It gives me great pleasure to submit this letter of recommendation with unqualified enthusiasm on behalf of __________ who is applying to your School of Dentistry. I believe s/he will make an excellent dentist, embodying the best characteristics of our profession.
I have known _______ since 2001 (the exact date would be good) when s/he began work in my dental office as my chair-side assistant. S/he came to me as a volunteer, wanting to gain practical, hands-on experience working in an active dental office to add to his/her theoretical knowledge. As chair-side assistant s/he was able to observe and learn first-hand about what being a dentist is all about. I was impressed not only with his/her technical skill as s/he handled dental equipment and his/her ability to follow directions, but with his/her intelligence, enthusiasm and curiosity. I found his/her questions thoughtful and his/her willingness to take advice impressive. I was very happy to provide career guidance forhism/ her, because I came to see that his/her determination and motivation assured his/her success as a dentist. S/he also expressed the strong desire to make a valuable contribution to American society, a country that welcomed him/her here five years ago into a new world of opportunity and self-expression.
I was particularly pleased to discover that s/he understood some of the subtler skills involved in being a dentist. S/he saw very quickly when some patients were frightened or in pain when they first came to the office, and needed more than just a dentist's technical skill. S/he demonstrated a great deal of empathy and concern for patients that is essential to providing first-rate care. S/he truly is gifted in putting patients at ease.
I have also been impressed by _______'s sense of responsibility and his/her ability to keep up with his/her academic demands while doing so many other things. S/he sets high standards for him/herself,
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