Dentistry
How To Become A Dentist In 2026
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.
2026 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. For 2026 entry this means your UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) score: the BMAT was scrapped after 2023, so the UCAT is now the only admissions test UK dental schools use. From 2025 the UCAT changed: Abstract Reasoning was removed, so the cognitive part is now three subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning) scored out of 2700, plus a separately banded Situational Judgement Test. A strong score helps universities separate applicants who all have similar grades.
- 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.
How long does it take to become a dentist UK - BDS dentistry degree?
In the UK the standard route is a 5-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS or BChD) degree. Adding an intercalated research year (an extra BSc) makes it 6 years, and a pre-dental or gateway year can add a year for students who do not meet the standard entry requirements. After you graduate you must register with the General Dental Council (GDC) before you can practise, and most new dentists then complete one year of Dental Foundation Training (DFT) in NHS practice.
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.
What qualifications do I need to be a dentist?
What A-Levels do you need to be a dentist?
Due to intense competition, the A-level grades needed to study dentistry in the UK are high. The standard offer at almost every dental school is AAA, with a handful (such as King's College London and Barts) asking for A*AA. Chemistry and Biology are required at almost all schools, with your third subject usually free choice (Maths, Physics or another facilitating academic subject). General Studies and Critical Thinking are normally excluded. Always check each university's page, as the exact combination and accepted subjects vary.
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 barely looking at GCSEs and others setting strict minimums. Most ask for at least grade 6/B (some want 7/A or higher) in the sciences, Maths and English Language. A few schools, such as Birmingham, expect grade 8/9 in Biology and Chemistry. Because GCSEs are often used to shortlist applicants when grades and UCAT scores are tied, aim for the strongest profile you can and check each school's exact thresholds.
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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:
- Cardiff University Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
- University of Manchester Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
- Newcastle University Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
- University of Central Lancashire Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
- University of Dundee 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
- University of Leeds Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
- Aberdeen University Dentistry Entry Requirements - Website
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:
Before you give up on dentistry, read our guide on how to get into dentistry with low grades in the UK, which covers gateway years, foundation courses and reapplying strategically.
- 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.
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
- Online Work Experience
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.
Struggling to find a placement near you? Use our free work experience finder to search for dental practices, hospitals and care settings by postcode, and read our ultimate dental work experience guide for how to reflect on what you see.
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 admissions test is a way to set yourself apart. UK dental schools use the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test): the BMAT was discontinued after 2023, so the UCAT is now the only test in use. Following the 2025 changes, the UCAT has three cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning) scored out of 2700, plus the Situational Judgement Test reported in Bands 1 to 4. Each dental school weights the UCAT differently, so a high score genuinely improves your chances at the more score-driven schools.
Check out our UCAT guide for more help.
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!
Dentistry Wider Reading & Hot Topics in 2026
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
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.
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).
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.
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.
Dentistry interview coaching
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Most popularOther 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.
Best of luck!
See our other articles for more help on getting into dentistry! :)
Frequently asked questions
How do you become a dentist in the UK?
Complete a 5-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree at a GDC-approved dental school, then register with the General Dental Council to practise. To get a place you typically need AAA at A-level including Chemistry and Biology, strong GCSEs, a competitive UCAT score, relevant dental work experience and a successful interview. Most new graduates then complete a year of Dental Foundation Training.
What A-levels do you need for dentistry?
Almost every UK dental school requires AAA at A-level, with a few (such as King's College London and Barts) asking for A*AA. Chemistry and Biology are required at nearly all schools, and your third subject is usually free choice such as Maths, Physics or another academic subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking are normally not accepted, so check each university's exact requirements.
What GCSEs do you need to be a dentist?
Most dental schools want at least grade 6/B in the sciences, Maths and English Language, with several asking for grade 7/A or higher. Some, like Birmingham, expect grade 8 or 9 in Biology and Chemistry. GCSEs are often used to shortlist applicants when grades and UCAT scores are similar, so aim for the strongest profile you can and check individual school thresholds.
