Essay: Work experience – dental surgery

Observing in the dental surgery for an hour and a half during a root canal treatment made me truly understand and appreciate the high level of determination, coordination and intricacy involved in dentistry. Moreover, I was very inspired by the cohesiveness of the dentist and the dental nurse in providing a holistic approach to ease the anxiety of the patient by prioritising the patient’s wishes equipped with constant reassurances. This display of intricate dexterity, dentist-patient communication and resiliency has inspired me and fuelled my innate desire and resolve to study dentistry.
During my work experience, I was able to observe several different fundamentals within dentistry such as the dexterity and fine-motor skills required which I observed from shadowing an orthodontist. Elsewhere, I was fortunate to be able to partake in first-hand experience with a dentist during lunch break, where I got to make my own dental mould as well as being able to conduct an amalgam filling on an extracted tooth. I was captivated from how complex the mould mixture is to produce and the array of different surgical equipment dentists utilise. In addition to this, I understand that many people are afraid to go the dentist but through my work experience, several times, I observed excellent patience and composure by the dentist to provide each patient with the upmost care.
Throughout secondary school, I have been involved with the school football and cricket first team where I was the captain of the cricket team for six years whilst being a regular member of the football team. Being the captain enabled me to maintain a strong work ethic and to improve my leadership skills where I have been able to enforce positive thinking resulting in a motivated team. In contrast, being a regular player in the football team has enabled me to understand team dynamics from being a team leader to a regular member and this has enabled me to adapt to changing situations and to provide effective communication.
Furthermore, I have also completed a one-year sports leadership course in school where I have had to plan and lead physical activity lessons for a range of year groups as well as helping set up and formulate several sports days for primary schools around east Kent. Not only has this boosted my confidence from being able to support and communicate with people of diverse background and age groups but more importantly, this has allowed me to further socialise with the community as well as giving children some confidence and the ability of self-belief. I’ve also been thrilled to have helped lower year groups with homework or general advice during lunchtime sessions as well as helping out organise and provide information during open evenings. From these experiences, I have been able to learn valuable interpersonal skills such as patience and effective communication which is required for dentists for interaction between patients and the nurse.
Outside of school, I have been involved in starting a fundraiser at a local primary school in which I raised over £600 with Childreach International following the Nepal earthquake in 2015. As well as this, I spent a one-month trip to Nepal subsequent to the earthquake and I spent my time helping construct toilets and houses made of mud and bamboo in addition to educating the local area of Gorkha and Kathmandu respectively about the importance of hygiene which is a national concern. This trip enabled me to see different parts of society from a whole new perspective where I was very pleased to have been able to help those much less fortunate which subsequently fuelled my desire to help those in need. Furthermore, I currently tutor primary school children in preparation for their 11+ exams as well as having hobbies in soldering and magic.
To end, although dentistry involves many fundamentals and key interpersonal skills; yet I believe that my aforementioned experiences and commitment can help me thrive in the dental field.