Statement of Intent Like a patchwork quilt, there is no way to undo the rough patches in my life. And like a quilt, I am made of different patches, beautiful and ugly, interwoven to shape me into who I am today, and who I have the ability to become. Life can definitely test you, and I learned this as a young adult. My father lost our family business and my mother was working tirelessly to keep our family afloat. After my father lost the business, my mother began taking classes to become an insurance agent to help keep our family above water. I hoped that this would be the worst of our hardships, yet life tested us once again. We were in the midst of losing our home, when my mom fell into a deep depression. Overnight, I had to learn how …show more content…
To strengthen the stitches of my patches, it was important for me to seek mentors with distinguished quilts of their own. Observing a cosmetic dentist only strengthened my desire for dentistry. She used her artistry to alleviate her patients’ insecurities. She used her craftsmanship to reduce her patient's’ discomfort, and she used her knowledge of science to achieve the precise alignment of her patients’ teeth. Observing the interwoven skills of her quilt further solidified my passion to pursue dentistry. To continue my running stitch I shadowed three dentists, who used their compassion to comfort and care for their patients. They constantly educated their patients about the importance of good oral health and the consequences of poor oral hygiene. During this time, I became passionate about educating people on oral hygiene for a better future. My experience observing different dental specialties illuminated the different qualities that I possess in my quilt to make me a strong and extraordinary …show more content…
This opportunity excited me for what my future would look like. Each student that I encountered gave me the strength and courage to continue on this exciting journey of becoming a dentist. As a Post-Baccalaureate dental student attending your program, my life experiences, internship experience and undergraduate studies have prepared me to take on graduate level courses. After extensively reviewing the program and meeting with the knowledgeable staff at UCLA, I have learned that the dental post-baccalaureate program is a perfect fit for me. This has always been a dream for me. I would remain humble and grateful through my journey of becoming a dentist. I once struggled to balance a full course load while supporting my family and taking care of my youngest sibling, that I am now given the opportunity to focus on my own
With my early trips to the dentist and the natural loss of my baby teeth having sparked an interest in dentistry before I really knew what being a dentist meant, I began shadowing to further explore the profession. As I watched a tooth take shape from a blob of acrylic under the experienced hand of the dentist I was shadowing, I was filled with the same awe and satisfaction that I gain from the piano. Dr. Aboud repeatedly positioned the temporary crown in the patient’s mouth, checked his bite, and painstakingly continued to adjust the crown until the fit was just right. Though I have wanted to be a dentist for almost as long as I have played the piano, my interest in dentistry grew
Since my interest first peaked, I have continued towards my goal to become a dentist, not only through high academic achievement, but with life experience. I obtained my dental radiography license and worked as a dental assistant during high school and was provided with the opportunity to observe a variety of dental procedures. I also gained exposure to the additional responsibilities of a dental professional ranging from the billing process to dealing with insurance companies. I got a glimpse of the organizational skills necessary to run a small business. I continued gaining experiences upon entering
From observing varying dental environments, what appealed to me most was the technicality and artistic skills that were encompassed. I shadowed three dentists for a total of three weeks at Penthaligon Dental Centre, where I saw a wide variety of treatments, ranging from general check ups to root canal treatments and crown fittings. While spending my time here I also observed an oral surgeon for a day - procedures which involved high precision and care. In contrast to NHS treatment, I observed private treatment at the Avenue Dental Practice, which I attended weekly for two months. One of the many differences was how the dentist executed a root canal treatment; using more developed equipment. Here, I also
My life has truly been transformed by Dentistry; it has boosted my confidence and aligned me with the career path of my dreams. Early on in life, every aspect of Dentistry captured my heart. Learning to cope with my embarrassing smile inspired me to want to help others by giving them what they always dreamed of. Knowing I have the power to make someone's dreams come to life is the reason I wake up each morning with a drive and desire to achieve my goals. While striving with a strong focus, packaged with confidence and sincerity, I will pursue my passion through demanding training. I not only plan to be a hardworking, determined and ambitious student, but with my skills as an orthodontist, it will further my ability to be an active member in
Being a first year student at the Fortis Institute Dental Hygiene School, I have experienced many wonderful things. I have made new friendships, enhancing my learning experience, furthering my career, and my personal favorite experience, clinic. I have learned many techniques from observing the other students during this time. Also, being in the clinic had shown me that being an RDH is what I want to do. In my essay I will discuss my Fears, experiences, observations, my new found confidences, and finally how my view of Dental Hygiene has changed.
