Sample 1
My initial exposure to taking dentistry as a prospective career path came on a family holiday to India, where I resided with my cousin who is a self-employed practising dentist. Here I learnt the real extent to which dentistry is a career, which can truly improve the quality of people's lives. Furthermore, I witnessed the close relationships that a dentist creates with his patients, and I therefore find the combination of meeting and working with new people and diagnosis very stimulating. Dentistry is also a career which allows a great deal of scientific application along with patient care and allows me to make use of my manual skills. In addition, I believe that dentistry is an ever expanding sector which provides endless opportunities for further study and specialisation, whilst at the same time providing a secure, fulfilling and worthwhile career.

My decision to read dentistry was reinforced by my work experience at Priory Dental Practice and Clive Harris and Associates Dental Health On this, I witnessed a number of complex procedures such as tooth crowning, dental implants, tooth bleaching and endodontic procedures

At their in house dental laboratory I witnessed the construction of bridges, veneers, crowns and moulded dentures and even had the opportunity to take impressions of a set of teeth. This experience showed me that dentistry is a multi-faceted career and success is highly dependant on good dentist-patient interactions and mutual understanding between both parties, along with collaborations with other staff allowing for the most efficient and effective administration of treatments. I believe that a dentist needs to be at the same time; a highly skilled physician, a psychologist, a business manager, but above all a leader and communicator. Therefore studying Economics at AS-level has given me an insight into the economic and business practicalities of running a dental practice

Away from academia, I believe that I have fulfilled my potential in many areas of school life and beyond, I have represented numerous sports teams; including rugby and athletics teams, specialising in the shot put, this has obviously taught and increased my confidence, communication and teamwork skills, which has led to many successes in the sports arena and beyond. Although, my greatest passion is Badminton which has immensely improved my hand to eye co-ordination and reflexes, I have represented the City of Birmingham badminton squad since the age of 13, and am continually motivated to attend training sessions, with the ultimate goal of achieving county status

At the moment, I am about to commence a training process, which will eventually see me befriending terminally ill children at Acorns Children's Hospice. I am looking forward to the challenge of this difficult, yet mentally strengthening role. I believe that I will learn important lessons and will gain much from the experience. I have also recently completed an emergence first aid course, which provided in-depth knowledge of common medical emergencies

I am a senior prefect within the school community, a position of great responsibility, which involves working with the staff of the school to help with its smooth running. Duties have included assisting at important days for the school such as open days and the eleven plus entrance exam. The role has also required a time commitment during the school day and beyond. I was also elected a sports prefect for Year 7, with the emphasis being placed on participation in school and housing activities, and to create better relationships with members of upper school. I have also sat as a representative on the sixth form council as well as chairman for the form council

I believe I have an eagerness to meet the challenges I know dentistry will present. I am enthusiastic, excited and motivated, and armed with enough compassion and confidence to enter the world of dentistry. And believe it will allow me to make a thorough contribution to my social and academic life as a student of dentistry.

Sample 2
A traumatic swimming incident during my childhood left me visiting many dental chairs where I suffered from an irrational fear of dentists. Every visit started with my fears but ended with my gratitude to these dentists, who had performed complex operations seamlessly. These experiences stemmed an interest in dental biology exploring topics such as root canal treatments; here I realised that a dental career would allow me to both explore human biology further but also actively improve our society’s welfare.

I have undertaken work experience at a local NHS practice to observe what the profession entails. The difficulty of the job was admirable due to the level of manual dexterity and patience involved. In addition, I saw the importance of compassion that dentists showed to their patients and how they gained trust of the patient’s immediately. To get an overview of other specialties I shadowed an implant specialist and an endodontist, where the dentist’s team working skills and the essential role of dental nurses became emphasised, in order to streamline the increasingly complex surgeries. Spending a week in a dental clinic in Canada gave me insight into the transatlantic dental approach, allowing me to compare styles such as the greater emphasis on preventive procedure which they have overseas. Arranging shadowing at Harley Street allowed me to witness procedures such as Invisalign, which made the gap between private and NHS treatments much more apparent, as well as the pressures of running a private business. A week at a dental lab and attempting some denture construction myself allowed me to appreciate the usage of various dental materials.

