Statement of Purpose (oral Maxillofacial Surgery)

The pursuit of knowledge has always been the central force behind my endeavors. I am young, dynamic male born and raised in Pakistan. Since an early age, my family instilled in me the value of service to fellow beings. Came naturally because my family was also a part of a prestigious health fraternity. I strongly believe that our experiences shape us and ultimately carve our path. When I was in high school, I used to meet my sister, who was working in her husband’s dental office.

The first time I saw a tooth being prepared for a crown, I was mesmerized by the skill required to create such minuscule level artistry. My brother-in-law, like any nice dental surgeon, was kind enough to let me observe procedures during my summer break. I knew right then that this is what I wanted to do. Not only would I revel in working with my hands, but I would also be making a significant impact on people’s confidence. The decision to pursue graduate studies in dental science was a natural outcome of my resolve to combine this quest with my future career. Due to my strong determination, I was admitted to a dental school in Pakistan. I valued my time in dental school as it taught me how to apply fundamental sciences to human life to make an impact.

During my undergraduate studies, I worked on basic dentistry and built a foundation by performing clinical procedures in all departments. Moreover, I was exposed to many different oral illnesses and social situations; both common and exotic that I wish to share with my colleagues in the program. While pursuing my degree, during summer breaks, I volunteered with an NGO to provide the underprivileged with necessary basic oral health care. This experience, along with the satisfaction of service, inspired me to work more for humanity. Some of my most rewarding experiences were working as a dentist for a year at a private clinic, where I independently handled the general dentistry cases. Also, working at primary health care that involved extensive community work for people from various backgrounds helped me develop new perspectives and cultivate interpersonal skills.

To strengthen my knowledge to be a specialist, working with different socioeconomic backgrounds influenced my decision to pursue the advanced standing program. This program will strengthen my skills, enhance my dentistry and will give me broader exposure by exchanging ideas of dental practices in other countries. Furthermore, my zeal for social work mirrors my passion for dentistry. I have worked at many free medical/dental camps for underserved rural population throughout my dental career. These experiences allowed me to learn and grow as a dentist, as well as a human being.

My residency with a DDS for two years added knowledge, experience, and expertise to my manual dexterity and self-confidence as a dentist. Determined to gain clinical experience, I used to go to Family Dental Center to see infrequently seen cases, while I prepared for my exam.

After my board exam, I joined as a full-time observer then as a dental assistant after getting dental radiology certification. I plan on continuing my dental assistant job until my admission to dental school. I want to specialize in Oral Maxillofacial surgery in the future not only to help the victims of different catastrophes, but also to participate with my wife who is specializing in ophthalmology and build a trauma center, where we can work together to make the lives better for individuals with severe road injuries and also provide affordable health care to the needy patients of cleft lip & palate.

Performing well in my major subjects has never clouded my activities on the non-academic front. Ranging from hiking, playing soccer, volleyball, cricket, badminton, dramatics and participating in sports events. I’ve had my share of it all.

My experiences in all these endeavors have been most valuable in boosting my confidence to manage time, master the skill of multitasking and making me the person I am today—a strong team player and a well-rounded individual. I possess the motivation, education, and preparation to set out on this exhilarating and arduous journey. In the future, I expect to be a serving dentist and a better human being. With this vision, I am seeking admission to the advanced standing program, I have the commitment and willingness to make personal sacrifices of time and leisure. In turn, I am striving to humanity, and contribute to human knowledge, not forgetting, of course, the personal rewards of learning and discovery.

I will bring to the program energy, diversity, and integrity. I am committed to making an important contribution to the dental profession and to society. My experiences, knowledge, and dedication will make me an outstanding member of the dental school. I thank you for considering my application.