The application for most dental schools requires an essay. The applicant is asked to write a personal statement revealing traits or characteristics that are not readily apparent from the transcript information. In addition, the candidate is asked to discuss his or her reasons for going into the field of dentistry.
An aspiring dentist should cull a list of specific reasons why he wishes to enter this particular field. Reasons such as “I’ve always wanted to help people ” or “I am good with my hands” do not impress admissions officers. An effective essay might be based on an event in the individual’s background, on a personal experience, or on a job in which the candidate “shadowed” a dentist.
Most dental schools in the United States accept the common application; therefore, candidates will write only ONE essay, which is then sent to all of the schools. Given the large group of qualified students vying for each spot, the essay portion of the application can ultimately determine a candidate’s acceptance or rejection from a school.