How to Write Your Essay for the EFSC Dental Hygiene Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling essay, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. What experiences led you to pursue a career in dental hygiene? Consider family influences, educational experiences, or significant moments that shaped your interest.
• Achievements: Highlight specific accomplishments related to dental hygiene or your academic journey. This could include relevant coursework, volunteer work, or leadership roles. Use metrics where possible, such as hours volunteered or projects completed.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack that this scholarship will help you overcome. This could be financial constraints, access to resources, or further education needed to enhance your skills.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal details that reveal your values and character. What drives you? What challenges have you faced, and how have they shaped you?

Outlining Your Essay

Structure your essay logically to guide the reader through your narrative. Consider the following outline:

1. Introduction: Start with a specific moment or experience that captures your connection to dental hygiene.
2. Body Paragraphs: Organize these around the four buckets. Each paragraph should focus on one aspect, using specific examples and reflections.
3. Conclusion: Reinforce your commitment to the field and express how the scholarship will enable you to contribute positively to the community and the dental hygiene profession.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice and maintain a professional yet personal tone. Avoid clichés and vague statements. Instead, aim for clarity and specificity. For example, instead of saying, "I am passionate about dental hygiene," illustrate this passion with a story or specific experience that demonstrates your commitment.

Revision and the “So What?” Factor

After drafting, take a step back and review your essay critically. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Does it convey your journey, your motivations, and your goals clearly? Ensure each paragraph contributes to a cohesive narrative that answers why you deserve this scholarship.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of these common mistakes:

• Avoid starting with generic statements or clichés that do not add value.
• Do not include irrelevant information that distracts from your main message.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always attribute actions to yourself.
• Ensure all facts are accurate and verifiable; do not fabricate experiences or achievements.