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This guide contains information on the entry requirement for all of the UK dental schools. It has been made using the updated official Dental Schools Council guide which can be found here.
This guide serves as a reference and tool to compare entry requirements between different schools. It is advised to check individual dental school websites for further details and for the most up to date information. For support throughout your application process, check out our 1 ON 1 coaching programme here! As well as structured programmes, you will have a personal coach who will guide you through your application. Also, make sure to see our article on how to strategically choose your university- the article is about choosing medical schools, but the concepts will still apply to dentistry school.
Course types
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery is usually a five-year programme for undergraduate dentistry. There are four types of dentistry degrees:
Standard Entry Dentistry A five-year programme which results in a dentistry degree
Graduate Entry Dentistry Usually a four-year degree (+/-) which enables those with an honours degree in science subjects and healthcare professions with a degree to study for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
Dentistry with a preliminary year The standard five-year programme but with an additional year at the start, making it a six-year degree. Designed for individuals to achieved highly at A-Level but did not study require subjects. The extra year focuses on gaining the basic scientific knowledge for the course.
Dentistry with a gateway year Designed for high ability students who may have had barriers to learning due to socioeconomic reasons or educational circumstances. These courses are only for home students (UK students), and are often six years.
This article will go through all different course types and the entry requirement for these.
Admission tests
The majority of UK dental schools use the University Clinical Aptitude test (UCAT). For more information on UCAT, find our overview here.
University of Birmingham
BDS Dental Surgery (A200)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | 2:1 in a full 3 year honours degree in a health science related field + A levels in Biology & Chemistry plus one other subject with ABB or higher. BBB will be considered if a 1st is achieved in the degree. |
| A Levels/Scottish Highers | AAA at A level (including Biology, Chemistry and one other subject). All A levels need to be taken over maximum of 2 years. AAAAA at Highers or AB Advanced Highers plus AA Highers, including Chemistry and Biology. | |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | GCSEs to include 7 or above in Mathematics, 7 or above in English Language OR Literature, 8 or above in Biology and 8 or above in Chemistry. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 32 points with grade 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and Biology, plus one other subject at 6. | |
| Personal statement | Assessed for motivation and commitment to study Dentistry. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT. | |
| Interview | Interview method | Multiple Mini Interviews |
| Work experience | Ideal but not mandatory. Awareness and preparedness for course and career will be assessed through screening and interviews. | |
| Widening participation | A variety of WP schemes are available which lower grade requirements. Please see the university's website for information on widening participation and contextual offers. |
University of Bristol
BDS Dental Surgery (A206)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | 2:1 Honours degree in any subject and BBB at A-level including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics. |
| A Levels/ Scottish Highers | A-level: AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics. AAAAB in Standard Highers with AA in Chemistry and either Biology, Physics or Mathematics at Advanced Highers. | |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | GCSEs: Advance numeracy requirement (7/A in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent) and Standard literacy requirement (4/C in GCSE English or equivalent). | |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics (either Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretations). | |
| Access to Higher Education Diplomas & BTEC offer | Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/ Medical/ Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include:30+ credits at Distinction & 15 at Merit+ ; & at 12+ credits at Distinction from Chemistry units; and 12+ credits (with 9 at Distinction) from one of Biology, Physics or Maths. BTEC offer: DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Chemistry units | |
| Personal statement | May be referred to differentiate between applicants with similar academic profiles. In this case, the following criteria is used: evidence of work experience & motivation and understanding of dentistry; evidence of teamwork or non-academic achievement; evidence of contribution to society. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT. | |
| Interview | Interview method | On-line Interviews, format not yet confirmed. |
| Work experience | Not a requirement, but advised for students to have a minimum of two weeks work experience. Applicants may be asked to reflect on this experience during their interview. | |
| Widening participation | Please see the university's website for information on widening participation and contextual offers. |
