Talking about Specialities in your Personal Statement?????

[mikedental]

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I know that some dental schools are usually against applicants that mention only working or only having experience in a speciality office (ortho/oral surgery) but would it really make a difference for your chances of acceptance if in your personal statement, you only mention shadowing a orthodontist and an oral surgeon rather than specifically shadowing a general dentist.

 

[Pearl E. White]

Depends what is being said regarding the specialists. Remember this is your personal statement on why you want to be a dentist. So, do you plan on just giving a quick personal anecdote? Or are you dragging on about how cool the specialist is that you shadowed?

 

[mikedental]

the personal statement would include anecdotes about me shadowing the specialist, rather than me explaining about the speciality

 

[Pearl E. White]

the personal statement would include anecdotes about me shadowing the specialist, rather than me explaining about the speciality

My personal opinion is to keep that brief because you’re not applying for residency. You’re applying to become a dentist. As far as I know, there are no set rules whether to do so or not. I would just keep the focus on the experience not so much that the person you worked with is a specialist.

 

[deleted961052]

My advisor told me that if I do mention a specialty, then there has to be a reason other than to say “I’ve explored this path too give me a cookie”. For example, I shadowed a periodontist who had a really unique case that touched me and I got to see the patient from start to finish. I also mentioned that I shadowed an endodontist that had a really unique path to her career. This was sandwiched between all the general dentistry experience I had.

Also, make sure you don’t talk about specialties like you know that’s what you’re doing already. Be sure to phrase them as other avenues that you have experienced but are still going into dental school with an open mind. None of the specialties experiences should overshadow your general dentists.

 

[mikedental]

If in the case where you do not have much experience shadowing a general dentist(more experience with an orthodontist but still have observed many routine oral examinations/taken impressions/interacted with patients), is it okay to simply refer to the orthodontist as "Dr. Blah" and not mention specifically that he is an orthodontist and just go from there when referencing my shadowing experiences in relation to dentistry.

 

[Pearl E. White]

If in the case where you do not have much experience shadowing a general dentist(more experience with an orthodontist but still have observed many routine oral examinations/taken impressions/interacted with patients), is it okay to simply refer to the orthodontist as "Dr. Blah" and not mention specifically that he is an orthodontist and just go from there when referencing my shadowing experiences in relation to dentistry.

Sure. I mean they will have your dental experience list if they have any questions about it.

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

Brother, you're applying to dental school. A place where 70% of us become general dentists. You're most likely going to be reviewed by general dentist admission people.

 

[TheDentalSchoolCoach]

I know that some dental schools are usually against applicants that mention only working or only having experience in a speciality office (ortho/oral surgery) but would it really make a difference for your chances of acceptance if in your personal statement, you only mention shadowing a orthodontist and an oral surgeon rather than specifically shadowing a general dentist.

Honestly, It really depends on what stories are portraying and how you are telling them. It can go either way depending on the execution. I've had students who wrote about shadowing orthodontists or oral med specialist as opposed to shadowing a general dentist. You can go in deep if you know what you are saying about that specialty and show your passion for a specific specialty.

That said, you are not expected as of this time to know which specialty you want to do. It's great if you know it and can pursue it with full-force. But, you will not be at a disadvantage if you don't know what you want to do as of yet.

 

[TheDentalSchoolCoach]

Brother, you're applying to dental school. A place where 70% of us become general dentists. You're most likely going to be reviewed by general dentist admission people.

Not necessarily true. Admissions committee members come in all shapes and forms. So, I would disagree with this statement.

 

[Bionicjawboy]

I had TMJ and jaw surgeries as a kid and based my entire statement around oral surgery. I think it's fine as long as you can back up why you are pursuing a dental profession.

 

[mikedental]

thank you everyone, i was only going to write about how my experiences in that orthodontist office impacted by decisions to pursue dentistry and elaborate upon what I learned about patient care and the importance of providing adequate oral health care. I was not planning on writing about in-depth orthodontic treatments/procedures. Thank you again everyone!