A.I. Tools Might Hurt, or Help

    An applicant who submitted a chatbot-generated essay, they said, would violate the university's admissions policy. The Yale experts also argued that personal essays for college applications were ...

  26. Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

    Elektrostal Geography. Geographic Information regarding City of Elektrostal. Elektrostal Geographical coordinates. Latitude: 55.8, Longitude: 38.45. 55° 48′ 0″ North, 38° 27′ 0″ East. Elektrostal Area. 4,951 hectares. 49.51 km² (19.12 sq mi) Elektrostal Altitude.

  27. Moscow Oblast

    Moscow Oblast ( Russian: Моско́вская о́бласть, Moskovskaya oblast) is a federal subject of Russia. It is located in western Russia, and it completely surrounds Moscow. The oblast has no capital, and oblast officials reside in Moscow or in other cities within the oblast. [1] As of 2015, the oblast has a population of 7,231,068 ...

  28. State healthcare workforce leaders meet at Marquette School of Dentistry

    June 7, 2024. < 1 min. read. The Governor's Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce held its monthly meeting at Marquette University School of Dentistry on June 6. It was the first time the statewide task force convened in Milwaukee. Dr. Elsbeth Kalenderian, dean of the School of Dentistry, welcomed more than 20 fellow task force members and ...

  29. Elektrostal

    Pool «Kristall» - school of the Olympic reserve: diving, synchronized swimming, swimming. Home arena hockey team Kristall Elektrostal - Ledovyi Dvorets Sporta «Kristall» in 1995 year. The city ice hockey team Kristall Elektrostal was established in 1949 and plays in the Junior Hockey League Division B. Notable people Nikolay Vtorov Street