Master Public Health motivation letter

I wrote a motivation letter for a master. I can use some feedback on the letter and also about the English. I think I have some grammar mistakes, some phrases are not so good and the language used is maybe a bit too simple.

[my name and adress]

[their name and adress]

25 March 2017

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for the Master’s Degree program in Public Health at the [name university] starting in September 2017.

I always had a passion for health care and therefore I studied Dental Hygiene in [country]. During my work as a dental hygienist, I learned that today's complex health care problems require a multidisciplinary approach. For example, I often see elderly people living in a retirement home with bad oral health conditions. The solution of this problem could be changing the curriculum of the education of the caretakers and put more attention to dental care. Another solution could be providing more budget to the retirement homes to ensure the oral health care for their residents. First, however, it is necessary to do research about what caused the problem and whether these solutions are effective but also realistic and achievable. Here is where my work as a dental hygienist ends and the works of the health scientist starts who not only understands the (preventive) health care but also the policies, epidemiology and economics.

Currently I am living in [name other country]. I am doing voluntary work here as a [name work]. I also do voluntary work at a dental clinic. Together with a retired dentist, we offer free dental care to people who cannot afford it. Because I see a lot of kids with bad teeth and poor knowledge about (oral) health I also visit organisations and schools to give lessons about oral health to children. In this way, I can use my knowledge to contribute to the society and I can gain work experience in the public health. I believe that my background and work experience as a dental hygienist is a major advantage as a health scientist, it will give me a better understanding of how things work in the practise.

By living abroad, I broadened my horizons and learned more about other cultures and other ways of living and working. I also learned Italian and learned more about the health care system in [country]. Living abroad is an huge enriching for me both personally and professionally and therefore I want to study this master in Denmark. I am especially interested in Denmark because it is very innovative in dental health care and research. In Denmark there is the NOCTP method (Non-Operative Caries Treatment and Prevention method), this is an innovative dental health care method which focuses on non-operative treatment and prevention. This program is very effective in improving the oral health of children. I choose [name university] because of the high quality of the education and because here the student is encouraged to think creatively and critically, these skills are essential for a researcher.

After finishing this master I want to do a PhD in the field of the Health Sciences. For example, I am very interested in the NOCTP- method I mentioned before. I can do research about if it is also effective in [country] or in other countries. And if it is effective, how it can be implemented in that country. Another example: there is a paediatric dental clinic in [country] that provides free preventive dental care education in ... (I dont know the word in English, It is a place where small children (i think from 0 till 4 years) regulary go to see how they develop, check their health, check their weight and lengt ect. How is this called in English?) I find this a very good initiative and I would like to do research about whether this is effective in improving the oral health of the children. I am also very interested in working in a Non Governmental Organization such as UNICEF on projects concerning health.

I am convinced that studying a Master in Public Health at [name university] will provide me with the knowledge and skills I will need as a researcher. And I am sure that I will be successful in this program and maintain the high standards of your university. Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully

[name]