PreDental Essay #1

Sample Essay #1

"Since my initial interest in dentistry I have done many things to understand, and prepare myself for, this lifelong commitment. By the time I enter dental school in 19xx I will have spent three years observing at various dental offices and two years working part-time for a general practitioner. My exposure, academic preparation, unique life experiences, and determination form a foundation which will allow me to become a successful, skilled dentist.

I started investigating dentistry by talking to my dentist [Dr. Generic] after my sophomore year of college. By August of 19xx, I began observing at his and other dental offices. My last two years have been spent observing the procedures that a general dentist performs on a daily basis, including extractions, root canals, impressions, etc. .

[Dr. Generic] hired me part-time in August of 19xx. He has taken care to expose me to all facets of his practice. As a staff member I have spent time chair-side and dealing with various financial aspects of the practice. I am also well acquainted with the managerial requirements of the field. Talking to assistants, hygienists, and office staff has helped me understand that a successful dental office must work as a team, yet respect each individual.

While I look forward to running my own business, I believe the essence of dentistry lies in delivering quality care based on a genuine concern for the patients. As a dentist, I will be there when there is an emergency at 3am on my day off or right as I am about to lock up for the night. I will make sure my staff and I stay current as the field of dentistry advances. I will also take the time to teach and educate my patients. Most importantly, I will perform every procedure to the best of my ability and live up to the trust which my patients have placed in me.

The decision to pursue dentistry required me to redirect and reassess my education. From the fall of 19xx through the summer of 19xx, I worked a full-time night job in order to keep my spouse and myself in school. While the initial adjustment challenged me, I was able to work through it. Having a clear goal helped me to focus more on my studies. From the time I shifted my studies to the sciences at the end of my sophomore year, I have maintained a 3.xx grade point average (receiving a 3.xx with 21 credits this past semester). I also received 18’s on both the Academic Average and Perceptual Ability sections of the D.A.T., marks which I believe are indicative of my long term retention and potential.

As a student at [Generic University], I have received a well-rounded, humanistic education. Jesuits pride themselves in developing students who can think rationally and form an ethical framework for life. My education has been enriched through extensive course-work in philosophy, business, composition, literature, Spanish, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. I am a Spanish major and appreciate the diversity it has added to my life, but I have found that I get the most enjoyment from, and am strongest in, the biological sciences.

My life experience will help me as a dentist. After one year of college, where I played varsity basketball, I spent two years in [country] as a missionary. While there, I had to think rationally and provide leadership in a variety of challenging and sometimes life-threatening situations (such as two national coup attempts). I became fluent in Spanish and taught English as a second language. I was also put in charge of dealing with the [country] customs officials on behalf of 210 people. I am adept at communicating with people from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances.

After my mission I became a Boy Scout leader and Sunday School teacher to ten and eleven year olds in my church. My current hobbies include painting, woodworking, and fly tying, each requiring good hand-eye coordination and motor skills. Presently, I am forming a pre-dental club at my university.

This is the second year I have applied to dental school (I am presently on a waiting list for early admission). I understand the choice I am making and the work and effort it will require. I will continue to apply until I reach my goal. I am excited to start the process of becoming a competent dentist."

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]."