There are only 15 dental schools in the UK, and when it comes to choosing just 4 to apply, there are not many options to do so. After all, making the right choice maximizes your likelihood of getting an offer. Also, you should pick the environment that is right for you.

The dentistry course usually takes five years to complete, and you must be able to study in an environment that you feel will work well for you. To check for Universities which provide this for you, going to open days is essential to get an insight into what it will look like to study there. Also, applying to summer school would be excellent! All these opportunities can be found via the university’s website or programs such as Sutton Trust.

Significantly, if you don’t meet the requirements, you will most likely be rejected straight away – with only being able to apply to 4 dental schools you mustn’t throw away any opportunities.

Listed below are examples of some Universities and their requirements to showcase how pivotal your exams are:

1. Bristol (consistently ranks in the world's top 100 and UK's top ten universities in league tables) AAA, 7 in GCSE Math, 7 in GCSE English

2. Leeds (ranked 22nd overall in the Complete University Guide 2024 league tables) AAA, 6 GCSEs at Grade 6

3. King’s College London (it was ranked 6th nationally in the power ranking) A*AA 6 in GCSE Math, 6 in GCSE English

4. Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (1st in London for Dentistry according to The Guardian University Guide 2024) A*AA, 777666 at GCSE (pre 2017 AAABBB)

There is no specific requirement for the UCAT’s results, however dental schools usually have a threshold. It is important to find these documents on their websites and check the minimum score that received an interview before applying. Also, there are dental schools that care more about GCSE than UCAT, so a holistic approach is advised.

Below is a list of universities that offer lower grade requirements for dentistry:

1. University of Plymouth Peninsula Dental School BDS 5 year course A Level: A*AA – AAB Contextual offer: AAB GCSEs: 7 GCSE passes at grades A-C

2. Newcastle University Dental School BDS 5 year course Contextual offer for A Levels: BBB

3. Queens’ Belfast Dental School Minimum A Level requirement is BBB at first attempt, prior to commencing degree studies for those with a 2:1 degree, or BBC at the first attempt for those with a First Class Honors Degree or a PhD and an Upper Second Class Honors degree

4. University of Manchester School of Dentistry BDS 5 year course Predicted or achieved a 2:1 degree with a minimum of BBB at A-level (32 in IB) in their first sitting. Contextual offer for A Levels: AAB

5. University of Liverpool School of Dentistry BDS 5 year course Graduates: Predicted or achieved a 2:1 degree with a minimum of ABB at A-level (32 in IB) in their first sitting. Contextual offer for A Levels: ABB

6. Cardiff University School of Dentistry BDS 5 year course A 2.1 Honors degree and have ABB at A level including Biology and Chemistry. Level 2 requirements (GCSE or equivalent) must also be met.
   

Written by Paula Ubuane

Moderated by Joanna