In pursuing my interest in science, I have entered essay competitions such as the National Institute of Medical Research’s and have attended lectures at London Universities, covering topics such as stem cell usage. Reading the ‘The Roots of Disease’, has made me aware of the detrimentally effects that faulty dental work can have on a patients’ overall health and exploring other texts such as ‘Why do Chemical Reactions Occur’ has allowed me to explore molecular science to a greater depth. My aptitude in maths allows me to teach at my school’s Junior Maths Club, where I had to alter my tone and approach towards younger students such as the dentist did when comforting frightened patients.

At school, representing the cricket team has enhanced my hand eye coordination whilst improving my ability to perform calmly under pressure and as a team. Attaining the rank of corporal in the school’s Combined Cadet Force allowed me to lead field training exercises and tested my ability to think on my feet. I work voluntarily at St Luke’s Hospice Charity Shop which has helped me improve my communication and time management skills; which will be beneficial in a dental career. Through helping regularly at a Care home I have learnt much about patient care for those with disabilities and the elderly and noticed that the nurses’ approach to these patients was very similar to the dentist’s; caring but assertive. I play the Violin and Flute; both involve use of complex finger gestures, and in turn, I play as a soloist and in ensembles, which has increased my confidence to address crowds.

My numerous experiences at dental clinics have reinforced my determination to study dentistry; it would combine practical based work with my affection for science, and a desire to provide a vital service to the community. As an inquisitive applicant with great personal drive I believe that I can not only contribute to dentistry but also better help my community.

Sample 3
My decision to pursue a career in dentistry was born out of careful consideration and research, as well as an inquisitive nature and an interest in oral health matters. I am naturally caring and empathetic and I feel these qualities would serve me well in a dental career. In dentistry, forming a climate of calm and trust is essential to good quality care. This is something I do with my two elder autistic brothers on a daily basis.

As part of my research into dentistry I arranged work experience. This included six months at an NHS/private practice, a week in a pharmacy, a week in a dental lab, a week shadowing surgical specialists in a hospital and a week with an orthodontist. During my experience, I observed a medical emergency, which showed me a dentist needs to keep calm under pressure. I also witnessed the attachment of a crown to the abutment of an implant. I noticed how the dentist constantly checked the spacing both mesially and distally as well as any interference with the bite. I realised that attention to detail is very important in dentistry. In my time at the dental lab, I was able to make a wax denture and a gum shield. Throughout these processes, I used the technicians drill to cut, sharpen and polish the end product. I had to consider aspects such as shaping the appliances to accommodate the movement of certain oral muscles, whilst maintaining a good fit. I found this process rewarding and informative. It showed me that a dentist has to coordinate effectively with the dental team to provide good quality patient care. I have noticed some problematic sides to dentistry i.e. the difficulties experienced when trying to explain to a patient why extraction is the best course of action. Despite this, it is a dentist's duty to provide empathetic support and accurate explanations of the facts. This is something I feel I would be good at as I have volunteered at a Special Needs gym club for six months, where I found that reassuring the children was a strong quality of mine. I would often encounter very upset children and I was able to draw from personal experiences with my brothers; to calm them down. This often involved inventive ways of communication and explanation. I feel this ability would be very useful in dentistry. I currently volunteer at a care home on weekends. Working with vulnerable people is fulfilling and helps to develop my caring nature.

I am a keen musician and this gives me a number of skills which are vital in dentistry. Playing Tenor Horn and piano requires good hand eye coordination and the creative process of composing is something from which I take great pleasure. Music also allows me to relax, this is important to me as I feel a good work-rest balance is essential. I also enjoy relaxing through sports; go-karting, kayaking and cycling are my sports of choice. I have raced karts for the Welsh team three times; this required good team working and communication skills, which are essential in dentistry. In my gap year so far I have been tutoring A level biology and chemistry. I have also organised a week with a paedodontic specialist in London, two days with a special care dentist and two days in a radiography department. I hope this will give me further insight into the workings of dentistry as a whole. In school I was a prefect, peer mentor and member of the debating club. These roles taught me the value of responsibility.

My experiences of dentistry have convinced me that it is absolutely what I want to do. Improving people's oral health and standard of living in a hands-on way really appeals to me, and I believe I possess qualities which are important in dentistry: my caring and empathetic nature, my dexterity and creativity, and my ability to communicate effectively. I hope I have demonstrated a commitment to my goal of becoming a dentist as well as an understanding of the qualities required.

