Master the Dentistry Personal Statement with Us
You’ve determined, after thorough research, that dentistry is the career for you! You’ve started your UCAS application and you’re now ready to start your personal statement.
This article discusses the factors to consider when developing an outstanding dentistry personal statement.
Dentistry personal statement Review?
We advise starting early as students usually require multiple drafts to complete the statement to a high standard. Remember, the application deadline is earlier for Medicine and Dental candidates, so an early start is always a good idea. Based on previous candidates, successful statements follow good structure, are genuine and demonstrate the desire for the student to pursue dentistry.
The Structure (NEW 3 Question Format)
Why has the personal statement format changed?
UCAS wanted to make the process easier and more structured for you to really shine in your application. We know how daunting it can be to be faced with a blank page, so the new questions should help give you a starting point to shout all about you and your achievements, helping you to give strong examples to prove you're a good fit for dentistry.
Each answer will have a minimum character count of 350 characters, which is clearly labelled on the question boxes, along with an overall character counter, so you can keep track. The 4000 overall character limit (including spaces) remains the same, as does what you're expected to include.
Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject?
This is your chance to express your passion for dentistry and demonstrate why you're well-suited to the career.
What to include:
Your motivations for studying dentistry: Was there a key moment, person, or experience that inspired you?
What fascinates you about dentistry e.g. attention to clinical detail, the patient impact, or the blend of science and hands-on care.
Extracurricular activities: Have you read books, listened to podcasts, or completed online courses related to dentistry?
Your career aspirations: Do you see yourself in general practice, special care dentistry, or oral surgery?
Helpful prompts to get started:
Why do you want to study dentistry?
What inspired your interest… a role model, an experience, a specific moment?
What does dentistry offer that no other career does?
What insight have you gained through shadowing or career research?
Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course?
This section is about connecting your academic background to dentistry and showcasing your readiness for the course.
What to include:
Subjects or modules that helped develop relevant skills (e.g. manual dexterity in Art or critical thinking in Biology).
School or college projects that deepened your interest in healthcare or science.
Awards, leadership roles, or academic achievements that reflect your capability.
If you’ve taken a course like our free Dentistry Experience, you can mention what you learned and how it shaped your decision.
Reflect on:
How your school subjects link to skills needed in dentistry.
Any academic achievements you're proud of (beyond just grades).
What you’ve learned about yourself through your education.
Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
This is where you can highlight your work experience, volunteering, hobbies, and life experiences that strengthen your application.
What to include:
Work experience or shadowing: What did you observe, and what did you learn? Reflect on how it confirmed your interest.
Volunteering: Maybe you’ve supported vulnerable groups or worked with children.
Hobbies and extracurriculars: Team sports, martial arts, music, etc. Discuss the skills you developed and how they relate to being a future dentist.
Life responsibilities: Caring for a relative, part-time work, or any situation that built resilience, empathy, or communication skills.
Helpful prompts:
What did the dentist you observed do that impressed you?
What personal traits did you see that you also share?
Can you demonstrate teamwork, empathy, communication, and time management?
How do you balance academics with your personal life?
Example personal statements
Found that useful? Have a look at our examples to give you an understanding of what a successfully written statement looks like.
Please note that these are real life examples that have been through the admissions cycle and should not be copied as that will count as plagiarism. Use these examples to inspire you to construct your own unique personal statements.
We have also included a rejected statement to give you an understanding of what to avoid.
This is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of how to improve construct and improve your personal statement and increase your chances of success. We also have a statement reviewing service, where we help you finalise your statement using our team of successful dentistry students.
Undergraduate examples
Dental schools typically receive most of their applications from those who are applying as ‘undergraduate students’ taking A-levels or equivalent. Thus, for those in this category, the personal statement must stand out to increase chances of being shortlisted for an interview. But remember, it is not just the statement which is used for shortlisting, your grades, school/college reference and UCAT score (and BMAT if required) will also be strongly considered.
Aside from A-levels, there are various other qualifications that schools accept for entry, if you are interested in learning more about these, we direct you to the official websites for each dental school. Here, the exact entry criteria for the forthcoming year of applications will be found.
Postgraduate examples
As a graduate, the personal statement requires further detail about of how you have utilised the additional time (from completing your A-levels and undergraduate degree) to gain the skills, qualities and the determination necessary to become a training dentist.
The graduate statement will therefore contain details relating to your undergraduate degree, you desire to pursue dentistry and further information on reinforcing your suitability for the career.
For information on graduate entry dentistry, click here.
How the Dentistry Personal Statement is Assessed?
The personal statement functions as a key to help you secure your dentistry interview. Each University will have its own admission criteria, with the personal statement being a key determinant in this.
Admissions tutors look for many factors within a personal statement- use these pointers to help with creating your personal statement.
Does the applicant have a realistic interest in Dentistry?
You should show your ambitious interest for Dentistry and demonstrate an excellent insight with reflection and relevant reasoning for your decisions. Use the statement to not only mention these but discuss how they stimulate your interest and led you to seek further information.
Is the applicant involved in interests other than academia?
It is very likely that most applicants will have the required academic entry requirements, therefore it is important to focus on your non academic interests and link these to a career in Dentistry.
Due to the stressful nature of this career, work-life integration is key. You should show varied interests such as being part of a sport team, music involvement, hobbies or community and religious activities. These show you have commitment to area other than academia and can manage time well.
Is the applicant informed about a career in Dentistry?
You should convey your truthful motives to study dentistry. Your rationale should be well explained and you should evidence where you have derived your insight. With work experience being cancelled (due to COVID-19), you should describe the ways in which you have sought dentistry career insight. For instance, partaking in online courses, actively speaking to dentists and reading relevant article are all plausible methods of career insight.
Does the applicant show altruism?
‘Altruism’ refers to the selfless desire to help others. If you are committed to a particular voluntary role, involved in regularly helping others at college/school or a community initiative this is important to mention. This demonstrates self-motivation, leadership and organisational skills.
Does the applicant have life skills?
They will look for evidence of team work; organisation; leadership; and dexterity; time management; and having problem solving ability.
You should be able to demonstrate an excellent range of skills, abilities and responsibilities, and link these to how they will benefit you as a dental student and subsequently, a dentist.
Is there evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills?
Communication is a fundamental aspect of day to day Dentistry.
It is worth mentioning involvement in activities related to communication, such as a current or past job in customer services or if you have a role involving strong communication such as debating, acting, public speaking or lecturing.
Avoid simply listing these activities, but rather focus on describing how these endeavours will benefit you as a future dentist.
