Dentistry Entry Requirements for UK Universities

Applying to study Dentistry in the UK? Understanding the specific entry requirements for each dental school is the foundation of a strategic application.

Entry requirements differ across UK dental schools, and knowing exactly what each university expects can be the difference between receiving multiple offers or none at all. This guide breaks down the undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirements you need to secure admission into dental school.

Undergraduate Dentistry Entry Requirements

****Below is a detailed breakdown of UK dental schools offering undergraduate programmes and what they require from applicants.

University of Birmingham

Degree Requirement: Minimum 2:1 honours in science or related disciplines

A-Level Requirements: AAA grades required (must include Chemistry plus one additional science from Biology, Physics, or Mathematics)

Scottish Qualifications: AAAAA at Higher level, or AB at Advanced Higher with AA at Higher level

International Baccalaureate: 32 points minimum

GCSE Standards: Grade 7+ in Mathematics and English Language/Literature; Grade 8+ in Biology and Chemistry (or dual award science)

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: UCAT examination

University of Bristol

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours classification

A-Level Requirements: AAA including Chemistry and one science subject (Biology, Physics, or Mathematics)

Scottish Qualifications: AA grades (Chemistry and one science from Biology, Physics, or Mathematics)

International Baccalaureate: 36 points

GCSE Standards: Mathematics grade 7 or higher; English grade 4 or higher

Personal Statement: Not assessed during selection process

Assessment: UCAT examination

Cardiff University

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours classification

A-Level Requirements: AAA grades with Biology and Chemistry mandatory

Scottish Qualifications: AAAAA at Higher level (two sciences required)

International Baccalaureate: 36 points

GCSE Standards: Grade 7+ in science subjects; grade 6+ in English Language

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: UCAT examination

University of Dundee

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours in science or related disciplines

A-Level Requirements: AAA with Biology and Chemistry essential

Scottish Qualifications: AAAAB at Higher level (Biology required, Chemistry preferred)

International Baccalaureate: 37 points

GCSE Standards: Grade 7+ in Biology, Chemistry, and English; grade 6+ in Mathematics

Personal Statement: Not considered during selection

Assessment: UCAT examination

University of Glasgow

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours classification

A-Level Requirements: AAA including Biology and Chemistry

Scottish Qualifications: AAAAB at Higher level (Biology and Chemistry required)

International Baccalaureate: 36 points

GCSE Standards: Grade 7 or above in six subjects

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: UCAT examination

King's College London

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours minimum, or 2:2 with Master's degree for postgraduate pathway

A-Level Requirements: A*AA (Biology or Chemistry mandatory)

Scottish Qualifications: AAAAA at Higher level

International Baccalaureate: 35 points

GCSE Standards: Grade 6+ in English Language and Mathematics

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: UCAT examination

University of Leeds

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours in science or related disciplines

A-Level Requirements: AAA with Biology and Chemistry mandatory

Scottish Qualifications: AABBB (A grades required in Chemistry and Biology)

International Baccalaureate: 35 points

GCSE Standards: Grade 6+ in Chemistry, Biology, English, and Mathematics

Personal Statement: Reviewed but not formally scored

Assessment: UCAT examination

University of Liverpool

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours classification

A-Level Requirements: AAA including Biology and Chemistry

Scottish Qualifications: AAAAA at Higher level (Biology and Chemistry required)

International Baccalaureate: 36 points

GCSE Standards: Grade 7+ in five subjects; grade 6+ in English Language, Mathematics, and Science

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: UCAT examination

University of Manchester

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours classification

A-Level Requirements: AAA with Biology and Chemistry mandatory

Scottish Qualifications: AAAAA at Higher level (Biology and Chemistry required)

International Baccalaureate: 37 points

GCSE Standards: Grade 7+ in seven subjects; grade 6+ in English, Mathematics, and two sciences

Personal Statement: Submitted via online application form

Assessment: UCAT examination

Newcastle University

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours in science or related disciplines

A-Level Requirements: AAA including Biology and Chemistry

Scottish Qualifications: AAAAA at Higher level (Biology and Chemistry required)

International Baccalaureate: 37 points

GCSE Standards: No specific requirements stated

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: UCAT examination

University of Plymouth

Degree Requirement: Graduate entry not accepted; GAMSAT examination required

A-Level Requirements: AAA with Biology and Chemistry mandatory

Scottish Qualifications: AAAAA at Higher level (Biology or Chemistry required)

International Baccalaureate: 36-38 points

GCSE Standards: Seven GCSEs at grades 9-4

Personal Statement: Included but not scored in selection

Assessment: UCAT examination

Queen Mary, University of London

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours with supporting science qualifications

A-Level Requirements: A*AA (Biology and Chemistry required)

Scottish Qualifications: Requirements not specified

International Baccalaureate: 38 points

GCSE Standards: 777666 grade profile required

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: UCAT examination

Queen's University Belfast Dental School

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours classification

A-Level Requirements: AAA including Biology and Chemistry

Scottish Qualifications: Requirements not specified

International Baccalaureate: 36 points

GCSE Standards: Points-based assessment system using best nine subjects

Personal Statement: Included but not scored in selection

Assessment: UCAT examination

University of Sheffield

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours in science or related disciplines

A-Level Requirements: AAA with Biology and Chemistry mandatory

Scottish Qualifications: AAAAB at Higher level (Biology and Chemistry required)

International Baccalaureate: 36 points

GCSE Standards: Grade 7+ in six subjects (Mathematics, English Language, and Science essential)

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: UCAT examination

Additional Requirements for Dental School Admission

Dental schools mandate the inclusion of a personal statement within your UCAS application. This document serves as your opportunity to demonstrate genuine enthusiasm and dedication to the dental profession.

