Full guide on How To Apply To Dentistry In the UK, international students covered as well

How To Apply To Dentistry In The UK In 2023

This article provides a guide on how to apply to dentistry in the UK. It covers the requirements for admission, the application process, deadlines, test course types and the skills and qualities needed to succeed as a dentistry student.

After reading this guide, you will have a better understanding of what it takes to become a dentist in the UK and how to apply to dental school.

Pros and Cons of Studying Dentistry

Question yourself – why do you want to study dentistry? There are several reasons why someone might consider studying dentistry, as well as some potential drawbacks to keep in mind. We outline some pros and cons of studying dentistry in the UK (from expert dental school tutors).

Pros:

Good career prospects: Dentistry is a well-respected profession with good job prospects. Demand for dentists is generally strong, and dentists typically earn good salaries.

The opportunity to make a difference: Dentists have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of their patients by improving their oral health and helping them to maintain good oral hygiene.

A diverse career: Dentistry offers a range of career options, from general practice to speciality areas such as orthodontics or oral surgery. This allows dentists to choose a career path that aligns with their interests and goals.

Personal satisfaction: Many dentists find great personal satisfaction in their work, as they can help people and see the positive impact of their efforts.

Cons:

Lengthy education: Studying dentistry requires a significant commitment of time and effort. It typically takes five years to complete a dental degree, and additional years of training may be required for speciality areas.

High cost of education: Dental school can be expensive, with tuition and other costs adding up quickly. This may be a financial burden for some students.

Demanding work: Dentistry can be physically and emotionally demanding, with long hours and the need to be on call. It can also be stressful, as dentists are responsible for the health and well-being of their patients.

Limited flexibility: Dentists may have limited flexibility in their schedules and may need to work evenings and weekends to accommodate patient’s schedules.

Ultimately, the decision to study dentistry should be based on your interests, goals, and circumstances. It is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and to be prepared for the demands of the profession.

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How To Apply To Dentistry In the UK

If you are interested in a career in dentistry, follow these steps and guidance on how to apply to understand the complete admission process for dentistry in the UK.

  1. Meet the entry requirements: To apply for dental school in the UK, you must have a minimum of three A-levels, including chemistry and biology. You may also be required to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT).
  2. Choose a dental school: The UK has many dental schools that offer undergraduate and postgraduate dental programmes. It is important to research the different schools and their programmes to find the one that best fits your needs and interests.
  3. Write personal statement: You will typically need to submit a personal statement as part of your application to dental school. This should outline your motivation for pursuing a career in dentistry and any relevant experience or skills that make you a suitable candidate and stand out.
  4. Submit your UCAS application: Applications for dental school are typically made through UCAS. You will need to provide personal details, educational history, and a personal statement outlining your motivation for pursuing a career in dentistry. Read the full guide for the UCAS application process
  5. Prepare for an interview: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview at the dental school. This is an opportunity for the school to assess your suitability for the programme.
  6. Enrol in a dentistry programme: If you are accepted into a dental programme, you will need to complete a minimum of five years of full-time study to qualify as a dentist. This will include both classroom-based learning and clinical experience.
  7. Register with the General Dental Council: Once you have completed your dental degree, you will need to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) to practice as a dentist in the UK. To do this, you will need to pass the GDC’s registration exam and meet its standards for professional conduct.

Pursuing a career in dentistry can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It is important to research the different programmes and schools available and to be prepared for the demands of dental school and the profession.

Complete admission process for dental school application in the UK. Learn how to apply.

Entry Requirements For Dentistry

If you are considering applying to dental school in the UK, it is important to be aware of the minimum entry requirements to ensure that you are eligible to apply.

Every dental university has different entry requirements.

One of the most important requirements for dental school in the UK is a strong academic background. Some dental schools require applicants to have a minimum of three A-levels, including chemistry and biology. This demonstrates that you have a strong foundation in the scientific concepts that are essential for success in dentistry.

Read the guide: UCAS Tariff Points Table: How does it work (with Examples)

However, other dental schools are required to take one or more admission tests, with a stronger focus on UCAT and BMAT. The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) are commonly used by dental schools to assess applicants’ aptitude for the profession.

These exams test your problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, as well as your knowledge of relevant scientific concepts.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for dental school in the UK is just the first step on the path to becoming a dentist. It is important to carefully research the different programmes and schools available and to be prepared for the demands of dental school and the profession.

Admissions Test For Dentistry

Admissions tests are something that you will probably be unable to skip. The specific test you will need to take will depend on the university you are applying to. You may need to take either the UCAT or the BMAT.

The UCAT is an exam that tests cognitive skills. The BMAT is a written exam that tests scientific knowledge at the GCSE level and critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing skills. Both exams are designed to be challenging and can have a significant impact on your application. It is important to prepare thoroughly for these exams.

Read our comprehensive guides for the BTAM test and UCAT test.

Dentistry Personal Statement

A personal statement for a dental school application should explain why you are interested in a career in dentistry and highlight the experiences and qualities that make you a strong candidate for the course.

It is important to reflect on your work experience and extracurricular activities to demonstrate to the admissions tutors that you have the skills and characteristics they are looking for in a dental student.

Read our guide for more guidance on how to write a personal statement for dentistry, and check dentistry personal statement examples

Interviews For Dentistry Course

Dentistry university interviews in the UK are part of the admission process for dental schools. They are usually conducted by a panel of dentistry admission members and are designed to assess an applicant’s suitability for a career in dentistry.

Types of dentistry interviews:

  • Panel interviews
  • Multiple mini interviews

Panel interviews for dental schools in the UK are conducted by a group of two or more interviewers, which may include clinical and admissions staff, a senior student, or a member of the public. These interviews typically last 20 to 30 minutes, although some universities may offer longer interviews or two interviews over two days.

