Explain what motivates you to pursue a dental education. Who or what in your family, education or experiences first inspired your interest in dentistry, and what else has contributed to that interest? Avoid using generalities like "I have always wanted to be a dentist." Be specific and concise.
Write about two to three specific experiences you have had that demonstrate your commitment to helping others, your academic or experiential preparation, and your knowledge of dentistry. Have you participated in relevant research? Have you observed or worked in a dental office? Have you performed community service or demonstrated leadership skills that prepare you for dentistry? Briefly describe the experience, your specific role in it, why you enjoyed it and how it connects to your interest in dentistry.
Mention any financial, familial or other hardship you have faced and explain why you think that hardship makes you a strong applicant. If you have not faced hardship, state your vision of yourself in ten years. What kind of practice do you hope to participate in, and what kind of dentist do you hope to be?
FIne tune your essay. With only about one page to tell your story, use clear and specific language to express yourself in as few words as possible. Your personal statement for dental school should be free of grammatical and spelling errors. Proofread your personal statement several times. Ask two trusted readers, preferably a dental practitioner and a writer you respect, to read it and give you feedback.