University of Cardiff
BDS Dental Surgery (A200)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | All degrees are considered. Please check our website and Admissions Policy from September 2024 for school-leaving requirements for particular degrees. |
| A Levels/Scottish Highers | A-levels: AAA including Biology and Chemistry. Applicants offering other qualifications should check our website and Admissions Policy from September 2024. | |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | GCSEs: English language or Welsh 1st language (Grade B); Biology, Chemistry or the double award; Maths. Please check our website and Admissions Policy from September 2024 for details on minimum requirements and how GCSEs are used in the application scoring process. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 overall or 666 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Biology and Chemistry. | |
| Personal statement | Satisfactory personal statement and references to be eligible for interview consideration. The personal statement must show: Evidence of commitment to dentistry as a career; evidence of quality and sills required for dental healthcare; and evidence of work experience or knowledge of fthe nature of Denistry. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT. | |
| Interview | Interview method | Multiple Mini Interviews |
| Work experience | Advised but not essential. | |
| Widening participation | Please see the [university's website for information] on widening participation and contextual offers. (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/contextual-data) |
University of Dundee
BDS Dental Surgery (A200)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | Minimum 2:1 Honours Degree, preferably in a Life Sciences subject. This should be the first degree obtained. |
| A Levels/Scottish Highers | AAA including Biology and Chemistry. All to be achieved in one sitting with no retakes. Scottish Highers: AAAAB, including Biology and Chemistry. These are to be obtained at the first sitting of Highers. 3 Advanced Highers / Highers to be taken in 6th year, including Advanced Higher Biology or Chemistry at grade B. | |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | GCSE: Biology and Chemistry at A/7 and English, Mathematics and one other subject at B/6. Scottish National 5s: English, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry with grade B/6. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 37 points including 6,6,6, at Higher level with no retakes and including Biology and Chemistry. In addition, three subjects at Standard level with average of grade 6. | |
| Personal statement | The personal statement is not used in selection for interview, however it may be used at interview. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT. | |
| Interview | Interview method | Interview format for entry 2024 is not yet confirmed but will be MMI online or in person. |
| Work experience | Ideally: 2 weeks work experience, but we appreciate this can be difficult to organise. | |
| Widening participation | Please see the website for further information widening participation and contextual admissions. | |
| Contextual offers | Scottish Highers at grades AAABB, including Biology at A and Chemistry at A, plus Advanced Higher Biology or Chemistry at B, all to be achieved by the end of 6th year. No minimum requirements at the end of 5th year. |
University of Glasgow
BDS Dental Surgery (A200)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent (e.g. GPA of 3.0 or above) in relevant science subject. Must demonstrate equivalence of Chemistry & Biology (grade A, A Level/Higher) & Maths/Physics (grade B, GCSE/ Higher) obtained within the last 6 years. |
| A Levels/Scottish Highers | AAA at A Level including Chemistry and Biology/ Human Biology at grade A. Scottish Highers: AAAAB including A in Higher Biology/Human Biology and Higher Chemistry and a pass C in Higher Maths/Physics and English/ESOL provided overall conditions are met. Advanced Highers in a minimum of three subjects with Biology and/or Chemistry at grade B and a further 1-2 Highers/ Advanced Highers. Please note we look at 5th year results and would expect applicants to have attained AABB as a minimum, including Biology or Chemistry at grade A. | |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | 6 GCSE subjects at Grade A/7. Must include: Maths or Physics, English Language or Literature (accepted at grade B/6 provided 6 other GCSE's have been attained at A/7). | |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 Points including three HL subjects at 6,6,6. Must include: Chemistry AND Biology at HL, Mathematics or Physics at HL (if it is not possible to take Mathematics or Physics at HL then SL6 will be considered). | |
| Personal statement | Used for Interview selection and subject to review prior to offer. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT. | |
| Interview | Interview method | Not yet been confirmed |
| Work experience | Applicants can secuer alternative forms of shadowing in other sectors that would still demonstrate attributes in BDS person specification. See their website for more details of examples. | |
| Widening participation | The University of Glasgow operates a system of contextualised admissions for applicants living in Scotland. See here for details. |
King’s College London Faculty of Dentistry