Panel interviews can be structured, with a specific set of questions, or semi-structured, with more conversational questioning based on the applicant’s answers.

Multiple mini-interviews, or MMIs, consist of several short interview scenarios, called “stations,” which assess candidates for specific attributes. These stations may include discussing personal statements and experiences or more practical scenarios involving interaction with an actor playing a role.

MMIs often include teamwork and communication stations that require more creative thinking.

How Do Dental Schools Evaluate Applicants On Interviews?

There will be information available regarding what dental schools are looking for during an interview. Dental schools look for the following in applicants:

Communication 

The applicant should have the ability to express his or her ideas clearly and coherently and to follow a reasoned argument. In interviews, applicants who give spontaneous yet well-thought-out answers are more likely to impress interviewers than those who seem rehearsed and coached.

Attitude

In dental schools, applicants are evaluated according to their attitude toward studying dentistry and becoming a dentist. Conscientiousness, flexibility, and integrity are included in this.

Motivation

Dental schools are interested in applicants who have a clear understanding of what a career in dentistry entails, and who have had relevant experiences that have influenced their decision to pursue this field.

These experiences could include shadowing or working with a dentist, participating in dental-related community service or volunteer work, or engaging in relevant coursework or research.

By demonstrating a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding about the field, as well as a genuine passion for dentistry, applicants can improve their chances of being accepted into a competitive dental school program.

Knowledge of dentistry

While dental schools do not expect applicants to have a detailed knowledge of every area within dentistry, applicants need to demonstrate an awareness of current scientific issues and an intellectual curiosity about the field.

This can include having an intelligent layperson’s view on areas of dentistry that are currently in the media or the spotlight, as well as demonstrating an ability to think critically and analytically about scientific concepts.

Dental schools are looking for applicants who have the potential to excel academically and make meaningful contributions to the field, and demonstrating an awareness of current issues and a desire to learn more can help to show your intellectual potential.

Deadline For Dentistry Applications

Dentistry applications for UCAS must be submitted by 16 October 2023. Due to the competitive nature of the dentistry course, applications submitted after this date are usually not accepted.

To ensure that references are written and submitted on time, your school or college may have an earlier deadline. Make sure you ask them when their internal deadline is.

Read more in our guide for UCAS Deadlines 2023.

The Acceptance Rate For Dentistry

The overall acceptance rate for dental schools in the UK is around 15%. Applying to dentistry is extremely competitive, and very hard to get in since it’s available around 1000 places.

Especially in the best dentistry universities, where you need to meet the highest entry requirements and compete with the best students. 

Dental Course Types: What Are They?

Different dental schools have different teaching styles, which might affect where you want to study. Among the different styles are:

  • Traditional Courses
  • Integrated Courses
  • Problem-based Learning Courses

Investigate how each Dental School uses these teaching styles. Choose the learning style that suits you best based on the way you learn.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Dentist In The UK?

It typically takes five years to become a dentist. This includes four years of undergraduate study at a dental school, followed by one year of clinical training.

After completing the five-year programme and passing all necessary exams, you will be eligible to register as a dentist with the General Dental Council (GDC) and practice dentistry in the UK. It is also possible to pursue further specialised training and education in a particular area of dentistry, such as orthodontics or oral surgery.

Cost Of Studying Dentistry In The UK

Becoming a dentist in the UK usually involves completing a five-year degree programme, which can be expensive. The tuition fees alone for this programme are around £9,250 per year, totalling £46,250 for the five years. 

In addition to tuition, you will also need to pay for things like accommodation, textbooks, and utilities. The average cost of accommodation per week is around £147, which adds up to around £36,750 for the five years. In total, studying dentistry in the UK can cost over £83,000. 

However, there are funding options available, such as government support and scholarships, to help cover these costs. After graduation, you will only need to pay back your loans if you earn more than £27,295 per year, which comes out to about £524 per week. After 30 years, any remaining balance on the loan will be forgiven. 

Even if you choose a less well-paid career, you will not need to worry about repaying the loan. However, if you remain in dentistry, your likely high earnings will make it easier to cover the monthly repayment amount, which will be automatically deducted from your salary.

Read more:

How Can An International Student Study Dentistry In The Uk?

International students can study dentistry in the UK. They need to apply through UCAS. Most dental schools in the UK require applicants to have completed a degree in a relevant subject, such as biology or chemistry, and to have achieved a minimum grade point average (GPA).

Additionally, international students must demonstrate proficiency in English by taking an approved language test such as IELTS or TOEFL. Once accepted into a dental school, international students must also obtain a Tier 4 student visa.

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Where can I study Dentistry?

The UK is well known for very high standards in dentistry and medicine. Entry into dentistry courses is highly competitive. Some of the most popular universities with dental programmes and courses are:

  • University of Birmingham
  • University of Bristol
  • Cardiff University
  • University of Dundee
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Glasgow
  • King’s College London
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Newcastle
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Oxford
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Southampton
  • University College London

FAQ

What A levels do I need for dentistry?

Any dentistry course in the UK requires chemistry, biology, maths, or physics (or both in some cases). Some courses will accept you even if you don’t take maths or physics.

Which is the easiest dental school to get into the UK?

Every university in the UK has its standards for what they look for in applicants, so it’s hard to say which is the easiest dental school to get into. However, the University of Leeds Dental Institute has lower entry requirements compared to other universities.

How long is a dentistry course in the UK?

A dentistry course typically lasts for 5 years. This includes both studies and clinical instruction, as well as supervised clinical training.

References:
https://www.dentalschoolscouncil.ac.uk/making-an-application/interviews/