PreDental Essay #2

Sample Essay #2

"Mom! Mom! [My brother] chipped his tooth," shouted from my adolescent mouth as I quickly ran across the street to the elementary school in a frantic search for my mother. Upon locating her, the two of us ran to the car and began desperately trying to find the missing piece of my brother's front tooth. Pandemonium ruled the moment, while tears accelerated down the cheeks of my younger brother. Boys being boys, a small dispute resulted in my brother accidentally turning into the window of the family car while trying to run away. The impact caused half of his front tooth to shatter and the subsequent chaos that followed. After our futile attempts at finding the tooth, we rushed him to the dentist office. Explaining our dilemma to the doctor, he brought us back to one of the patient rooms. Within minutes, he had both calmed my brother's fears and bonded the tooth to make it appear whole. I was amazed at his talent of not only fixing a tooth broken in half, but also at the manner in which he handled my hysterical brother.

Lasting only an hour, this incident has played a role in my decision to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry. I learned that a dentist not only needs to possess a knowledge of tooth repair but also a genuine understanding of human nature; more specifically for my brother, an understanding of the mind of a scared child. Through my own experiences working with children on a weekly basis over the past eight years, whether it be during Bible study or soccer practice, I too have developed an awareness of children's emotions and needs. From this first-hand knowledge outside of the classroom, I have gained invaluable training toward my desired career as a pediatric dentist.

This summer, I have shadowed my current dentist, [Dr. Generic] , on a weekly basis. This experience has reinforced my desire to become a dentist. Through it, I have truly found a mentor. With each patient, [Dr. Generic] describes in detail the procedure being performed, giving me an up-close, and sometimes hands-on, preparation for dental school. For instance, knowing I had witnessed numerous crown procedures with him already, [Dr. Generic] decided to let me assist him. His hygienist stepped aside and addressed us as "doctors," while I excitedly put on a surgical mask and gloves. I then carefully handed [Dr. Generic] the tools he needed to complete the permanent crown placement. In addition to shadowing, I have worked as a cashier at a regional grocery store chain. Every day, I encounter different personalities, enabling me to further develop communication and problem solving skills. These skills are necessary for a dentist who encounters many distinct people, situations, and problems each day. Therefore, this summer has not only educated me in the actual procedures performed by dentists, but also has furthered and enhanced crucial personal skills essential in the role of an excellent dentist.

Attending [Generic University], I have developed a solid academic foundation for a successful transition to dental school. Each semester, my classes have been both challenging and stimulating, allowing me to learn about the subject of the class and also about the opinions and ideologies of my professors and peers. Living and learning at [Generic University], while interacting with the surrounding [city] community, has given me the opportunity to expand and diversify my own beliefs and values. Participating in the Culture Shock program, I worked with inner-city youth, serving as a friend and a role model for the underprivileged. Through my science labs and group research projects, I interacted with people from all over the world, improving my ability to work with others.

Once attaining my dental degree, I look forward to applying my skills in my own practice while staying abreast of new dental developments and advances. I am enthused over the prospect of conducting further research in the dental field, whether it be through improvements in technology or by bettering my understanding of the human psyche. Shown by my numerous activities and volunteer projects, coupled with the classes I have succeeded in during my undergraduate studies, my motivation and ability to perform well in the field of dentistry manifests itself."

Once you have been admitted, send a "generic" copy of your essay to essays@predental.com .

For example: "While going to U.W., I worked 20 hours a week for Doctor Steve Jones" should be changed to "While going to [generic university], I worked 20 hours a week for [Doctor Generic]."