BDS Dental Surgery (A205)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | Minimum 2:1 Honours degree in any subject, with B in A-Level (or equivalent) in Biology/Chemistry and B in A-Level (or equivalent) in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology. Alternatively, a 2:2 is acceptable combined with a Master's degree with at least a merit, as long as the above stated A-Level grades are achieved. Graduates who have a sufficient quantity of Biology or Chemistry as part of their degree may not need the A-Level (or equivalent) in this subject but the admissions team may request further information to assess this. |
| A Levels/Scottish Highers | AAA at A level including A in Biology/Chemistry *AND grade A in one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology. If Maths is being used to meet the subject requirement, then we cannot consider Further Maths as the third A-level. Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: AAB at Higher in one sitting and AA at Advanced Higher. Must include grade A in Advanced Higher Biology or Chemistry, and grade A in an additional Advanced Higher in one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology. Please note we do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject. | |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | GCSEs: Grade 6/B in English Language & Maths. Scottish Nationals: GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics requirements can be met via Intermediate 2/Standard Credit Grade 1 or 2/ National 5 with B (if not studying at Higher/Advanced Higher Level). | |
| International Baccalaureate | 35 points including 766 at HL, including grade 6 in HL Chemistry or Biology, and grade 6 in HL in one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology. The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE. We can accept either Mathematics - Analysis & Approaches or Mathematics - Applications & Interpretations. Please see the website for more details. | |
| Personal statement | Used in assessment of application. Looking for evidence of commitment to, and realistic appreciation of, the academic, physical and emotional demands of a dentistry degree programme and career. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT. | |
| Interview | Interview method | Yet to be confirmed |
| Work experience | Normally expected to underake some voluntary work experience in a caring environment and/or observation in a clinical setting. If not possible, evidence that you have worked in a setting where you can interact with the general public, e.g. in a pharmacy, check-out or restaurant. | |
| Widening participation | See contextual admissions for details and the Enhanced Support Dentistry Programme BDS. |
University of Leeds
BDS Dental Surgery (A200)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | 2:1 or Higher in a relevant Science or Healthcare subject + GCSE Maths at Grade C/4. Please contact the Admissions Team to check the eligibility of your degree. |
| A Levels/Scottish Highers | AAA at A Level including Chemistry and Biology, excluding General Studies & Critical thinking. Scottish Highers: AA in Biology and Chemistry at Advanced Higher plus AABBB in Highers; A in an Advanced Higher in Biology or Chemistry plus AAABB in Highers with A in Chemistry or Biology, respectively; AAAAAA in Highers including Biology and Chemistry. 6 subjects at National level at Grade B to include English, Maths, Dual Science (or Biology and Chemistry). | |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | A minimum of 6 GCSEs at Grade 6/B or higher including Chemistry, Biology (or Dual Science), English and Maths. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 35 points including 6 HL Chemistry and Biology, plus a further higher at grade 6. English must be offered at higher or subsidiary level (grade 5 minimum if not offered at GCSE). Maths Studies is acceptable. | |
| Personal statement | Used in application to assess nature of applicant’s interest. Important part of the selection process. Further information is available in the personal statement guidelines. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT. | |
| Interview | Interview method | Multiple mini-interviews |
| Work experience | Not required | |
| Widening participation | Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts individuals from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or those who have had their studies disrupted – find out more here. |
University of Liverpool
BDS Dental Surgery (A200)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | Degree in any subject at minimum of 2:1. Those with a degree that is not classified (e.g. MBChB) should achieve overall grade of 70%+. A minimum of 3 A levels at grade ABB or above including Chemistry and Biology. A minimum of 7 GCSEs at grade B/grade 6 or above including Maths, English Language and a Science subject. |
| A Levels/Scottish Highers | AAA in 3 A levels taken at one sitting, after 2 years of study. Biology and Chemistry are essential, third subject may be Arts/Sciences. AAAAA at Higher level and AA at Advanced Higher level including Chemistry and Biology. | |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | A minimum of 8 GCSEs to include at least five subjects at grade A/7 and three at grade B/6. Grade B/6 or above should be achieved in English Language, Maths and Science. Vocational/Applied GCSEs are not accepted. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 points including at least 6 in Higher level Chemistry and Biology. | |
| Personal statement | Assessed to ensure applicant has knowledge of and insight into the profession, with emphasis on work experiences/observation. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT. | |
| Interview | Interview method | Multiple Mini Interviews |
