Dental Therapy & Hygiene Personal Statement

To craft an effective personal statement for dental therapy and hygiene, remember to showcase your understanding of the GDC’s nine principles through real-life experiences rather than simply listing skills. Weave these principles into unique scenarios from your work experience, demonstrating your deeper comprehension and setting you apart from other applicants. Show, don’t just tell, the admissions committee how you’re the ideal fit for the program. There is no point in just listing a bunch of skills you possess as that won’t indicate to the admissions team how you are best fit for them.

What to include in my dental therapy and hygiene personal statement?

  • Observing Dental Therapy and Hygiene Professionals: Shadowing dental therapists and hygienists offers valuable first hand experience in the world of dental therapy and hygiene. It provides insights into patient care, clinical settings, and the collaborative nature of oral healthcare teams.

  • Community Dental Hygiene Initiatives: Engaging in volunteer work with organizations that focus on promoting oral health education, particularly in schools or local community events, showcases your dedication to preventive dentistry and the overall health of the community. This experience emphasises your commitment to oral health education through advocacy, which is a fundamental aspect of dental therapy and hygiene.

Dental literature

It’s All in Your Mouth - Dr. Dominik Nischwitz

In “It’s All in Your Mouth: Biological Dentistry and the Surprising Impact of Oral Health on Whole Body Wellness, Dr. Dominik Nischwitz explores the important connection between oral health and overall well-being. He discusses how problems in the mouth, like gum disease and dental materials, can affect the entire body, from the heart to the immune system.

Dr. Nischwitz suggests that a holistic approach to dental therapy and hygiene is crucial. It means looking beyond just fixing dental issues and considering how they might influence a person’s overall health. By reading this book, dental therapy and hygiene professionals can gain insights into the wider health implications of their work and the benefits of a more holistic patient-centred approach. The book encourages a shift towards a more integrated form of dental care, promoting the idea that good oral health contributes to better overall well-being.

How do I reflect on my work experience?

  1. List each work experience and shadowing

  2. Where was it? (NHS/independent practice/specialist clinic)

  3. How long were you there?

  4. Procedures watched, roles you had, patient interactions.

  5. Memorable patient or procedure watched.

  6. Skills that were demonstrated by the dentist, hygienist, nurse and receptionists.

  7. List the skills and expand on how you have developed or will develop the same skills.

Understanding the GDC’s Nine Principles

The General Dental Council has laid out nine fundamental principles that underpin the dental profession in the UK. It’s crucial to align your personal statement with these principles to demonstrate your commitment to ethical practice and patient care.

  • Begin your personal statement by emphasising your dedication to providing the best possible care for patients and ensuring their we--being is your top priority.

  • Highlight your strong communication skills and your ability to convey complex dental information to patients in a clear and compassionate manner.

  • Discuss the importance of obtaining informed consent from patients and respecting their autonomy in decision-making.

  • Showcase your commitment to patient confidentiality and the secure handling of their personal data.

  • Mention your willingness to engage constructively with patient feedback and your dedication to improving patient experiences.

  • Emphasise on your ability to collaborate with other dental professionals and your commitment to patient centred teamwork.

  • Explain how you plan to engage in continuous professional development and how you have gained outside knowledge to further pursue your interest of DT&H

  • Describe your commitment to patient safety and your readiness to identify and report any potential risks to patient well-being.

  • Share your dedication to professionalism and ethical conduct in your personal and professional life

Scope of Practice for Dental Therapists and Hygienists in the UK

“The scope of your practice is a way of describing what you are trained and competent to do. It describes the areas in which you have the knowledge, skills and experience to practice safely and effectively in the best interests of patients”- General dental council

Dental Therapists

Dental therapists can perform a wide range of dental procedures, including:

  • Examining patients and making a diagnosis

  • Providing routine and preventative care such as scale and polish, fluoride treatments, and sealants

  • Taking and interpreting X-rays

  • Treating gum disease

  • Filling teeth with direct placement materials

  • Extracting deciduous (baby) teeth if necessary

In your personal statement for DT&H, emphasise your expertise in oral hygiene, your dedication to patient education, and your role in preventing dental issues.

To impress the admissions team for a dental therapy and hygiene program, show that you understand the jobs scope. The scope of practice means what dental therapists and hygienists are trained to do safely and well. It includes preventive care, treatment planning, and educating patients. Some dental procedures can be done by therapists. Both can use X-rays for diagnosis. By displaying your grasp of this scope, you prove your commitment and readiness for the program. This can boost your chances of getting into the course.

Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists, on the other hand, primarily focus on oral health and preventative care, including:

  • Scaling and polishing teeth

  • Providing oral hygiene advice and education

  • Administering local anaesthesia

  • Taking and interpreting X-rays

  • Treating gum disease and performing non-surgical periodontal therapy