UK is home to some of the best and most competitive dental schools in the world. The country offers a range of courses for Dentistry like Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Bhd), The license in Dental Surgery (LDS). It is counted amongst the most expensive and rewarding degrees with an ROI of £50,000 (INR 51,59,049.36) per annum! Dentistry programs in the United Kingdom typically take five years (six if a foundation year is required).
This Blog Includes:
- What is Dentistry?
- Why Should You Pursue Dentistry?
- How to Become a Dentist in UK?
- Undergraduate Courses
- Postgraduate Courses
- Eligibility to Study Dentistry in UK
- What GCSEs and A-Levels Do You Need?
- Tuition Fees For Dentistry in UK
- Top Universities to Pursue Dentistry in UK
- How to Apply to UK Universities for Bachelors- Step-Wise Guide
- University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
- UK Universities that Accept UCAT
What is Dentistry?
Dentistry is a comprehensive field that encompasses not just the health of your teeth, but also all concerns relating to the human skull, including the jaw, cranium, and face region. Dentists are critical in ensuring that all maxillofacial structures are in good working order, that everything is healthy, and that everything is in its right place. You will study the general health of the mouth cavity in Dentistry classes. You’ll learn about a variety of dental procedures, as well as diagnostic and treatment approaches and the tools you’ll need to put them into practice. Dental care includes not only implants, extractions, and cavity treatment, but also teaching individuals how to avoid these issues in the first place. Most students go on to work as dentists, dental hygienists, or dental assistants after graduation.
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Why Should You Pursue Dentistry?
In the United Kingdom, being a dentist takes several years of academic study as well as practical experience. Because medical school spaces are limited, it’s vital to start thinking about a dental professional as soon as feasible. In addition to completing the required A Levels, you must exhibit commitment and enthusiasm for your future studies. Aside from academic achievements, future dentists will need strong leadership and communication skills, as well as an understanding of business management. These skills are essential for a successful career in dentistry because dentists are frequently self-employed and run their practices.
How to Become a Dentist in UK?
A-Levels or Equivalent
You’ll need at least three A-Levels with strong grades to get into medical school. Specific entry requirements differ by university, however, Biology and Chemistry, which are usually required topics in dentistry, are strong A-Level choices. Marks vary by university, but if you want to attend a top-tier institution, you should strive for three A grades at A-Level. Students who lack the essential science background for a dental degree might enroll in a Pre-Dental program, which can assist lay the groundwork for a five-year Bachelor’s degree in the field.
Dental Foundation Training
You will begin a year of Dental Foundation Training after completing your Bachelor’s degree. Newly qualified dentists will be mentored by experienced general dentists. For a period of 12 months, you will work in the practice for up to 35 hours each week.
Registering with the General Dental Council
The GDC accredits dentistry programs in the United Kingdom. You can register with the General Dental Council as a qualified UK dentist after finishing your GDC-approved course.
Undergraduate Courses
Most undergraduate dental degrees in the United Kingdom take five years to finish. Students in dentistry can earn several degrees, including:
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- BSc Oral Health
- BSc Dental Therapy
- The license in Dental Surgery (LDS)
You will gain from academic lectures on your subject as well as the practical skills and work experience required to advance in your career as a dentist if you pursue one of these three-degree types.
Postgraduate Courses
- MSc Advanced Restorative Dentistry
- MSc Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Dental Public Health MSc
- MSc in Endodontology
- MClinDent in Clinical Dentistry (Endodontology)
- Dentistry – MSc by Research
- MPhil in Dental Health Sciences
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Eligibility to Study Dentistry in UK
The entrance requirements for dental degrees in the United Kingdom vary by university. All institutions require strong science grades, as well as excellent communication skills and a passion for the subject.
Dental School Requirements
Most dentistry degrees require the following to be accepted into medical school:
- AAA to AAB at A-Level (or equivalent), including Chemistry and Biology
- Passing the UKCAT or BMAT tests
- A successful interview
- An excellent personal statement
- Work experience, for example, can demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject.
What GCSEs and A-Levels Do You Need?
To study dentistry in the United Kingdom, you must excel in science-related courses throughout your GCSEs and A-Levels (or equivalent) – as well as any other disciplines you study. Chemistry and Biology are recommended as A-Level studies for future dentists, however, Mathematics and Physics are also options.
Tuition Fees For Dentistry in UK
Full-Time Tuition Fees: The International tuition fee for the 2022-2023 academic year is £47,880(4,132,522 INR) per year.
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Top Universities to Pursue Dentistry in UK
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- Plymouth University
- University of Glasgow
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Aberdeen
- University of Dundee
- University of Liverpool
- Newcastle University
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Bristol
- University of Sheffield
How to Apply to UK Universities for Bachelors- Step-Wise Guide
International students applying to UK universities must follow a well-researched guide before starting their application process:
Step-1: Shortlist Courses and Universities
The primary step in the application process is to shortlist courses and universities according to your academic profile and preference. Students can shortlist courses and universities through AI-Course Finder and generate a list of universities where they are most likely to get through and plan their application process in advance.
Step-2: Know Your Deadlines
The next step is to know the exact deadlines of universities and colleges in the UK you are planning to apply to. International students have to take the application process well in advance (one year to 6 months before the actual deadline). This ensures that students can fulfill all the college requirements such as SOP, letters of recommendation, English proficiency tests, funding/scholarship options, and accommodation.
Step-3: Take Entrance Tests
The third step in the application process for UK universities requires students to take tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). A new addition to English proficiency tests is the Duolingo Test which allows students to appear for the exam from the comfort of their homes and is accepted across the world.
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Step-4: Compile Your Documents
The next step is to compile all the required documents and test scores for the application process. This means students should start writing their SOPs, getting letters of recommendation from teachers and supervisors and arranging their financial statements along with other documents like tests scorecards. With the COVID-19 pandemic, students must download their vaccine certificates and specify the administered vaccine for the application.
Step-5: Get Started with Your Application
Once you have all the documents in place, students can start the application process either directly or through UCAS. Students applying to UK universities that accept direct applications can start by applying through the official university website. They have to select the courses, pay the application fees and start the online application process.
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an entrance test used by universities offering Dentistry in UK. It helps select applicants with suitable qualifications and achievements for different clinical careers. Students are required to register for the exam through the UCAT website and can submit the scores along with their IELTS and other exam scores through the UCAS application and academic portal or directly through the university application portal. The UCAT is delivered in Pearson VUE test centres in UK and in many international countries.
UK Universities that Accept UCAT
- University of Aberdeen
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Aston University
- University of Birmingham
- University of Bristol
- Cardiff University
- University of Dundee
- University of East Anglia
- Edge Hill University
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Exeter
- University of Glasgow
- Hull York Medical School
- Keele University
- Kent and Medway Medical School
- King’s College London
- University of Leicester
- University of Liverpool
- University of Manchester
- Newcastle University
- University of Nottingham
- University of Plymouth
- Queen Mary University of London
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Sheffield
- University of Southampton
- University of St Andrews
- St George’s, University of London
- University of Sunderland
- University of Warwick
- University of Worcester
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