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Application Guide 2024:
Dentistry
How To Become A Dentist In 2024
Dental Admissions Expert
Introduction
Dentistry Entry Requirements UK
Becoming a dentist can be a difficult process however with good organisation and undertaking a holistic approach it can be a lot easier. Applying for Dentistry is not just about excellent grades, it is about making the whole application stand out so here are some top tips to help you with your dental school application. We go through the dentist qualifications (UK) you need to ensure you are ready for your application.
We will cover dentistry entry requirements for each dental university, how long it takes to become a dentist and even the BDS dentistry degree itself.
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2024 Dentist Degree Requirements in the UK
What are the different aspects of a dentistry application in the UK?
Good work experience - in an NHS, private, or hospital setting. The more dental work experiences you have the better. This means you can talk about something different, stand out and show why you want to pursue dentistry.
Dental Personal Statement - This needs to be perfect. It needs to show that you are an all-rounded individual determined to pursue Dentistry and also have hobbies outside of the career choice. Read our dentistry personal statement guide to find out more about this.
Top Admission test scores. This will be your UCAT score (as Leeds University no longer looks at the BMAT) depending on which dentistry university you apply to. This is a way for universities to eliminate candidates so make sure you do well in these exams!
Your dental interview - This is a chance to show the university you! You can express your desire to study dentistry in person, tell them about your hobbies and life outside of dentistry, and really WHY you want to come to that particular university.
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How long does it take to become a dentist UK - BDS dentistry degree?
In the UK it takes 5 years to become a dentist. However, if you decide to do an extra year in research (BSc) then it takes 6 years.
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What dentist qualifications do you need?
You do not need any previous qualifications to become a dentist. If you are applying for the undergraduate program you do not need any previous degrees, but on the other hand, the postgraduate dentistry program may require a certain degree classification (e.g. first-class honours, upper second-class honours etc.).
However, dental examiners look at other parts of your UCAS application when assessing your suitability for the course. It is important to take note of the grades needed for dentistry such as dentistry a level requirements on the individual university’s website to see if you are suitable. We explain this further below.
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What qualifications do I need to be a dentist?
What A-Levels do you need to be a dentist?
Due to the intense competition, A-Level grades needed to study dentistry in the UK is high. Most ask for 3 A’s, however, some have now started to ask for A*AA with it compulsory to include Biology and Chemistry.
Every university has different requirements for A-Levels for Dentistry so it is worth checking each university’s grade requirements for further information.
What GCSEs do you need to be a dentist?
Dentistry GCSE requirements vary from university to university with some not looking at the GCSE’s at all to some having a minimum requirement. Most ask for a minimum requirement for Sciences, Maths and English Language in particular. For more information, check out each university’s entry requirements.
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List of Dental Universities And Grade Requirements
List of Dental Universities and a link for Bachelor of Dental Surgery Entry Requirements:
University of Manchester Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
University of Central Lancashire Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
Queen’s University Belfast Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
University of Birmingham Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
University of Bristol Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
University of Glasgow Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
University of Liverpool Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry - Website
King’s College London Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
University of Sheffield Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
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What happens if you do not get the desired grades for dental school?
You can either decide to repeat a subject and heighten your grades before applying for a bachelor of dentistry course next year or you can consider doing a pre-dental foundation course which is offered by some dental schools. This is offered to wider access into Dentistry.
Alternatively, you can consider other dental care professions that have a lower grade entry requirement. This includes:
Dental nursing
Dental technician
Dental materials
Dental hygiene
Dental therapist
If you are considering other healthcare professions there are several out there! This includes and is not limited to: pharmacy, optometry, biomedical sciences and even microbiology. This can be further explored here.
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What dental work experience do you need to study Dentistry?
There are different forms of dentistry work experience. This can include:
At a practice: NHS +/- Private
Specialist practice
Dental Hospital placements
Dental Volunteering
Dental Laboratory - with dental technicians
The more dentistry work experience you do the better. Some universities mention you must have a certain number of weeks of work experience so it is best to check the individual websites. Some dental universities also specify you must undertake work experience in an NHS practice so do keep this in mind. If you are unable to gain dental work experience in person there are several online dental work experiences you can do to appreciate the world of Dentistry.
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Why do you need a good personal statement for dentistry?
Your dentistry personal statement is one that is thoroughly read by the dental admissions team so this needs to be perfect. It needs to show WHY you want to study dentistry and your commitment to studying this degree. It is also a chance to show the examiners your hobbies, interests, and any volunteering you have done to portray yourself as an all-rounded individual.
Your dental personal statement must be personal and specific to yourself so don’t even bother copying someone else's. Keep it original, interesting and really show why dentistry is the career for you. Check out our Dentistry Personal Statement guide for more information on how to write a great personal statement here.
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Do you really need a good score for the aptitude tests for dentistry?