| Work experience | Desirable that candidates have completed a period of work experience/shadowing in a local dental practice or hospital – preferably in more than one establishment. | |
| Widening participation | The university uses contextualised admissions. Eligible applicants will be considered for a reduced academic programme offer (ABB). See website for details. |
University of Manchester School of Dentistry
BDS Dental Surgery (A206)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | 2:1 honours degree and minimum of BBB at A-level (32 in B) in first sitting. Applicants with relevant science degree are exempt from subject specification at A level, but must still meet BBB requirement. Please see website and FAQs for detail. |
| A Levels/Scottish Highers | AAA including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology. A combination of three sciences is equally acceptable at A-level. However, our offer will not include combinations of very similar subjects, for example, Biology and Human Biology or Maths and Further Maths together. AAAA at Highers by the end of Secondary 5 and at least AA at Advanced Highers by the end of Secondary 6. See website for details. | |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | At least 7 GCSEs at grade 7 (A) +. English Language, Maths and at least 2 science subjects are required at grade 6 (B). If dual aware science is offered, minimum is 66 (BB). | |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 points with at least 666 at higher level. If Maths and English Language are not offered as part of the Diploma, they should be offered at GCSE or IGCSE at grade B (6) or above. Major subjects must include Chemistry and Biology, plus one further subject at higher level. We accept both Maths options as part of the Diploma. | |
| Personal statement | Applicants must complete a Non-Academic Information Form. Personal statement is not directly assessed as part of the selection process. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT. | |
| Interview | Interview method | Multiple Mini Interviews |
| Work experience | Should be able to demonstrate that you are making an informed choice to study Dentistry through career exploration. | |
| Widening participation | Contextual admissions are used to consider candidates' UCAS applications in context. See website for details. |
Newcastle University Dental School
BDS Dental Surgery (A206)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | 2:1 honours degree pass in dental therapy degree. If degree does not include a significant amount of Chemistry and Biology, level 3 qualifications in Chemistry and Biology would also be needed. |
| A Levels/ Scottish Highers | AAA at A-Level including Biology and Chemistry. AAAAA at Scottish Higher Degree level plus AB at Advanced Higher to include Biology or Chemistry. If only one out of Biology & Chemistry is offered at Advanced Higher, grade A is required in that science. Candidates offering only one out of Higher Chemistry and Biology will be required to take the other in their final year along with Advanced Higher in the first, and achieve A grades in both the Advanced Higher and the Higher. English and Mathematics required at grade 2 Standard Grade (or Intermediate 2 equivalent). | |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | Minimum of a pass grade in Maths and English. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 37 points with Chemistry and Biology at Grade 6 or above at HL. | |
| Personal statement | Used in the application. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT. | |
| Interview | Interview method | A panel interview. |
| Work experience | Applicants are advised to secure work experience observing dental practice. If this is not possible, it does not exclude the candidate, howver, we would require that they are able to demonstrate that they have taken steps to understand what working in dental practice would entail. Applicants are required to have some form of person facing paid/voluntary work with adults or children. | |
| Widening participation | WP is dealt with through our PARTNERS programme which offers contextual offers for applicants who fulfil specific criteria. |
University of Plymouth Peninsula Dental School
BDS Dental Surgery (A206)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | We are unable to consider previous degree study for this programme. Peninsula Medical School uses the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT). |
| A Levels/ Scottish Highers | The typical offer is AAA at GCE A level which must include the following: A in Biology, A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology. Your third GCE A level can be from any subject area and does not need to be science based. General Studies is not accepted. | |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | Applicants need to achieve 7 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects: English Language, Mathematics, two science subjects - either GCSE Double Award Science or two from single award Chemistry, Biology, or Physics. We are unable to consider functional skills in lieu of GCSEs. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 36-38 points overall to include the following: HL 6 in Biology, HL 6 in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology. | |
| Personal statement | We do not review or score the personal statement at any part of the admissions process. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT for school leavers. | |
| Interview | Interview method | Multiple mini-interviews. |