Sample 4
The complex and integrated physiology of the body fascinates me, and I have always felt I would pursue a career in a branch of medicine. It was when I changed my dentist two years ago that I first considered Dentistry as a career. I had an instant connection with him and found myself asking many questions about the processes and science of Dentistry and also realised the importance of communication in the healthcare professions. To pursue this new interest and to give myself an insight into the working life of a dentist I carried out two weeks observation in general practice in two different towns with different demographics. It was invaluable in illustrating to me the variety of work a dentist undertakes and the vast wealth of knowledge required. In my first week I also visited a dental lab, this was extremely useful in illustrating to me the importance of communication within the branches of the dental profession. An area that interests me greatly in a dental career is the varied career paths it offers and so I undertook a day of observation in an orthodontic practice and have booked for two days observing in surgery in the oral and maxillofacial department of my local hospital once I turn eighteen in October. I am also a NPLQ qualified lifeguard, I feel this has prepared me to make fast and accurate decisions in high pressure situations, which I believe is a valuable attribute to have. I believe my AS choices of the three sciences and geography show my passion for understanding the natural processes that go on around us all and that the extra reading required to fully understand the subject beyond the classroom is very similar to that required to master the plethora of knowledge in a medical subject. I have a passion for biology and particularly enjoy practical work, for instance the dissection of a fish in order to study its gills in great detail, I especially enjoyed the dexterity and precision required for this task. I have also gained multiple academic awards for biology during my time at school, which shows my affinity for the subject. Having been a competitive swimmer for over ten years, I feel I have gained many other attributes that that will lend themselves well to a profession in Dentistry, from balancing commitments of school and social life with up to sixteen hours of training a week, to being a hard working member of a large team. In 2010 I was voted by the swimmers as Club Captain of Worcester swimming club. I used this as an opportunity to use my team working skills and also develop leadership skills, but I also believe it shows me to be an approachable figure. In my final year of school I have been appointed the position of Head of House to further develop these skills. I am also a qualified UKCC level one swimming coach and by time of reading I will have begun my level two. Since qualifying in 2010 I have volunteered in the younger squads at my club as a lane coach and discovered a passion for teaching, which I see as an integral part of the work of a healthcare professional. Coaching has also allowed me to develop other vital skills such as communication not only with swimmers but also with the parents in order to aid the development of the child. I also realised quickly that I would have to adapt my coaching style to be effective for different individuals, having also observed this during my time shadowing in practices I believe this lesson will put me in good stead to become part of a caring profession. I have enjoyed taking part in other extra-curricular activities such as all three levels of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and the Young Enterprise company scheme, both of which were useful in developing team work skills and I feel have rounded me as an individual. I hope that all my achievements and experiences show that I am driven and committed to succeed and accomplish my aims. I would relish an opportunity to help and work with people in the varied and challenging career that is Dentistry.

My passion for healthcare stemmed from my interest of biology and chemistry from a science experiment undertaken in primary school. Upon receiving orthodontic treatment when I was younger, I realised there was more to dentistry than I originally thought. The decision of working towards becoming a dentist was finalised after being encouraged by my various work experiences. When I was shadowing the dentist, I came to view procedures differing from extractions of wisdom teeth to teeth whitening. Dentistry combines both biology and chemistry in a practical medium, making it the right profession for me.

During my work experience, I gained an insight into the daily life of dental surgeons. I came to apprehend that the dentist offers consultations as well as treatment, to satisfy the needs of the patient. Having had work experience at NHS and private practices, as well as both combined, I came to realise the difference in treatment between the two services, as well as between different practices. I was lucky enough to see both parts of a Root canal treatment, realising how such a standard treatment can affect a patients’ life greatly. Working in a pharmacy has allowed me to improve such skills as communication and organisation, recognising that a Pharmacy is similar to a Dental practice. I am a regular reader of the British Medical Journal, taking the initiative to keep up to date with Medical and Dental affairs. In such a demanding profession, my interest lies in the various skills needed to assess different cases and make an accurate prognosis on a daily basis. Recently, I have volunteered at two different summer play schemes, one for disabled and the other for not. This has allowed me to understand the needs of different groups of people and how to work around them. Taking part in a First Aid course has further enabled me to focus on a job in healthcare, particularly Dentistry. Upon completion of the Duke of Edinburgh Silver award, I have learnt how to be independent and develop myself by learning new skills, being elected as the leader of my group; I worked effectively in complex situations and delegated tasks efficiently. Having also done charity work at Barnardo’s, I have adapted to interact with different audiences, learning the importance of helping others in the community. In school I have various roles of responsibility, being a prefect and part of the school council; I have been able to express my views as well as other people. Over the years, I have become more community-conscious; helping out at open-evenings has made me aware that a little can go a long way, similar to a dental procedure.