Your personal statement should highlight key experiences including work placements, referee endorsements, your driving motivation for pursuing dentistry, and any additional activities that strengthen your candidacy. While not every institution formally scores personal statements as part of their selection criteria, the majority factor them into their decision-making process.

Additionally, all dental schools conduct interviews as a scored component of their admissions process. These may take the format of MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews) or traditional panel-style interviews. The interview stage provides candidates with a platform to demonstrate their competencies, enthusiasm, and reasons for choosing dentistry as a career.

Potential Interview Questions:

1. What understanding do you have of the dental profession?
2. Why pursue dentistry rather than dental nursing or hygiene?
3. What relevant experience have you gained in dental settings?
4. Which attributes are essential for a successful dentist?
5. What obstacles might you encounter in dental practice?
6. What drives your interest in studying dentistry?
7. In what ways can dentistry enhance patient wellbeing?
8. Have you engaged with any recent publications that captured your interest?
9. Can you discuss a notable advancement in dental care?
10. What contribution do you aspire to make within the profession?

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Aspiring dentists who have already completed an undergraduate degree may pursue dentistry through postgraduate pathways. These programmes are designed for candidates holding a BSc qualification, particularly in scientific disciplines, who wish to undertake the BDS degree as further education. The following universities provide graduate entry routes into dentistry:

University of Aberdeen

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours in health sciences or equivalent disciplines

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: UCAT examination

University of Central Lancashire

Degree Requirement: 2:1 classification (Biomedical degree programmes)

A-Level Requirements: Three A-Levels at grade C or higher (two science subjects mandatory)

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: UCAT examination

King's College London

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours in Biosciences subject area

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: UCAT examination

King's College London: MBBS Graduate Route

Degree Requirement: MBBS qualification

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: No admissions test required

University of Leeds: Internal Transfer

Degree Requirement: 2:1 classification (Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy programmes only)

Personal Statement: Not required

Assessment: No admissions test required

Newcastle University

Degree Requirement: 2:1 honours (Biology or Chemistry-based disciplines)

Personal Statement: Required for application

Assessment: UCAT examination

Postgraduate Work Opportunities

Once you've completed your dentistry degree, you'll find yourself with multiple career pathways to consider. The most common route is working as a general dentist, where you'll handle diagnostics, treatment planning, and managing oral health conditions. However, many graduates choose to specialise further in areas like orthodontics, oral surgery, or paediatric dentistry—fields that require additional training but offer greater expertise and earning potential.

Before you can practise independently, there are mandatory accreditation steps. Every dental graduate must register with the General Dental Council (GDC). You'll also need to complete a dental foundation training programme, which involves supervised practice in an approved dental setting.

Beyond this, dentistry requires ongoing commitment. Dentists must complete a minimum of 100 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) every few years to maintain their registration and stay current with clinical advancements.

If you're considering working abroad, be aware that each country has its own licensing requirements. You'll need to pass the relevant regional examination before you can practise there.

Continuing Education and Specialisations

Lifelong learning isn't optional in dentistry, it's essential. The field evolves constantly with new techniques, materials, and technologies emerging regularly. Staying updated through training and certifications ensures you maintain high clinical standards and can offer patients the best possible care.

Specialisation opens doors to focused areas of practice, including orthodontics, periodontics, maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, oral pathology, and public health dentistry.

If you choose to specialise after your foundation training, expect to commit to a speciality training programme lasting three to five years, depending on your chosen field.

You'll also need to complete the Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS), which involves rigorous examinations set by the Royal College of Surgeons. Upon completion, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion of Speciality Training (CCST), officially qualifying you to practise in your speciality.

FAQs

Q: What is being a dentist like?

A: Dentistry is demanding: both during your degree and throughout your career. The BDS programme requires mastery of complex human anatomy, understanding various pathologies, and developing strong patient communication skills. You'll also need excellent manual dexterity for clinical procedures. The degree itself involves tight deadlines, high-pressure situations, and challenging coursework. Work experience is crucial for understanding these realities before you commit to the application process.

Q: What skills would a dentist need?

A: Successful dentists develop a combination of technical and interpersonal skills throughout their training:

• Strong academic foundation in sciences
• Clear communication with patients and colleagues
• Professional patient interaction and empathy
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Precise manual dexterity for clinical work
• Long-term commitment and resilience
• Effective time management under pressure

Q: What type of work experience would I need?

A: The most valuable work experience involves shadowing qualified dentists in clinical settings—either in general dental practices or hospital environments. This exposure demonstrates to admissions tutors that you understand what the profession entails and have made an informed decision to pursue dentistry. Universities look for applicants who can show genuine commitment backed by practical insight.

Q: Can international students apply to UK dental schools?

A: Yes, UK dental schools accept international applications. However, you may need to meet additional requirements, such as English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Each university has specific entry criteria for international students, so check individual institution websites for detailed requirements.

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