| Work experience | Not required. | |
| Widening participation | The University of Plymouth is committed to widening access (WA) and ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply with us. Please visit their [website] for further information on our widening participation initiatives and contextual admissions. (https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/peninsula-school-of-dentistry) |
Queen Mary, University of London
Dentistry BDS (A200)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | 2:1 or above in any subject (achieved or predicted) with supporting science qualifications where necessary. Please see their degree title checker for subject specific information. |
| A Levels/ Scottish Highers | A*AA at A level (results must be achieved in one sitting over a study period of no longer than two years). Must include Biology or Chemistry, and a second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics). | |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | AAABBB (777666 for GSCEs taken from 2015) or above (in any order) to include Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, English Language, and Mathematics (or Additional Mathematics or Statistics). The Science Double Award may substitute all sciences at GCSE. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 38 points overall with 666 in HL subjects. Must include Biology or Chemistry and a second science subject or Mathematics. | |
| Personal statement | Interviewers will consider your interests, talents, and the contribution you can make to the university. Your personal statement will help us to ask you relevant questions. We look for applicants who have participated as fully as possible in school or college life, and who have also contributed in some way to the outside community. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT | |
| Interview | Interview method | Multiple mini-interviews. |
| Work experience | Selectors will expect you to demonstrate knowledge about a career in dentistry and to have gained experience in a relevant setting. However, we recognise the challenge of obtaining relevant work experience. | |
| Widening participation | We will take into account some of your personal circumstances and background when considering your application. Find out more about contextual admissions. |
Queen’s University Belfast Dental School
BDS Dental Surgery (A200)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | 2:1 honours degree in a science-based subject, plus BBB at A-level. If the applicant achieves a 1st class honours degree, then BBC at A-level is acceptable. |
| A Levels/ Scottish Highers | AAA at A-level including Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry. GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4 is required if not offered at AS-level or A-level. AA in Advanced Highers with AAAAA in Highers or AAB in Advanced Highers with AAAAB in Highers. A in Chemistry and A in Biology are required in Advanced Highers. | |
| GCSEs | GCSE performance in the best 9 subjects will be scored with 4 points awarded for an A (grade 9), 3 points for an A (grades 7 and 8), 2 points for a B (grade 6) and 1 point for a C/C (grades 4 and 5). Please note that only GCSEs completed in Year 11 and Year 12 (Year 10 and Year 11 in England and Wales) will be counted for scoring purposes. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 points overall including 666 at HL including Biology and Chemistry + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or an equivalent acceptable to the University. | |
| Personal statement | Not scored in the selection process, but evidence of commitment and motivation to follow a career in dentistry is expected. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT | |
| Interview | Interview method | Multiple mini-interviews. |
| Work experience | Work experience in a clinical setting is desirable, but not a requirementfor admission. However, we expect candidates to demonstrate an understanding of a career in Dentistry and motivation to study the subject. | |
| Widening participation | We will take into account some of your personal circumstances and background when considering your application. Find out more about contextual admissions. |
University of Sheffield School of Clinical Dentistry
Dental Surgery BDS (A200)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | 2:1 honours in science and related degrees. |
| A Levels/ Scottish Highers | AAA including Chemistry and Biology + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken. A Levels + additional qualifications AAB, including AA in Chemistry and Biology + B in Dentistry or health-related EPQ (EPQ and A Levels must be taken in the same sitting to receive the alternative offer). Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers AAAAB + AA in Chemistry and Biology | |
| GCSEs /Scottish Nationals | 6 GCSEs at grade 7/A including English, Maths and Science. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 points with 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and Biology. | |
| Personal statement | Used as a screening tool for interview. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT | |
| Interview | Interview method | Semi-Structured Panel Interview with additional Interpersonal skills test. |
| Work experience | Research into the career and profession should be demonstrated, and work experience should form part of this research. This is assessed and used as a screening tool prior to interview and again assessed at interview for selection. | |