My creativity surfaces through dancing and singing, especially at the annual nine-night Ras-Garba Indian festival. I help out by organising and decorating the venue, and help others learn the dance-steps used to celebrate this festival. As a member of the Hari Om Shivay Satsang Manda, I enjoy keeping in touch with others in the community as well as my mother tongue, and actively taking part in community events. I am very enthusiastic and determined, when playing competitive sports, such as Football, Cricket and Hockey. Being an eager sportsman, I pride myself on being a member of a 5-a-side team, and being given a Gold skill award for Cricket from the ECB. I also practice Muay Thai, a form of hard Martial Art, I find this a way to channel my thoughts and clear my mind. Other hobbies include, playing badminton, reading crime novels and cycling.

Dentistry appeals to me, in the same way as a crime novel, evaluating each incident, in a dentist’s case, a problem. I am a dedicated worker and can adapt very quickly to situations that arise. Dentistry offers intellectual and practical challenges and it incorporates communicating with patients, all of which I enjoy. Studying Dentistry and becoming a Dentist, can accomplish a dream to work within a team to serve the community.

Sample 5
Healthcare has always inspired me as a profession due to the positive impact you can have on someone's life. After receiving excellent orthodontic treatment, experiencing first hand the psychological effect that dental work can have on a person, my heart was set on joining the profession by becoming a dentist. I organised a work placement with my dentist and shadowed him whilst he carried out both NHS and private treatments. Root canal therapies were the most interesting as such a complex procedure was done so efficiently. I could see the skill a dentist needs to perform such intricate tasks and the challenges of working to a set time limit. I also gained a better understanding of the importance of empathy and reassurance towards nervous patients from the calm manner he adopted with them. I further observed three dentists working in a hospital dental department. It was intriguing to see the different types of surgery performed and the role the dentist played in treating oral cancers. One afternoon they ran a clinic for psychiatric patients, many were in a lot of pain yet still unenthusiastic to have surgery so required patience and a unique manner to help as much a possible. I saw the patience the dentists needed in such cases and could sympathise with their frustration at not being able to help. My work experience helped me to better understand the need for team work and good management. Whilst at an orthodontic practice one orthodontist was late so the practice owner had to work hard to ensure these patients were seen to without affecting his own patients. After the practice closed I stayed with the owner where he explained how he analyses X-rays. His long hours showed the stamina and commitment required keep a practice running smoothly. I subscribe to The Dental Update, from reading it I have learnt about important new developments in dentistry. The articles on new composites inspired me to do a presentation on the chemistry of restorative dentistry to my class. By explaining the compounds and reactions involved in the most common types of fillings I surprised both my peers and teacher with how much our chemistry course related to materials many of them had in their mouths. For over four years I have volunteered weekly running a cub pack. I get a great sense of satisfaction from giving back to an organisation that I have been a part of. My communication skills with children have also improved by interacting with them both as a group and as individuals and I have had the chance to learn new skills such as first aid. I have developed strong interpersonal skills from my role as deputy head of my sixth form union. This comes as a result of liaising with the head teacher and bursar to communicate new ideas in the hope of improving the community of our sixth form college. I have capitalised on my stamina and versatility as a committed member of my sixth form rugby team, my position of flanker means completing many complex moves under pressure as well as always being involved in the play. I have good hand eye coordination as a result of constructing and painting intricate war gaming models. Many of the techniques are similar to those used by dentists so the skills I have learnt could be applied to carrying out dental treatments with relative ease. My leadership and effective team work has made me successful in my Saturday job at Waitrose. Since starting I have been given the extra responsibilities of managing the section for periods of time and helping train new staff. I have also developed more confidence through speaking to customers and solving their problems. I think it is most important for a dentist to be motivated and enthusiastic. I believe I have the skills and commitment to excel in the course and subsequent career, I wish to demonstrate this and become a real asset to your university