Statement of “Purpose”
Dental School Admissions: A Journey of Choices and Challenges
Number 75—the board flashed. My father and I were in a huge line of dental school applicants for two hours, waiting to be called. All of us had written a common entrance test, and each of us had a rank number based on our score. With a couple of thousand people waiting in line, our ranks ranged from “one” to some “thousand” number. I endured a nail-biting wait, my eyes fixated on the massive electronic board displaying changing names and numbers with each applicant.
The candidates ahead of me were choosing the more popular dental schools. I was hoping to secure a seat in the one in my own city. Nearly chewing my fingers in anticipation, I finally saw my name appear. Perplexed, I took a couple of minutes to realize that there were still seats left in my desired school! Excitement rushed over me.
Dental school admissions were vastly different when I stepped into the U.S. There were no long lines and no two-hour waits. Instead, the process involved months of planning and days of research to determine which school was the right fit. It required writing long essays explaining why I wanted to enroll in a particular school. Initially, I found this exercise extremely frustrating. Why should I have to prove my desire to become a dentist? Even with excellent NBDE and TOEFL scores, the Statement of Purpose (SOP) played a crucial role in my application, clearly defining my intent and motivation for pursuing dentistry.
After several torn sheets and hours of deep thought, I admitted defeat—I couldn’t pinpoint a clear reason for wanting to enter a U.S. dental school. So, I turned to my most trusted sources for guidance: my husband and the internet. Both provided the same advice—”You need a story to tell.”
I had never truly reflected on why I wanted to be a dentist. I knew peer pressure and my interest in the medical field had led me to choose dentistry. But wasn’t my own dental experience the real reason that deeply influenced me? That was it! I had a story to tell.
After countless drafts, I finally had a compelling two-page essay. I formatted, read, and re-read it a dozen times before printing it. I followed every tip the online gurus had shared. My story explained why I chose dentistry in simple, straightforward language. I ditched the thesaurus and wrote with clarity. I conducted thorough research on each school and tailored every essay accordingly. I incorporated real-life experiences to demonstrate genuine interest in their programs. With my strong academic scores, a well-structured resume, and an impactful SOP, my application packet was complete.
It worked! Within two weeks, I received my interview call.
While the admissions process varies by country, personal stories remain a powerful force in shaping our journeys. Some people don’t need to say theirs out loud, while others do. But in the end, stories matter—they define who we are and influence our lives in many ways.
Dr. Meenakshi Umapathy, a dedicated General Dentist, began her journey in India before advancing her expertise in the United States. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry and now practices pediatric dentistry in Indiana. Through her compelling narratives, she reflects on her experiences practicing in both India and the U.S., offering unique insights into the profession. Her blog, originally published on DentistryUnited.com in 2012, has been thoughtfully republished to continue inspiring and informing readers .