Dentistry Personal Statement Examples
The personal statement format has changed slightly for the UCAS 2026 entry and students will now answer three specific questions. Each of these questions offers you the chance to demonstrate your passion, preparation, and dedication for studying dentistry. Below, we’ll go through good and poor examples for each of the three questions to help guide you in crafting your best response.
Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?
Good Example:
“My passion for dentistry began at a young age when I had to wear braces for several years. During my orthodontic visits, I became fascinated by the way dentists combined scientific knowledge with patient care. I was especially drawn to the ability of dentists to alleviate pain while simultaneously improving the aesthetic appearance of their patients’ smiles. This unique blend of science and artistry intrigued me, and it made me realise that dentistry is the perfect career for me, as it allows me to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
After further research, I realised that dentistry offers not only the opportunity to improve people’s physical health but also their mental wellbeing. A beautiful smile boosts confidence and can change a person’s outlook on life. This made me even more certain that dentistry is the career path I want to pursue. It combines my interests in science, healthcare, and the ability to work closely with individuals to provide both short-term relief and long-term solutions.”
Why this is good:
- The candidate has personalised the response, sharing specific moments that sparked their interest in dentistry.
- The response demonstrates an understanding of dentistry as a field, both in terms of healthcare and the social aspects (such as the cosmetic impact on a patient’s life).
- It gives a clear, genuine motivation for pursuing dentistry, which is both personal and professional.
Poor Example:
“I’ve always wanted to study dentistry because it’s a good job with good pay and job security. I like the idea of working with patients, and I think it would be a rewarding career. I’ve also seen a lot of people get braces and have their teeth straightened, which seems interesting to me. I feel like dentistry is the right career because it’s a mix of science and working with people.”
Why this is poor:
- The motivation for studying dentistry is too general and lacks specific personal insight or passion. The statement sounds more like a practical choice rather than a genuine interest in the subject.
- The candidate doesn’t demonstrate any personal experience or exploration into what makes dentistry appealing to them specifically.
- The explanation of why dentistry is the right career is vague and lacks depth in understanding what the profession truly entails.
Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
Good Example:
“Studying A-Level Biology, Chemistry, and Physics has given me a strong foundation in the scientific principles that are crucial for dentistry. Biology, in particular, has allowed me to delve into human anatomy and physiology, helping me understand the intricacies of how the body works, which is essential when studying oral health. Chemistry has also been invaluable in understanding the chemical processes behind dental treatments, such as how materials like fillings and crowns bond with the teeth. Physics has taught me about principles of mechanics and how they apply to dental tools and techniques.
Additionally, my studies in psychology have provided me with insight into patient care. Understanding human behaviour, particularly in terms of patient anxiety and the need for effective communication, is essential for a career in dentistry. These subjects have not only provided me with the knowledge required for dentistry but have also helped me develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that will be essential in my studies and future career.”
Why this is good:
- The candidate demonstrates how their specific qualifications have directly contributed to preparing them for dentistry, particularly highlighting subjects relevant to the field.
- The response shows depth of understanding in how academic subjects apply to the dentistry profession.
- It also connects the academic background to key skills, such as problem-solving, which are vital in dentistry.
Poor Example:
“I have studied Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at A-Level, and I’ve learned about how the human body works and the importance of chemistry in daily life. These subjects are all useful for studying dentistry, as they will help me understand how the body reacts to dental treatments. I’ve also learned some math and some basics about psychology, which will help me with calculations and understanding patients.”
Why this is poor:
- The explanation of how the subjects help prepare for dentistry is too vague and lacks specific examples.
- The response fails to demonstrate how each subject has contributed to a deeper understanding of dentistry itselfand the skills needed in the field.
- The mention of psychology is unclear and doesn’t explain how it connects to working with dental patients.
Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
Good Example:
“Outside of my formal education, I have sought a variety of experiences that I believe will help me become a well-rounded dentist. I completed a week-long work experience placement at a local dental hospital, where I had the chance to shadow dentists performing both general and cosmetic procedures. I was particularly drawn to how dentists balance technical skills with the need for empathy when working with anxious patients. I also volunteered weekly at a care home, where I helped elderly residents with daily activities and provided companionship. This experience taught me the importance of patience and communication, especially when working with vulnerable groups.
Additionally, I have been an active member of my school’s sports teams, including water polo and athletics. These experiences have taught me the value of teamwork and leadership, as well as how to manage my time effectively. I also took part in a first aid course, which deepened my understanding of patient care and made me more confident in medical settings.”
Why this is good:
- The candidate has demonstrated relevant and varied experiences that go beyond academics, such as volunteering and work placements.
- Each experience is linked back to skills that are essential in dentistry, such as empathy, communication, teamwork, and time management.
- The response shows a commitment to developing the soft skills necessary for patient care in a dental setting.
Poor Example:
“I’ve volunteered at a local dental clinic and helped out with some events for my school. I also shadowed a dentist for a couple of days, where I saw some dental procedures. These experiences have helped me see what a dentist does. I also play a lot of sports and have learned to be a good team player.”
Why this is poor:
- The experiences mentioned are too general and don’t provide much detail on what the candidate has actually learned or gained from them.
- The statement fails to reflect on how these experiences specifically prepared the candidate for dentistry and patient care.
- There is no personal insight or demonstration of how these activities have shaped the candidate’s skills and qualities that would be beneficial in dentistry.
Answering the UCAS personal statement questions for 2026 entry requires more than just a list of qualifications and experiences. To stand out, ensure that each response:
- Provides specific examples of experiences that directly relate to the study of dentistry.
- Demonstrates genuine motivation and a deep understanding of the field.
- Highlights transferable skills that are essential for a successful dental career.
By following the examples above, you can craft thoughtful and reflective answers that will help you make a lasting impression on university admissions teams. Remember that you can speak to one of our dentistry personal statement tutors for support on writing a standout personal statement today.
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