Ever since I was in middle school, I would tell everyone that I was going to become a dentist. That was my career plan until the summer of my junior year. During that summer, I had the opportunity to do an internship and job shadow Dr. Bradshaw at his private dental office. While observing and talking to the doctor, I realized that I would not enjoy working as a dentist. I still wanted to pursue a career in the dental field so I decided to job shadow the dental hygienists. Watching the dental hygienists perform their duties and interact with patients made me want to pursue a career in dental hygiene. I knew very little about dental hygienists besides the fact that they clean teeth. As I spent time with the dental hygienists, I learned more each day. While researching for this paper, I became knowledgeable on even more information. From reading The Occupational Outlook Handbook and A Career as a Dental
Deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life is never easy; in part because you never know what the future has in store. Furthermore, there are endless possibilities to take into consideration. A desire to help others has always been a passion of mine and I envision myself in a service oriented career path. With a great deal of time, soul searching, research and careful consideration, I have come to realize that pursuing a degree in dental hygiene will help me reach my goals and fulfill my dreams. Dental Hygienists are patient, understanding, detail-oriented and passionate about oral hygiene. They possess leadership skills and enjoy daily interaction with patients. I embody these character traits and look forward to educating
During Wednesday’s lecture we had the opportunity to hear Kathryn Trilli give us a short autobiography of her career, and introduce us to the roles of a hygienist when working in a specialty clinic. Mrs. Trilli started her career at Sheridan College in Wyoming. She received her Associates in Science in Dental Hygiene. Upon graduation Mrs. Trilli was serving tables while waiting for her license. It was at her serving job that she met her first boss, John Nabers D.D.S., a periodontist in Wichita Falls, Texas who later was the founder of the Nabers probe. After working in Nabers practice for two years she left to begin her teaching career. While teaching Mrs. Trilli obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene, from Midwestern State University. After relocating to east Texas for her husband’s profession she worked at various private practices. While living in Denton, Texas for five years she taught at Texas Woman’s University. After her husband accepted a coaching position at Newman University the Trillis relocated their family one final time to where they currently call
This year has went by so fast! However, it was much more stressful with board exams vastly approaching, it was also easier now that I was in the swing of things. I don’t’ think twice when picking up a gracey, muscle memory just knows what to do! Although I am not perfect, I believe I am a safe beginner to practice in a dental office. This brings me great joy! As I have been waiting for this day to come for a long time. I’m so thankful to have had this experience, although it was not an easy one. I feel incredibly blessed to have been taught by the best, in such a well-organized clinic. I’m in awe with the patience the instructors have had with me, and my classmates as we learned what to prioritize and made personal improvements. In a strange way I will miss the pressure of school.
At the age of thirteen, I decided that I wanted to become a dentist. I have since read countless dental textbooks explaining everything from anatomy to treatment of oral diseases. My junior year of high school, I entered the Dental Assistant program at the Clark County Skills Center. Through the program I gained the knowledge needed to become a dental assistant. The Skills Center further strengthened my decision to become a dentist by teaching me how the dental world truly functions. In December of 2105, at the age of 16, I became a Certified Dental Assistant and began working at Design Dentistry. Working at Design Dentistry with Dr. Wenzinger has inspired me to continue my education, and I plan to further my education to become a dentist.
I was accustomed to viewing the dental office from a patient’s perspective; however, this has changed after enrolling in a dental assistant course. The course intrigued my interest though the hands on learning, along with the opportunity for direct patient care. Although the course has prepared me to become a dental assistant, it has also introduced me the various dental health occupations. Ultimately, inspiring me to expand my career in dental health and pursue an education in dental hygiene.
I hope to one day attend dental school, and as a dentist, I will provide my patients with the type of personalized care I received from my doctor. I aspire to be a skilled medical professional that makes a difference in people's everyday quality of life. I hope to treat people with the utmost compassion and respect, while providing care tailored to the particular needs of each patient. I believe that the University of Texas at Austin provides the best opportunity to take the next step in my journey, and I am ready to do great things with my education. Thank you for considering my
At the conclusion of her high school academic career, Claire Keller planned to enter a field far from that of dental hygiene, one perhaps centered on the natural world. She even began an internship at a fish and wildlife park in order to explore related career opportunities. It wasn’t until a friend of hers told her that she was going into dentistry that she was reminded of her many positive experiences in dentist offices throughout her early life. She has always received her dental work at the Wakarusa Family Dentist Office in town and always felt welcomed and encouraged there.
By graduation I recognized a hard truth: I was not a competitive applicant for dental school. Furthermore, I was questioning whether dental school was in fact the direction I wanted to go. My academic record was not perfect, and I believed that certain grades on my transcript did not accurately reflected my capabilities as a student. Although pell grants had covered the cost of my tuition, I was required to work full-time to support my living expenses. This took a toll on my capacity to study, and my grades sometimes suffered. I needed to demonstrate that I was capable of succeeding in dental school or wherever I chose to go, and so I decided to seek a master’s degree in public health.
In my younger years, I was constantly reminded by my family, teachers and peers about the significance of spreading joy. I started to equate joy with making people smile. Inevitably, those childhood reminders and mindset helped manifest my adult aspirations. It has now become my aspiration to continuously experience joyous occasions when the beauty of genuine happiness is reflected through a confident, vivacious smile. However, growing up in Cameroon, I was not sure how this aspiration could be manifested into an actual profession. Upon moving to the United States, I had one of the most memorable experiences in an unexpected place, the dentist office; it awoke a hidden passion and desire in me. I never thought that sitting at a dentist office for over an hour would have such a great impact on my life. I never felt the stark confidence to allow joy to fully shine through my seemingly crooked smile, until my experience with Dr. Centty, the first dentist I ever encountered. She was very captivating and spoke in detail regarding brushing and maintaining a healthy smile. I was left astonished and felt a puzzling sense of joy and pride that I still feel until this day when Dr. Centty fixed my chipped tooth. It surprised me that a chipped tooth that made me self-conscious for over five years was taken care of so proficiently and gave me a reason to smile more often. Smiling may seem small, but a smile can change a person’s life. My smile changed that day and this childhood