Due to high competition and candidates obtaining similar grades, the admission tests are a way to set you apart from the other candidates. This includes The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) which is difficult to revise for and are completely different from your GCSE or A-Level subjects. It requires thorough practice to ensure an excellent score.
Check out our UCAT guide for more help.
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What is the dentistry interview like?
Dental school interviews can either be a dentistry panel interview or an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview). A panel interview consists of 2+ examiners on one side of the table and you on the other side which can be over 10 minutes long.
On the other hand, dental MMI interviews consist of multiple stations with a different examiner in each. The candidate moves from one station to the next completing short mini-interviews with a different examiner until the end. Your dental interview is the last chance to impress the dental university so make sure you prepare thoroughly to gain that all-important place. For more help check out our dental university interview page.
Overall, applying to dental university is a gruelling process however very doable. Make sure you are prepared, committed, and obtain a holistic approach. If you need any further help please contact us!
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Dentistry Wider Reading & Hot Topics in 2024
There are so many amazing dental reads around to help maintain and heighten your Dentistry passion.
It is always a good idea to keep on top of your dental knowledge so you have something to talk about in your interview or to help you provide the best care you can for your patients.
Whether it is a read about new dental technology or about current dental guidelines we have you covered!
Dental News - For Dentistry Applications in 2024
Whether you want to know about the latest dental innovations, new dental technology, or new evidence-based knowledge the BDJ has you covered. The BDJ (British Dental Journal) has a whole host of articles and journals available. This is a great way for prospective dental students, students and dentists to enhance their knowledge.
Covid and Dentistry is a big and current hot topic at the moment. The BDJ has several articles explaining how covid has affected dentistry. Some discuss how covid has affected dental patients, dentists and even the NHS as a whole. Keeping up to date with current knowledge and affairs is so important, especially during your dental interviews. Live updates are also available on the BDA (British Dental Association) website if you want to stay up to date with current dental affairs.
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Oral Hygiene In Dentistry
Improving Oral Hygiene
Providing accurate and personalised oral hygiene advice to your patients is a key part of prevention. By doing so you can help prevent your patients from getting tooth decay (dental caries) or gum disease (gingivitis). See this Oral Hygiene TIPPS Video to learn more about gingivitis.
This can make patients feel more confident in effectively removing plaque thus protecting their teeth and gums from disease.
Delivering Better Oral Health
Delivering Better Oral Health - an evidence-based toolkit:
This toolkit provides patients with the best preventative advice. It includes information for both children and adults, and details on how to prevent dental caries, periodontal disease, and even oral cancer.
There is also information on how behaviour such as smoking, diet and alcohol intake can affect oral health. The best thing about this toolkit is it is evidence-based and the strength of evidence is stated beside the advice, so you can provide the best for your patients.
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Dentistry Hot Topics
Fluoridation Of Water - Dentistry Hot Topic
The fluoridation of water is a contentious topic within dentistry. This is a very common topic in the dental world and is regularly talked about. Fluoride occurs naturally and has been proven to protect teeth from decay.
Placing more fluoride in tap water it can help prevent the public from tooth decay on a larger scale by helping keep the tooth strong and remineralised. However, there are several parties that are against the addition of fluoride in tap water. This is an ongoing debate so it is great to keep up to date with the latest news
Restricting Amalgam Use - Dentistry Hot Topics
Amalgams in dentistry is another contentious topic. This is another large topic in Dentistry. Since the Minamata Convention, it was discussed that released mercury (such as that in amalgam/silver fillings) can accumulate in the environment and be toxic to fish and marine life. Although a great and strong filling material it does have its disadvantages.
Due to this, a phasing-out system has been implemented to help reduce the use of amalgam in dentistry. For example, in the UK, dental amalgam can not be used on baby teeth, in children under the age of 15, and on pregnant or breastfeeding women unless deemed strictly necessary. This is a great read which can keep you up to date with current dental news. Amalgams in dentistry is another contentious topic. This is another large topic in Dentistry. Since the Minamata Convention, it was discussed that released mercury (such as that in amalgam/silver fillings) can accumulate in the environment and be toxic to fish and marine life. Although a great and strong filling material it does have its disadvantages.
Due to this, a phasing-out system has been implemented to help reduce the use of amalgam in dentistry. For example, in the UK, dental amalgam can not be used on baby teeth, in children under the age of 15, and on pregnant or breastfeeding women unless deemed strictly necessary. This is a great read which can keep you up to date with current dental news.
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Other Books
Understanding Dentistry As A Whole
Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry 6th edition– Laura Mitchell and David A. Mitchell
This book is great for both dental students and practitioners. It has condensed Dentistry into a handy little book so you can stay up to date with evidence-based clinical knowledge, guidelines and protocols. It even has images and diagrams to aid understanding. This concise book contains specialist knowledge too including medical interactions, orthodontics and oral cancer.
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Best of luck!
See our other articles for more help on getting into dentistry! :)
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