I feel that my journey into dentistry has been uniquely untraditional, which is why I want to share my experiences with anyone struggling in a similar way, finding it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Coming from a family of medical doctors, I’ve always felt a natural gravitation toward the field of medicine. With my brother, uncle, and many of my extended family working in healthcare, it seemed logical that I would follow in their footsteps. I knew I wanted a patient-centered career where I could help others, but I was initially torn between various paths. Dentistry was always in the back of my mind, but I never seriously considered it until I had my first true exposure to the field. This came about when my mother underwent a dental implant procedure for her upper central incisors. Before this treatment, she had been self-conscious about her discolored front teeth, which was a result of a traumatic childhood accident. After the procedure, her recovery was amazing, and her newfound confidence, marked by her constant smile, was inspiring. The dental team gave her a priceless gift by using a combination of science, artistry, and manual dexterity. This experience shifted my perspective and opened my eyes to the possibilities of pursuing dentistry as a career.
After my mother’s treatment, I was still unsure about my future and decided I would pursue engineering in my undergraduate degree, as both of my parents were engineers. It seemed like a safe choice, offering a stable path into the workforce if I decided not to pursue a postgraduate education. However, I quickly realized my true passions were elsewhere. I had always excelled in the sciences, and this prompted me to switch my undergraduate focus to biology. This decision felt right, and although I had some concerns about switching programs, it was the best decision I made. It was reflected in my grades, my motivation, and my outlook on how I was building the foundations of my future application to postgraduate schools.
Switching programs required me to sacrifice many summers to complete additional coursework to graduate on time despite transferring some courses between my degrees. The pressure of completing my biology degree on time, despite starting over as a first-year student in my third year, made it difficult to focus on my long-term career goals. I became hyper-focused on maintaining a high GPA and finishing within the same timeframe, neglecting to fully consider what path I truly wanted to take at the end of the journey. While I did achieve my goal of graduating on time with distinction in the program, I ended up taking a gap year during the COVID-19 pandemic to focus solely on building my application, completing prerequisite courses, which I did at three different universities, all while trying to involve myself in extracurricular activities at my university and preparing for standardized exams like the DAT. To aid in my decision-making process, I began shadowing dentists during the pandemic as well, to better understand the depth and scope of the profession, ensuring it was aligned with what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Observing hundreds of hours of dental practice at multiple offices throughout the GTA, I was sure that dentistry is the path I wanted to pursue. It became evident to me through my shadowing experiences that dentists are responsible not only for oral health but also for maxillofacial and neck health – a common misconception. One of the most inspiring events that confirmed my decision was when the dentist I was shadowing noticed a lump along the neck of a patient and referred them to their healthcare provider for further investigation. The patient later phoned him to thank him for catching an early stage of lymphoma. I fell in love with watching the dentist’s daily life of back-to-back patients and fostering rapport with each one. I liked seeing the aspect of continuing care and observing the development of patients who returned over time. I believe a big part of a successful dental practice depends on the rapport a dentist builds with their patients. Understanding the importance of this trait, it was heartwarming to realize dentists can nurture a relationship with their patients over time, and eventually, their patients’ children may become their new patients. This is how I met my first dentist, who was also my parents’ dentist when they were newly married until he sadly retired: however, he remains a core memory of my childhood experiences at the dentist. I hope that, as a practicing dentist, I can build similar connections with my patients, so that when they come in for an appointment, it feels like catching up with an old friend. Eventually, if I’m lucky, I will have the opportunity to care for their children and watch them grow up – just as my old dentist has seen my brother and I grow up. At that point, I felt confident in my decision to pursue dentistry, with no hesitations about whether I would love the profession. I thrive on challenges, and being the first in my immediate family to pursue dentistry made it even more important for me to excel and succeed in this career choice.
Through my experiences, I became captivated by the blend of science, artistry, and technical skill that goes into every procedure. As I mentioned, I initially had misconceptions about what dentistry entailed, but while something like a composite resin restoration may seem routine, watching a skilled dentist replicate natural anatomy with such precision in a limited-access environment was extraordinary. Dentistry offers the perfect balance of science and art; I unknowingly discovered the artistic and creative side of dentistry early in my life. Like many pre-teens, I had crooked teeth growing up, which exposed me to different areas of dentistry, including general dentistry, orthodontics, and dental surgery. I believe dentistry heavily relies on the artistic side of the provider – my personal experience showed me that using science, persistence, an artistic eye, and an endless supply of rubber bands, my orthodontist transformed my smile. I remember not being able to stop smiling after having my braces removed. I hope to have this impact on a young person in the future and inspire the next generation to pursue dentistry.
