The idea of being part of a profession which specialises in the symbiosis of using highly physicianed manual dexterity with scientific knowledge to make a profound difference to a person’s self-confidence is extremely appealing to me. Dentistry is more than a career. Apart from improving a person’s appearance, it offers the opportunity to ease the suffering caused by disease and poor oral hygiene through a caring and committed approach. These reasons drive my passion to study Dentistry.
My interest in pursuing a career in Dentistry was confirmed during my work experience placement at two dental practices. I spent time observing their work and witnessed complex treatments, including root canal treatments and extractions. I also worked alongside the receptionist helping with administrative work, which stressed to me the importance of confidentiality. I was able to overcome communication barriers with patients of multicultural backgrounds due to my fluency in Urdu and Punjabi, which proved to be a great advantage. Having the opportunity to glimpse the daily duties of dentists proved to be invaluable, and their dedication to the job was extremely inspiring.
To gain a further insight into the work of dentists, I arranged to shadow an experienced orthodontist. I witnessed the application of veneers, bridges and even had the opportunity to take impressions of a set of teeth. I was able to discover dentistry is a multi-faceted career providing a great deal of scientific application. I am therefore endeavouring to gain as much experience as I can during my gap year to equip me for, and assist me in the pursuit of my aim to become a dentist.
Outside school I am preparing for my Grade 6 examination in piano, and recreationally enjoy sewing, both of which demonstrate my manual dexterity, which is essential in dentistry. Whilst working towards my Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award, I have tackled the challenge of performing in a large-scale fundraising ballet production and am now preparing for my grade 8 Award. I have achieved a red belt in Tae Kwon Do alongside being captain of the Heaton U18 netball team; these activities have shown me the importance of self-motivation, teamwork and stamina.
A part-time job at a local pharmacy has made me aware of health and safety issues in the workplace and furthered my communication skills. As a Millennium Volunteer, helping at Age Concern and Bolton Lads and Girls Club has allowed me to develop good interpersonal skills and become a reliable team member. I take great pleasure in interacting with all kinds of people, and feel the duties have added much to my self-confidence. As a qualified mentor, my newly acquired skills have been particularly useful during my visits to Bolton Hospice, where speech is often a problem for patients. Voluntary work at a local high school helping to teach pupils science has given me a real sense of achievement, combining my love of science and desire to help others. This has inspired me to undertake a placement in Spain during my gap year, where I will be assisting at a local school which will be extremely rewarding and further my life-experience and independence.
I have taken an active role in school life, and was delighted to become a Senior Prefect, Form Captain and member of the School Council; roles that demand commitment, leadership and organisation; which I have taken on with enthusiasm. Participating as the Managing Director in the Young Enterprise scheme has enabled me to develop my problem solving, analytical and organisational skills by co-ordinating meetings and negotiating with team members. Leading a lunchtime Science Club has given me the opportunity to interact with younger pupils, experience leadership and be creative.
It is my desire to attain knowledge, along with motivation and dedication that makes me suited to this career and I intend to strengthen my skills over the course of my gap year to enable me to flourish as a future dentist