Dental prospects

Hi there its seems a while until the day as I’m going into year 11: in terms of dentistry obviously theres the ucat, personal statement and the A level and GCSE standards:

What are the softer things I should think about, e.g work experience,extracurriculars, dental common knowledge, etc….

Thanks for the help

Reply 1

em63914

9

Original post by Sher Limbu

Hi there its seems a while until the day as I’m going into year 11: in terms of dentistry obviously theres the ucat, personal statement and the A level and GCSE standards:
What are the softer things I should think about, e.g work experience,extracurriculars, dental common knowledge, etc….
Thanks for the help

Hii! Dental work experience is very very important because all universities want to see that you have been exposed to the dental environment. Of course, work experience at other kinds of clinics is great as long as you can show what you have learnt. Volunteering in care home or hospitals is also great as you can demonstrate your empathy towards real patients.
Personally, I took an EPQ and based the dissertation on cosmetic dentistry. Even though EPQ is not considered by the universities except for Sheffield who lower the grades from AAA to AAB (I think ^^), this has really given me insight into a large area of dentistry so that can also show your passion. Reading books on dentistry or even medicine can expand your general knowledge. My teacher recommended to me that I read about other areas outside of dentistry to become more knowledgeable. MOOCs are also a great way to learn more about dentistry.
For extracurriculars, being a senior prefect or captain of a sports team can highlight your teamwork/ leadership skills. You can also take up a hobby to show your manual dexterity skills (this is a key skill in dentistry) such as crocheting or doing henna.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 2

Sher Limbu

OP

3

Original post by em63914

Hii! Dental work experience is very very important because all universities want to see that you have been exposed to the dental environment. Of course, work experience at other kinds of clinics is great as long as you can show what you have learnt. Volunteering in care home or hospitals is also great as you can demonstrate your empathy towards real patients.
Personally, I took an EPQ and based the dissertation on cosmetic dentistry. Even though EPQ is not considered by the universities except for Sheffield who lower the grades from AAA to AAB (I think ^^), this has really given me insight into a large area of dentistry so that can also show your passion. Reading books on dentistry or even medicine can expand your general knowledge. My teacher recommended to me that I read about other areas outside of dentistry to become more knowledgeable. MOOCs are also a great way to learn more about dentistry.
For extracurriculars, being a senior prefect or captain of a sports team can highlight your teamwork/ leadership skills. You can also take up a hobby to show your manual dexterity skills (this is a key skill in dentistry) such as crocheting or doing henna.