Organisation: Charles Sturt University
Job Title: Dentistry Student
Location: Orange NSW
Word Limit: First Question , 100 words maximum Second Question ,200 words maximum
- Enter a brief description of your interests and hobbies. This description needs to be less than 100 words.
My interests involve taking responsibility of my physical health, due to my family carrying a genetic predisposition to developing diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Attending the gym regularly, and eating a healthy, balanced diet has resulted in the loss of 20 kilograms of excess weight. An achievement I am extremely proud of and as such, continue to live by the dictum: “prevention is better than a cure”.
Possessing a love for knowledge, I enjoy reading treatment guidelines of various diseases. Forwarding this knowledge onto pharmacy interns empowers them to collectively advise on those conditions.
- Please explain where you want to practice Dentistry and why that region is appealing to you? (max 200 words)
In late July of this year, I elected to visit Broken Hill to meet the requirements of the Faculty of Pharmacy whilst studying with the University of Sydney. During my placement in various pharmacies, I participated in building patient relationships and promoting awareness of diabetes. Drawing focus on the importance of general lifestyle interventions and blood glucose monitoring, I assisted individuals in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels and to actively manage their own diabetes.
Whilst visiting Wilcannia, a rural town approximately 200 kilometres north-east of Broken Hill, with two thirds of its residents identifying as Indigenous, I experienced first-hand the impacts of the community being the second most disadvantaged in New South Wales. The community lacked basic access to Dentistry services, resulting in the deteriorating oral health of individuals and high risk of oral diseases directly related to diabetes.
Working as a pharmacist, I appreciate and receive great joy in empowering people to take responsibility for their own health. Practicing Dentistry will enable me to provide essential services to disadvantaged communities in assisting them to take charge of their own oral health.
Studying with Charles Sturt University aided and nurtured my progression to become an excellent Dentist for the future.
