BASIC Q Flashcards
Why Dentistry?
Introduction:
Traumatic ice skating accident
Pain, low self-esteem, less confident
Professionalism, empathy, kindness of my dentist supported me during this challenging time
Many appointments, patients
Experienced first hand the meaningful impact dentistry has on patients by enhancing their oral health and confidence inspired me to delve deeper and gain more insight into the career of dentistry
work experience emergency dental clinic, witnessed in 3rd person perspective on how the dentist made positive impacts on numerous patients well-being
Memorable example : Patient came in distressed , body language anxious
Dentist provided reassurance, listened to her concerns
Patient had an infection from filling, dentist gave treatment options, antibiotics and respected autonomy
End of appointment = patient was thankful, more relieved, happy , felt like she was a different person
Instance really cemented my desire for dentistry because I want to have a direct, positive impact on a patients qol and wellbeing
Point 2:
Reason: Manual dexterity/Blend of precision and creativity
Justification:
work experience witnessed various of different procedures e.g gum grafts &teeth extractions done with meticulous precision
Seeing first hand my dentists’ creativity in crafting a crown that suits me best , found it intriguing because you are using art to treat patients .
Dentistry’s unique mix of technical precision and artistic creativity aligns well with me as I enjoy doing hobbies that combine these skill sets such as crocheting, where precision is crucial for stitching (ensuring the tension and size of the stitch is right) and artistic creativity is expressed by choosing what yarn colour would go well together.
I would love to use these skills as a dentist and implement practical procedures that I learnt to helping people’s well-being.
Point 3:
Reason:
Justification:
Conclusion:
> Dentistry allows me to merge my artistic and manual abilities and desire to improve an individual’s qol with a purpose-driven career, which I find incredibly rewarding.
Why Dentistry And Not Medicine?
Introduction:
Many aspects of dentistry that I like that also relate closely with medicine e.g being able to build long-term relationships with your patients, working in an MDT and using your professional skills and judgement to help patients
However dentistry resonates with me on a personal level and includes more of what I like, that’s unique from medicine, making me believe that dentistry is a better match for me
Point 1:
Reason: Improving Self-Image
Justification:
Helping 3 aspects of a patient in a procedure : physical health, mental health and aesthetic, which is something that you can’t/don’t do in majority of medicine unless you go down in a very narrow part of plastic/maxillofacial surgery
Dentists have the ability to improve self-image by transforming smiles, which boosts someone’s confidence and significantly affect their life satisfaction
The feeling of laughing and smiling freely after hiding it for so long is something that I’ll never forget
It would be a privilege to be able to do that for someone
Point 2:
Reason: Immediate Specialisation
Justification:
Dentistry allows for immediate specialisation, which focuses on the health of the mouth, after graduation
Medicine requires two years of foundation training before you start specialising
Dentists get to immerse themselves in their chosen field straight away
Point 3:
Reason: Manual dexterity
Justification:
During work experience I saw various procedures such as tooth extractions and gum grafts which highlighted the importance of manual dexterity and the frequent use of it
In medicine, only surgical specialities and O&G have many hands on opportunities.
Surgeries in medicine longer and less independent
I feel very comfortable using my hands in difficult situations
I love using my hands, most of my hobbies include good hand-eye coordination
An aspect I feel I can thrive in
Conclusion:
Dentistry and medicine both essential in healthcare
Unique aspects of dentistry align better with my characteristics, personality and aspirations
Tell Us Something About Yourself
Introduction:
Point 1:
Interest/Hobby/Quality etc.: Cooking
Justification:
Relaxing, helps me clear my mind
Take a break from social media/my phone
Gives me an excuse to go on my bike and get ingredients (allows me to be active)
Encourages me to eat healthier/ be mindful of what nutrients I’m consuming
Fun , love organising my cooking space and keeping it clean
Creating a nice environment by listening to music/podcasts, more enjoyable experience
Love seeing improvement each time I cook e.g used to struggle dicing but now I’m able to do it
These skills e.g hand eye coordination, time management, creating relaxing environment contribute to my successes in academia and personal growth
Point 2:
Interest/Hobby/Quality etc.: Volunteering with refugees to help them with their english
Justification:
Enjoy experiencing community and giving back to my community
Allowed me to work with people who come from different backgrounds
Gain different perspective on peoples lives
extended my compassion to others enhanced cultural competence
Influence my approach to science and academia
Solidified my passion to use my privilege/knowledge to help others out who don’t have the same opportunity
Point 3:
Interest/Hobby/Quality etc.: Video games
Justification:
Way to de-stress / past time, best outlet when feeling overwhelmed
Love 1 player games where I get to solve problems/complete missions (sense of fulfilment)
Successes in these video games due to attention to detail, patience and persistence
Enjoy multiplayer games with friends/family, favourite way to spend bonding time
Emphasise teamwork, collaboration and communication
These skills allow me to enhance my problem solving abilities, an attribute which is vital for personal growth and academic pursuits.
