Essay Example about The Importance of Preventative Medicine

As my grandmother spoke, my eyes fixated on her long, dark yellow teeth. I’d noticed this since early on yet never felt comfortable asking her about it until that day. As I asked, her facial expression changed to one that denoted a pinch of discomfort. Despite this, she still replied. Nevertheless, there was a sentence in her answer that would change my view of dentistry forever. Her sentence was the following, “For my 18th birthday, my parents gifted me a dental cleaning valued at $25, and I remember not wanting to go because I was terrified”. Stunned by how her parents considered this a gift, I realized how privilege had blinded me to other's realities. I began acknowledging that the dentist was and still is, a privilege to many. Nonetheless, after she was monetarily able to afford cleanings, she would miss them due to her phobia. I understood now why she felt uncomfortable admitting that she preferred to neglect her oral health than face her fear. As a result, she developed a periodontal disease that was once preventable and reversible with closer attention from her dentist. This moment ignited my interest in dentistry. Throughout the following years, I focused on developing the skills required to become an exceptional dentist. 

A dentist, for me, used to simply be a medical professional who worked with the oral cavity. Yet, after talking with my grandmother, I realized there was more to it than met the eye. When I shadowed Dr. Dietrich, a general dentist, and Dr. Belardo, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, I learned the significance of dialing into the emotional register of patients. In a profession where the doctor unintentionally induces fear, it is important to closely address their phobia. By doing so, the fear that once helped diseases bloom would disappear. By doing as little as explaining the procedure, the instruments used, and the importance of oral health, one could successfully connect with each patient, lowering their fear, and thus their chances of developing periodontal diseases, the key mission of preventive dentistry. 

I explored the significance of preventive medicine through research. During clinical research in the University Pediatric Hospital, I learned that infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are subjected to an environment with high sound levels which affect their development, putting them at risk for hearing, language, and cognitive disabilities. I also monitored the hand hygiene practice of the hospital staff when treating premature infants in the NICU. During translational research in the Comprehensive Cancer Center, I learned about the biomarkers discovered for the early diagnosis of thyroid cancer. These research projects taught me the importance of taking the necessary measures to implement preventive medicine, which is equally as important as preventive dentistry. 

As a volunteer with the Ricky Martin Foundation and VOCES, I helped vaccinate against COVID-19. While volunteering, I encountered a visually impaired patient and wasn’t sure of the most ideal approach to help him. Each day, the vaccination center would receive a minimum of two hundred patients, so productivity and effectiveness were essential. Regardless, as busy as we were, I took as much time as necessary to help him. I immediately considered directing him with my voice towards a nurse. During the way, I noticed he wouldn’t comprehend me at times, which forced me to improve my communication skills. I never felt the need to rush him nor felt frustrated when he misunderstood. Instead, slowly, we would make progress. During this experience, I developed key qualities and skills that were in line with the core competencies necessary for patient care in dentistry, such as patience, empathy, compassion, and problem-solving. 

To explore the theoretical side of dentistry, I decided to study dental assistance. Thanks to the knowledge I gain in the program, I can comprehend the theory behind the procedures I observe whenever I shadow. Thus, I can appreciate dentistry twice as much. In addition, this program helps me further develop manual dexterity skills, by putting rubber dams and filling cavity preparations with dental cement and restorative materials, and my perceptual ability skills, by taking dental x-ray images. This side of dentistry deepened my interest and made me feel more confident about my career decision. 

From a single moment with my grandmother to shadowing, research, volunteering, and dental assisting, I’ve extensively analyzed and reflected on a career in dentistry. Being mentored by dental professionals, I’ve witnessed what a successful practice requires to provide the highest level of patient care. As a dentist, I will prioritize patient care and education in hopes of eliminating dental trauma and creating awareness of the importance of oral health. Throughout the years, I’ve slowly gained characteristics that make me feel capable of meeting the challenges of this dynamic vocation, hence I look forward to positively impact the lives of my patients by helping them achieve the beautiful and healthy smiles they deserve.