| Widening participation | Please see the website for details on Access to Sheffield. |
Graduate Entry Dentistry
University of Aberdeen Institute of Dentistry Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) (A201)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | Upper Second-Class Honours degree or above in bio sciences or allied health professional degree |
| A Levels/ Scottish Highers | N/A | |
| GCSEs /Scottish Nationals | N/A | |
| International Baccalaureate | N/A | |
| Personal statement | Used in application and at interview. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT | |
| Interview | Interview method | Multiple mini-interviews |
| Work experience | Use DSC guidance on work experience. | |
Only open to applicants from the UK
University of Leeds Dental Surgery BChD, Oral Sciences BSc
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | 2:1 in BSc Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy from the University of Leeds only. This is an internal entry only so is not available on UCAS and number. |
| A Levels/ Scottish Highers | N/A | |
| GCSEs /Scottish Nationals | N/A | |
| International Baccalaureate | N/A | |
| Personal statement | N/A | |
| Admissions test | N/A | |
| Interview | Interview method | Panel interview |
| Work experience | N/A |
University of Central Lancashire School of Dentistry Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) (A202)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | 2:1 in a Biomedical discipline |
| A Levels/ Scottish Highers | 3 A Levels at Grade C or above, of which at least 2 must be from Biology or Physics or Chemistry or Mathematics. General Studies is not counted towards A Level entry | |
| GCSEs /Scottish Nationals | English and Maths at grade B. | |
| International Baccalaureate | N/A | |
| Personal statement | No longer used. An academic reference is required from the applicant from the course leader, personal tutor or project supervisor for their degree. If you do not already have your degree, the academic reference should include a predicted grade. If you have been in employment for a number of years and are unable to obtain a reference from your previous university degree, we would consider a reference that can evidence continuing professional development at degree level or beyond. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT | |
| Interview | Interview method | Multiple mini-interviews |
| Work experience | No longer used. | |
Open to applicants from the UK and overseas.
King’s College London Faculty of Dentistry Graduate/Professional Entry Programme BDS (A202)
4 Years
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | A minimum 2:1 (upper second class honours) undergraduate bachelor degree (or international equivalent) in a Biosciences subject, or a 2:2 (lower second class honours) undergraduate bachelor degree (or international equivalent) with a postgraduate degree with at least a Merit overall grade (or international equivalent) in a Biosciences subject. Please see website for further details. |
| A Levels/ Scottish Highers | N/A | |
| GCSEs /Scottish Nationals | N/A | |
| International Baccalaureate | N/A | |
| Personal statement | Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application. We are looking particularly for evidence of appropriate commitment to, and realistic appreciation of, the academic, physical and emotional demands of a dentistry degree programme and career. We would normally expect that you will have undertaken some work experience in a caring environment and/or observation in a clinical setting. If this is not possible, we look for evidence that you have worked in a setting where you can interact with the general public, e.g. in a pharmacy, check-out or restaurant. See website for further details. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT | |
| Interview | Interview method | The interview method is yet to be confirmed. |
| Work experience | We would normally expect that you will have undertaken some work experience in a caring environment and/or observation in a clinical setting. If this is not possible, we look for evidence that you have worked in a setting where you can interact with the general public, e.g. in a pharmacy, check-out or restaurant. | |
Only open to applicants from the UK.
King’s College London Faculty of Dentistry
Dentistry Entry Programme for Medical Graduates BDS (A204)
Only open to qualified doctors from the UK.
3 Years
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | Degree qualifications (for graduates) | Applicants must be qualified doctors (registered with the UK General Medical Council) who have completed Foundation Years 1 and 2, and wish to pursue a career in either oral and maxillofacial surgery or oral medicine/ pathology. |
| A Levels/ Scottish Highers | N/A | |
| GCSEs /Scottish Nationals | N/A | |
| International Baccalaureate | N/A | |
| Personal statement | Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application. We are looking particularly for evidence of appropriate commitment to, and realistic appreciation of, the academic, physical and emotional demands of a dentistry degree programme and career. | |
| Admissions test | None | |
| Interview | Interview method | Panel interviews |
| Additional information: | There are 10 places available for this programme and candidates will be expected to demonstrate a firm commitment to a career in either oral and maxillo-facial surgery or oral medicine/pathology. There are no ring-fenced places for graduates of King's and all applicants are treated equally. |
Please note, this programme is not open to Overseas fee payers.
