Dental Student Creates Guide to Ease Dental School Application Process

UK: Siwan Philips (pictured), a fifth-year dental student at the University of Bristol, has taken it upon herself to create a 15-page guide titled ‘So you want to go to dental school?’ to assist aspiring dentists in navigating the challenging dental school application process. 

Her own experience with the application process, marked by numerous obstacles, inspired her to develop this resource to help others facing similar difficulties.

Overcoming Challenges to Enter Dental School

Siwan’s journey to dental school was not without hurdles.

“The application process for dental school wasn’t easy for me and I experienced many barriers getting into dental school,” she said.

“I struggled through chemistry A-level, had no idea how to navigate the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), and got two rejections pre-interview. But with resilience and hard work, I got accepted into Bristol Dental School.

“Of course, there is no “step by step manual” to the process – this was my inspiration. After speaking to prospective students in person and online, it seems that the dental school application process is challenging for so many.”

Recognising that many others also find the application process challenging, she felt compelled to create a guide that would provide valuable assistance.

‘So you want to go to dental school?’ – A Comprehensive Guide

The guide Siwan created, ‘So you want to go to dental school?’, spans 15 pages and aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the entire dental school application process. It covers various aspects of applying to dental school, including making the decision to pursue dentistry as a career, navigating the UCAT, crafting compelling personal statements, and preparing for interviews.

Written in a methodical and informal manner, the guide presents key deadlines, websites, and step-by-step explanations to demystify the application process. It also incorporates tips and hints based on Siwan’s own experiences, providing valuable insights for prospective students as they tackle personal statements and interview questions. Additionally, the guide includes information on trending topics in dentistry, offering applicants a glimpse into the dynamic and ever-changing field.

Empowering Prospective Dental Students

Siwan’s ultimate aim in creating this guide is to empower prospective dental students with a clear and methodical approach to the seemingly turbulent application process. 

“If my 17-year-old self had this type of guide, I think she would have been less anxious about the process and able to have a more clarity. That is the simple aim of this guide – to provide clarity and reassurance to prospective dental students,” she added.