The StudySmart Dentistry Guide

Thinking about a career in Dentistry? This comprehensive guide covers the essential qualities of successful Dentists, UK Dental Schools you can apply to, and the entry requirements you'll need to meet.

Dentists are specialist healthcare professionals who focus on oral health and dental hygiene. Becoming a fully qualified Dentist requires completing both undergraduate and postgraduate dental training at an accredited Dental School.

What Makes A Good Dentist?

****Successful Dentists combine manual dexterity with strong interpersonal skills. Review this checklist to determine if Dentistry is the right path for you:

1. Excellent hand-eye coordination. As a practising Dentist, you'll work with specialised instruments in confined spaces requiring steady, skilled movements.
2. Aptitude for scientific learning, especially regarding human anatomy, oral pathology and dental diseases.
3. Ability to communicate effectively with patients, providing clear guidance on oral health maintenance and treatment options.
4. Empathy and understanding. Many patients experience dental anxiety, and it's essential to create a reassuring, comfortable environment for them.

Where Can I Study Dentistry? A List Of UK Dental Schools

****If these qualities align with your strengths, the next step is exploring Dentistry programmes at UK universities.

The universities below provide GDC-approved undergraduate Dentistry degrees:

Barts and the London School of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of BirminghamUniversity of BristolCardiff UniversityUniversity of DundeeUniversity of GlasgowKing's College LondonUniversity of LeedsUniversity of LiverpoolUniversity of ManchesterNewcastle UniversityPlymouth UniversityUniversity of SheffieldQueen's University Belfast

The following institutions offer Graduate Entry Dentistry programmes:

Aberdeen UniversityUniversity of Central LancashireKing's College LondonUniversity of LeedsNewcastle University

For students who achieved strong A-Level results but didn't study the required science subjects, the University of Plymouth and University of Bristol provide Dentistry courses with a Preliminary Year.

Students who meet specific eligibility requirements and may have experienced educational disadvantages can apply to Dentistry courses with a Gateway Year at the University of Bristol, University of Leeds and University of Liverpool. King's College London additionally runs an Enhanced Support Dentistry Programme specifically for applicants from designated 'widening participation' schools.

What Are The Entry Requirements For Dentistry?

Dental school admissions are extremely competitive. The majority of UK dental schools require a minimum of three A grades at A-Level, typically in science subjects like Chemistry and Biology.

Almost all universities require applicants to sit the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) as part of their application. Leeds Dental School is the exception, requiring the BMAT instead.

For Graduate Entry Dentistry programmes, universities typically expect candidates to hold a First Class or Upper Second Class (2:1) undergraduate degree.

Entry requirements vary between institutions, so it's essential to review each dental school's specific criteria directly on their websites. The Dental Schools Council publishes an annual guide to entry requirements that provides comprehensive information for current application cycles.

If your A-Level grades or subject choices don't meet standard entry requirements, foundation year programmes offer an alternative pathway. These courses include an additional preparatory year before the standard dental curriculum begins.

Alternatively, students interested in dental healthcare can explore related professions with different entry requirements:

• Dental Nurse
• Dental Hygienist
• Dental Therapist
• Dental Technician

What Is The Training For Dentistry?

Standard undergraduate dentistry programmes in the UK span five years. These courses combine academic study with both theoretical and clinical training. Graduate Entry routes are condensed into four-year programmes.

After completing your degree, postgraduate training consists of two key stages:

Dental Foundation Training (DFT): This one-year programme takes place in primary care settings. DFT fulfils the Vocational Training requirement set by the General Dental Council (GDC) and is essential for all newly qualified dentists.

Specialist Training: Dentists pursuing hospital-based specialities can undertake additional training after DFT. This involves working in hospital dental services to gain experience across various dental specialities, preparing you for advanced practice in your chosen field.

Private Postgraduate Courses: Many dentists also choose to enhance their skills through paid courses in areas such as dental implants, Invisalign, and cosmetic dentistry. This is the most common route for general practitioners looking to broaden their clinical skill set, increase earning potential, and focus on high-demand treatments.

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