Dentistry with a preliminary year
This course is a a five-year standard degree with an additional year at the start, making it a six year course in total. It is designed for those who achieved highly at A level, or equivalent, but who did not take the required science subjects. The extra year gives students the necessary science training to catch up.
University of Manchester Dental School BDS Dentistry (Pre-dental entry) (A204) -6 years
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | A Levels/ Scottish Highers | A Levels: AAA, including subject combinations that would be unsuitable for the 5 year BDS course. Scottish Highers: 4 highers at AAAA by end of Secondary 5. Grades must be achieved in the same sitting at first attempt. |
| GCSEs /Scottish Nationals | At least 7 GCSEs at grade 7 (A) or above. English Language, Mathematics are required at GCSE grade 6 (B). At least 2 science subjects are required at GCSE minimum grade 6 (B) if not taken to AS/A2 levels. See website for more details and contextual admissions. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 points are required overall with at least 666 at HL. We accept both Maths options as part of the Diploma. If Maths and English Language are not offered as part of the Diploma, they should be offered at GCSE or IGCSE at grade B (6) or above. HL subjects should include subject combinations that would be unsuitable for admission to the 5 year BDS. | |
| Personal statement | Applicants must complete a non-academic information form. Although we do not directly assess your personal statement as part of the selection process, you will find that you can use most of what you have written as the starting point for your form, and we encourage you to do so. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT | |
| Interview method | Multi mini-interviews | |
| Work experience | Should be able to demonstrate that you are making an informed choice to study Dentistry through career exploration. | |
University of Leeds Dental School
Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc, progressing onto Dental Surgery BChD, Oral Sciences BSc (6H89)
6 years
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | A Levels/ Scottish Highers | A Levels: ABB or above. BB at Advanced highers, and AABBBB in Highers – or B in AH and AAABB in Highers – or AABBBB in Highers |
| GCSEs /Scottish Nationals | GCSE: English & Science at grade C/4 or above and GCSE Mathematics at grade B/6 or above, or equivalent | |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 overall (16 higher) | |
| Personal statement | Personal statement is used to help assess nature of the applicant’s interest in the academic subject and is an important part of the selection process. | |
| Admissions test | Applicants will be asked to complete a maths exam as a part of the selection process on the day of interview. | |
| Interview method | Panel interview for entry to the foundation year, and MMI to progress onto the main dental surgery programme. | |
| Work experience | Not required | |
Dentistry with a Gateway Year
These are designed for students who are of high ability but who may have had barriers to their learning due to socioeconomic +/- educational circumstances. These courses are open to UK students who meet specific eligibility criteria. They tend to be 6 years long, with the first year being a foundation year.
University of Bristol Dental School Gateway to Dentistry BDS (A208)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | A Levels/ Scottish Highers | BBC including B in Biology or Chemistry. Applicants with predicted or achieved grades of AAB or above, or with A in Chemistry are not eligible for this course. Advanced Highers: BB including Biology or Chemistry, and standard level: BBBBC. Applicants with achieved/predicted advanced higher grades of AA, or chemistry at A are not eligible for this course. |
| GCSEs / Scottish Nationals | Standard literacy requirement (4 or C in GCSE English or equivalent) and standard numeracy requirement (4 or C in GCSE maths or equivalent) | |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in Chemistry or Biology. | |
| BTEC Offer | DMM in applied sciences, medical sciences or health and social care (science pathway). Applicants who are taking BTECs plus A-Level Chemistry are not eligible for this course. | |
| Personal statement | We no longer use the personal statement as weighted component of our selection criteria. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT. | |
| Interview method | Multiple-Mini interviews | |
| Work experience | All applicants should have some practical work experience in their chosen career. This does not necessarily have to include clinical experience, but can include work experience placements undertaken as part of a relevant course or as voluntary work. There is no minimum time required, although undertaking at least five days is recommended. | |
| Please see the website for information on contextual offers. |
King’s College London Faculty of Dentistry Enhanced Support Dentistry Programme BDS (A206)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | A Levels/ Scottish Highers | AAB with A in Biology or Chemistry, in addition to studying one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology. If Maths is being used to meet the subject requirement, then we cannot consider Further Maths as the third A-Level. Please note that A-levels in General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. NOTE: If you are taking linear A levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all science subjects. |