Despite the challenges of shadowing, preparing for the DAT, and navigating personal hardships during the pandemic, I continued working toward my goal of becoming a dentist. Rejection letters from various schools were discouraging, but I remained undeterred. I took a leap of faith when I learned that Irish dental schools were CDCA-accredited very late in the application cycle. I applied to all the Irish programs through the Atlantic Bridge website just a few days before the deadline. I was accepted into the University College Cork’s (UCC) five-year dental program mid-summer. The prospect of moving to Ireland with only four weeks’ notice was both exhilarating and terrifying, especially for someone who had never lived outside of Canada or away from home.
Studying abroad has been transformative. Ireland’s dental education system is unique, offering early exposure to clinical practice. From my first year, I was interacting with patients, and by my third year, I was conducting treatment plans and performing my first dental fillings. These experiences have been invaluable in shaping my skills and confidence as a future dentist. Beyond academics, I’ve been deeply involved in the student community, serving as the year lead for my cohort for four consecutive years and recently being elected as the entertainment representative for the Dental Society. These roles have enhanced my time management, leadership, and organizational skills, helping me grow personally and professionally. I’ve realized the importance of fostering a community among the diverse group of students, which is why I’ve worked to bring students from all years and backgrounds together through social events, whether organized through our school societies or on my own time outside of school.
One unique aspect of studying in Ireland is the opportunity to explore Europe. Outside the demanding academic schedule, you’re in the heart of Europe with access to quick flights, allowing you to travel and experience new cultures. While education is the top priority, balancing it with personal time is essential. Some of my best memories from dental school have been the spontaneous 36-hour trips to different places. The friendships I’ve made with fellow Canadian, Irish, and other international students studying here have been incredibly special. Although these relationships will eventually become long-distance after graduation, the shared experiences we’ve had are priceless and lifelong. I’ve been fortunate to visit several places around Ireland including London, Norway, and Germany, just to name a few.
With everything being said, as a Canadian studying abroad, one challenge that I’m conscious of is missing out on professional events and conferences back home, such as the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) Annual Spring Meeting or seminars led by renowned dentists in our community. These events are invaluable for dental students seeking guidance and building professional networks. While I don’t have the luxury of attending them during the academic year, I make the most of my summers by fostering relationships with dentists and healthcare providers in the field. For Canadian students planning to practice back home, my advice is to use your breaks to build these connections. Much of what you need in daily practice is learned hands-on, and connecting with mentors offers invaluable insights into different treatment approaches you’ll use throughout your career.
Many of the experiences I’ve shared are things I wish I had known as a first-year dental student. While you may hear this advice often, it’s important to implement these habits from the start. It’s easy to question why you’re learning certain topics when you just want to fill a tooth or perform a root canal. But everything you learn in dental school, whether directly related or not, will eventually come together to shape you into a well-rounded dentist. Every contact will count, whether it’s hands-on practice, academics, shadowing, or involvement in clubs and societies. You’re developing the skills of a professional, even when it doesn’t feel obvious.
My journey applying to postgraduate programs during a pandemic was filled with emotional and practical challenges. However, it’s important to recognize that everyone’s journey is different and unique. The experiences each applicant brings will find a place in a school that values those qualities. No one is great at everything on their first try, but celebrating small wins along the way is crucial. Whether it’s your first admissions letter, first day of dental school, first patient interaction, assisting block, or first complex procedure – it’s a milestone. Acknowledging these achievements keeps you motivated and focused on your long-term goals.
Looking into the future, I hope to have a career where I will be able to specialize in periodontology, a field that I find extremely multifaceted and important. I look forward to learning more about periodontics and eventually helping my patients improve their oral and gum health, with a focus on implantology. Ultimately, my goal is to provide well-rounded patient-centered care, having all my patients smiling out the door. Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of resilience and openness to feedback. Some of my toughest supervisors have taught me the most, and this willingness to grow and learn is something I will carry with me throughout my career.
I want to end on a positive note: while certain moments may unfold quickly, and you might feel nervous, scared, or even frightened, take those leaps of faith. It’s in those leaps that you’ll find the greatest growth. Whether it’s packing up in four weeks to move across the Atlantic, or simply moving down the street, these experiences in your 20’s shape who we become in the future – both personally and professionally. So don’t be afraid; we grow most when we step outside of our comfort zones. One day, you’ll look back and be grateful for taking those leaps you decided to take.
About the Author
Celine is a 4th-year Canadian dental student studying in Cork, Ireland, experiencing life abroad for the first time. Her journey has been unique, as she applied to dental schools during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She’s passionate about sharing her experiences to inspire others considering international programs.