Do you need the UCAT for dentistry?
Yes. All UK dental schools now use the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) as their admissions test, because the BMAT was discontinued after 2023. From 2025 the UCAT has three cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning) scored out of 2700, plus the Situational Judgement Test reported in Bands 1 to 4. Each school weights the UCAT differently.
What UCAT score do you need for dentistry?
There is no single cut-off, but with the UCAT now scored out of 2700 a competitive dentistry score is usually around 2300 or above (roughly the top third of candidates). Some schools set fixed thresholds while others rank applicants by score. A strong SJT band also helps. Always check each dental school's most recent admissions data, as cut-offs change yearly.
How long does it take to become a dentist in the UK?
The standard route takes 5 years for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree. Adding an intercalated research year (an extra BSc) makes it 6 years, and a gateway or pre-dental foundation year adds a further year for students who do not meet standard entry requirements. After graduating you register with the GDC and most dentists complete one year of Dental Foundation Training.
What qualifications do you need to be a dentist?
You do not need a prior degree for undergraduate entry. You need strong A-levels (typically AAA including Chemistry and Biology), good GCSEs, a competitive UCAT score and dental work experience to win a place on a BDS course. To practise after graduating, you must hold a GDC-recognised dental degree and be registered with the General Dental Council.
Is the BMAT still used for dentistry?
No. The BMAT was discontinued after the 2023 cycle, so no UK dental school uses it any more. The UCAT is now the only admissions test for dentistry. If you are reading older guidance that mentions the BMAT for dental entry, it is out of date, and you should focus all your test preparation on the UCAT.
What dental work experience do you need?
There is no universal minimum, but you should gain a varied picture of dentistry: time in an NHS and/or private practice, ideally some hospital, specialist or laboratory exposure, plus volunteering or online work experience. Quality and reflection matter more than the number of hours. Some schools state a required number of weeks, so check each website and record what you learned for your personal statement and interview.
How do you apply to dental school?
You apply through UCAS for up to four dentistry choices (plus one non-dentistry insurance option). The deadline is earlier than most courses, usually 15 October the year before entry, and you must sit the UCAT in the summer beforehand. Your application includes predicted grades, a personal statement and a reference; shortlisted applicants are then invited to a panel or MMI interview.
What is the dentistry interview like?
Dental schools use either a panel interview (two or more examiners questioning you across one session) or a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), where you rotate through several short stations each with a different examiner and task. Expect questions on your motivation for dentistry, work experience, ethical scenarios and current dental hot topics such as fluoridation, NHS access and the GDC standards.
Can you get into dentistry with low grades?
Yes, there are routes if you narrowly miss the standard grades, including gateway or pre-dental foundation years (which have contextual or lower entry requirements), reapplying after a gap year to strengthen your profile, or applying through clearing for any spare places. Choosing schools that weight the UCAT or contextual factors more heavily can also help. Read our dedicated guide for the full strategy.
Do you need a degree to study dentistry?
No. For standard undergraduate entry you do not need a prior degree; you apply straight from school or college with A-levels. Graduates can also apply: some schools offer 4-year graduate-entry BDS courses or accept graduates onto the standard 5-year course. Graduate applicants usually still need to sit the UCAT and meet the academic requirements.
How much does a dentist earn in the UK?
Earnings vary widely by sector and seniority. NHS Dental Foundation Trainees earn a set salary in their first year, while associate dentists in mixed NHS and private practice typically earn a five to six-figure income depending on workload and location. Private and specialist dentists, and practice owners, can earn considerably more. Read our career in dentistry guide for a fuller breakdown.
What is GDC registration and why does it matter?
The General Dental Council (GDC) is the UK regulator for dental professionals. You must hold a GDC-recognised dental degree and be on the GDC register before you can legally practise dentistry. The GDC also sets the Standards for the Dental Team, the nine principles that govern professional conduct, which are a common topic at dental school interviews.
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