I agree with Bingwen that it is risky. I would say that it depends on what you have done this past year and if you can adequately convey how much you have grown from your experiences.
Did you get any interviews this past cycle? If so, did you get any constructive criticism during your interviews? Did they ask any specific questions about your application looking for explanations or additional informations regarding any of their concerns?
If you were rejected from schools, did you have a chance to reach out and ask what you could do to strengthen your application? Some schools may be willing to tell you your weak areas and how to improve your chances.
I am no expert on admissions, but I seem to remember listening to a lecture on applications from ADEA stating schools have records of your previous statement and application. If they do, they may crosscheck to see how much effort you put in.
If you have no time to rewrite your statement, and feel like your personal statement is the best possible version you can make in the time you have before submission, then I would say try to get your application in early.
If you do have a few days to really sit, think, and write about how your experiences this past year have made you a stronger applicant, you may want to rewrite your essay.
It’s possible for you rewrite your statement to emphasize how not being accepted has made you more determined to strive for your dream profession because you have had time for introspection to make sure Dentistry is truly what you want. You have the chance to include new experiences and show a deeper understanding of the profession that demonstrates how much more you know now after your first application cycle. Finally, you can supplement your statement on your personal growth over the past year with the essence of your previous statement.
Best of luck and hope to see you succeed!
If anyone thinks I strayed too far, or posted any detrimental advice, please chime in! One of the parts I love about SDN is that the community is great and that we can temper each other to make sure we give one another the best chance possible to succeed.
