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This question came up again today from a student, and I thought it might help others who are writing their personal statements.
A lot of students ask if it’s okay to write about an international dental mission trip or volunteer experience in their personal statement. The answer is yes, you can. It can be a strong part of your story if you approach it the right way.
Admissions committees like to see what the experience taught you, not just a list of what you did. Think about what you learned from being in that environment. Maybe you saw how difficult it can be for people to get dental care or how teamwork made a big difference for patients. Those lessons can show how much you have grown and how serious you are about becoming a dentist.
Just make sure you’re honest about your role. If you assisted or observed, that’s perfectly fine to say. Avoid giving the impression you were doing things that would not be allowed here in the United States. What matters most is what you took away from the experience and how it changed your understanding of dentistry and helping others.
It is not about where you went. It is about what you learned and how it helped you see the kind of dentist you want to be.
If anyone wants feedback on how to approach this section in their own statement, feel free to post below — I’ll try to guide you in the right direction.
— Nancy Steen
Co-Owner, DAT Destroyer