| GCSEs /Scottish Nationals | Grade 6/B in both GCSE English and Mathematics, if not offered at A/AS- level. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 35 points including 665 at HL including grade 6 in HL Biology or Chemistry, in addition to studying one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology at Higher Level. Additionally, Grade 5 SL is required in both English and Mathematics, if not offered at GCSE. | |
| Personal statement | Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application. We are looking particularly for evidence of appropriate commitment to, and realistic appreciation of, the academic, physical and emotional demands of a dentistry degree programme and career. | |
| Admissions test | UCAT | |
| Interview method | To be confirmed | |
| Work experience | Normally expected that you will have undertaken some work experience in a caring environment and/or observation in a clinical setting. If not possible, we look for evidence that you have worked in a setting where you can interact with the general public, e.g. in a pharmacy, check-out or restaurant. | |
| Widening participation | To be eligible to be considered for the Enhanced Support Dentistry Programme, you must have attended only non-selective state education within a London borough as determined by the UK government’s Department for Education (DfE), since the age of 11. Please list all the schools that you have attended since the age of 11 on your UCAS application. Applicants cannot have started or completed a degree before submitting their application, and all applicants must have sat the UCAT prior to submitting their application. |
University of Leeds – Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc, progressing onto Dental Surgery BChD, Oral Sciences BSc (CFG0)
| Use in Selection process | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application | A Levels/ Scottish Highers | A-level: CDD or above excluding critical thinking and general studies, or equivalent. Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement. |
| GCSEs /Scottish Nationals | GCSE: English, mathematics and science at grade C/4 or above. | |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 overall (12 higher). | |
| Personal statement | The personal statement of the application helps us to assess the nature of the applicant’s interest in the academic subject and is an important part of the selection process. It is essential that applicants take this opportunity to demonstrate their enthusiasm and aptitude for the academic subject. | |
| Admissions test | Applicants applying to the BSc Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year and BSc Studies in Science with Foundation Year will be asked to complete a Maths exam as part of the selection process on the day of interview. | |
| Interview method | Panel interview for entry to the foundation year, and an MMI to progress onto the main Dental Surgery programme. | |
| Work experience | Not required | |
| Widening participation | The University of Leeds offers a number of alternative routes in order to widen access to higher education. For further details, see our Access to Leeds (A2L) scheme. To be eligible to apply for this course you must live permanently in the UK and meet at least one of the following: 1. Your permanent address is in a neighbourhood with low progression to higher education (we use the OfS postcode checker). 2. You attended a school which achieved less than the national average of five grade A*-C or 9-4 passes (including English and Maths) at GCSE or attainment 8 score in a state school. We use the All England State funded attainment 8 score, excluding applicants from selective and/or independent schools. 3. You grew up in public care. | |
We actively encourage applications from mature students. Further consideration will be given to the life experience of mature applicants and the circumstances in which they gained prior qualifications.
University of Liverpool Dental SchoolFoundation to Health and Veterinary Studies (Year 0) (0AAW) 1 year (allows progression to BDS)
Only open to mature students from the UK who have typically been out of formal education for some time or who have taken non- traditional qualifications.
| Use in Selection process | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | A Levels/ Scottish Highers | Please note that we will not consider A-Level students or school leavers. However, consideration may be given to candidates who studied some time ago. | |
| GCSEs /Scottish Nationals | 5 GCSE subjects at Grade B (Numerical Grade 6) to include: Mathematics, English Language and either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, Core and additional Science or Dual Science Award. | ||
| International Baccalaureate | NA | ||
| Personal statement | Applicants must demonstrate motivation and commitment to a career in dentistry. | ||
| Admissions test | NA | ||
| Interview method | Face to face multiple mini- interviews | ||
| Work experience | Candidates are expected to show a range of skills and it is desirable on all dental programmes that candidates have completed a period of work experience/shadowing in a local dental practice or hospital. | ||
| Widening participation | See website for details. | ||
Written by Dr Mahsa Kabuli