Why Study Dentistry At University? (England and Wales)
Deciding what course to study at University can be difficult with so much choice out there! It is great to see what subjects you enjoy the most and is a good idea to do some reading around the potential field you want to become a part of.
Luckily, here is a quick read to help you make that big decision for those thinking about studying dentistry!
What can you expect?
Dentists aim to improve oral health of their patients and there are many specialities within the profession e.g. oral surgery, cosmetic, orthodontics, prosthodontics etc. The profession is extremely rewarding as you can keep thousands of patients smiling and disease free.
If you like the idea of combining science, medicine and communication skills then this might be the profession for you! Additionally, dentistry is a very hands-on job. You will need to work precisely and carefully so if you already have hobbies such as arts and crafts or building models, you might already have a head start!
Typically, most courses take 5 years to become fully qualified however there are other options for accelerated courses (graduate entry) – please check on the university website for up-to-date information
Entry requirements
Dentistry is a highly competitive course so therefore, having competitive grades to match is needed. Most universities require you to have biology and/or chemistry and most students complement this with maths or physics. Typically for A-level grades, requirements range from A*AA – AAA. (Please check the university website for other qualifications e.g. Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate and other vocational courses for detailed information).
Entry test
For most universities, you are required to sit an aptitude test called the UCAT (previously known as UKCAT). This must be done before you send off your UCAS application so please don’t forget! – check out ‘What is the UCAT?’.
Make sure you plan ahead to get a time slot to take the test and ensure you have enough time to prepare!
Top tip: Write out a detailed plan when you are planning to take the test, tailor your score to the specific university (you will know your score immediately after the test!) and submit before the UCAS deadline on October 15th.
What dental schools can I apply to?
In the UK, there are a total of 16 dental schools in the UK –
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry
Graduate entry:
- University of Preston (University of Central Lancashire)
Note: King’s College London and University of Liverpool offer shortened graduate entry courses.
Click here to find out more about how the Geniuson team can help you on your journey to pursuing your career in Dentistry. Our team offer a fully comprehensive Dentistry Admissions Consultancy service from experts studying at top Dental Institutes in the UK.