Conclusion:
In general, this is an outline of who I am .
Hard to confine myself in just a couple of points but
Sharing some of my enjoyment with video games, cooking and volunteer work, I hope to reveal that the skills I gain and refine from activities that bring me pleasure allow me to be a well-rounded individual
Why Should We Choose You?
C
What Would You Do If You Don’t Get Accepted?
Introduction:
Last year I was unsuccessful with my dentistry application
Took a gap year this year to improve my candidacy and to strengthen my application
fueled motivation to strive further towards my goal of becoming a dentist
Point 1:
Point: Gain more insight into dentistry
Explanation:
Shadowing at an emergency dental practice
New experience, compared to other private clinic i shadowed where it was less busy/demanding
Enhanced learning of the dental field through online courses e.g Discover dentistry
Point 2:
Point: Personal growth and Skill development
Explanation:
Allowed me to enhance skills that are vital for dentistry
In-person volunteer at caritas centre, teaching assistant for pre-entry and level 2 english classes for refugees , communication skills with people from different backgrounds and english levels . New experience
Online volunteer at 7 cups , enhanced empathy and active listening skills further e.g spending more hours
Point 3:
Point : self-studying a-level biology
Stronger candidate and have more options when choosing dental schools
Taught me time management, self-discipline and independence
Conclusion:
If not accepted this year, I would be upset however I know that life doesn’t always go your way and I wouldn’t let that bring me down or give up on dentistry
Would do another healthcare related course and apply for graduate dentistry
Why Would You Make For a Good Dentist?
Introduction:
Point 1:
Your trait/skill/interest: Leadership
How you develop it:
Elected chair of the girl’s youth club at my local mosque
Organised charity events , where I had to assign different roles to members of the club
Also social events
Why is it important in dentistry?
Dentist are a team leader in the MDT
Dentists have the responsibility to delegate tasks appropriately
Allowed me to foster community , positive impact on well-being of dental practice and the community it serves.
GDC GUIDELINE WORK WELL WITH COLLEGUES THAT’S IN THE PATIENTS BEST INTEREST
Point 2:
Your trait/skill/interest: Effective communication
How you develop it:
Worked as a tutor for 3/4 months
Taught GCSE science and maths to students of varying ability
Phrase/explain complex concepts that they find difficult in a way they’ll understand e.g ionic bonding
Why is it important in dentistry?
Dentist required to translate dental jargon into simpler terms for the patient to understand
Explaining procedures clearly
Required to teach dental students
Point 3:
Your trait/skill/interest: Empathy
How you develop it:
Volunteered/currently volunteering at 7cups (online counselling service)
Provided support to anonymous users who are looking for reassurance and comfort
Actively listening to their concerns, patient while giving them the space and time to express how they’re feeling
Why is it important in dentistry?
Patients would want dentists who would listen to them and validate their concerns
Patients want to be understood
Establish a comfortable environment where patient are able to feel relaxed
Form lasting relationships with them
Dentist must appreciate patients values and priorities
Allows them to think objectively and rationally without personal bias
GDC GUIDELINE PUT PATIENT INTEREST FIRST AND COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY
Conclusion:
Qualities shape my vision of a dentist
