talking about former interest in medicine in personal statement?

[jamm_orthodontics]

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[fearthewild]

But WHAT got you interested in dentistry? I would focus more on that. I was interested in pharmacy prior to pursuing dentistry, but I didn't mention it at all because there wasn't anything about pharmacy that turned me to dentistry--it was a completely separate experience.

 

[cotoncub]

I would focus just on dentistry unless you have to explain why you were involved in something else. For example, I worked in research after graduation so obviously I had to explain why I was making that change, but in your case you don't necessarily have to do that. That info is great for an interview to explain why dentistry and not medicine, but is not needed for your personal statement at least not in my opinion.

 

[mrdocta]

I'd leave it out just because it doesn't seem important other than you having a change in interest. Also, you mentioned you wanted to become a doctor but realized it wasn't for you. Work on rephrasing that because you realize dentists are doctors right?? Anyways, good luck with the rest of your PS!

 

[Typical Average Student]

Definitely put it if you can explain exactly why you switched to dentistry, i have my interest in physical therapy but explained why i switched

 

[matty675]

I was asked in one of my interviews - "Why not medicine?"

So it is definitely good to have a solid answer in your back pocket.

And yeah- by "doctor" you mean physician 😉 Some dentists (ADCOMS included) would jump all over you for that kind of stuff.

 

[gsquared]

I tried several different allied health professions before I had a good understanding that dentistry is the right fit for me. However, this was only one sentence in my personal statement, if that. You only have so many characters to explain what you like about the career you want to pursue, and I don't think talking about other potential avenues is a good use of the limited space you have to express this desire.

 

[doc toothache]

Talking about a previous interest in medicine is like talking about past love interests to the new intended.

 

[MolarBear11]

As the previous posters said, you don't explain your past interests if they aren't applicable to the real question--why dentistry. Be able to talk about that instead of comparing it to other professions as it sends the wrong message.

If anything, you can "tweak" your past experiences to fit your story. For example, instead of saying you did all that volunteer work at hospitals because you wanted to become a physician, you can explain that you just had an interest with working with patients in a clinical setting and that's why you chose healthcare in general. ( I don't think this is unethical because its partially true, right? )