UK Dentistry Courses
Introduction to Dentistry Degree in the UK
Dentistry courses in the UK generally last five years (six if a foundation year is required) and are demanding at both an academic and technical level. Dentistry students will study the cause, prevention, management and treatment of oral and dental disease.
The most common type of dental qualification is the BDS degree (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), whilst students who wish to focus on a particular area of expertise can choose to then study a master of dental surgery.
A dentistry degree in the UK is one of the most competitive courses to apply for, and successful applicants will require strong academic grades, the commitment to complete a long degree and the practical and mental skills needed to concentrate over long periods. Dentistry graduates will complete their course with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) award. Dentistry is the only subject in which graduates are paid more than £30,000 in professional jobs six months after university.
SI-UK can help with your Dentistry application. Arrange your free consultation online or at our London office today.
The first year of study on a dentistry course will concentrate on basic medical and clinical knowledge in anatomy, physiology, oral biology and biochemistry. These academic studies will continue throughout the degree, but practical work under supervision will begin to be carried out towards the end of the first year. State-of-the-art simulation dummies are provided to practice practical work. Year 2 will see students build upon their knowledge of year 1, with an increased focus on the wider context of dentistry and patient behaviour on oral hygiene.
Graduate Dentistry Careers and Salary
Dentistry graduates initially begin employment as trainees in the NHS or the private sector. Because of the highly specialised skill set that Dentistry graduates have, they can choose to specialise in a particular area early in their career before making changes later.
Careers include dental nurses, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental technicians and dental support, whilst becoming a Dental teacher is also hugely rewarding.
- Average starting professional salary: £31,000
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education 2016-17.
Dentistry Entry Requirements
- Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 37 points.
- Typical A-levels requirements: AAA including Chemistry and Biology.
- Typical IELTS requirements: 7.0 overall, with no lower than 6.5 in any one component.
Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.
SI-UK can help with your Dentistry application. Arrange your free consultation online or at our London office today.
UK Clinical Aptitude Test
The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is part of the selection process of some UK medical and dental schools. It is an online test designed to test cognitive abilities, attitudes, critical thinking, and logical reasoning. There are four reasoning tests and a situational judgement test.
- Verbal reasoning. Assesses ability to think logically about written information and arrive at a reasoned conclusion: 21 minutes, with 11 passages to read and 44 questions.
- Quantitative reasoning. Assesses ability to solve numerical problems: 24 minutes, 9 tables, charts, graphs etc. as information and 36 questions.
- Abstract reasoning. Assesses the ability to infer relationships from information by convergent and divergent thinking: 13 minutes and 55 questions.
- Decision analysis. Assesses ability to deal with various forms of information to infer relationships, make informed judgements, and decide on an appropriate response: 32 minutes, 1 scenario full of information and 28 questions (basic calculator provided)
- Situational judgement. Measures your responses in situations, and your grasp of medical ethics: 27 minutes and 67 questions on 20 scenarios.
The test is taken at your local test centre, each subtest in a multiple-choice format. Past papers are not available but there are specimen questions on the UCAT website. Applicants can take the UCAT at the following universities:
Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.
Where can I study Dentistry?
To learn more about the best Dentistry courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Dentistry universities in the Guardian University Guide 2023 below:
- University of Glasgow
- Plymouth University
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Dundee
- University of Liverpool
- University of Bristol
- Newcastle University
- University of Aberdeen
- Queen Mary, University of London
- University of Leeds
Do you need assistance in applying to a Dentistry course in the UK? The Medicine Service can fully prepare you in your application to a UK Dentistry School with interview practice and personal statement assistance.
Dentistry Course FAQ
To become a dentist, you must complete a five-year training program at an accredited UK university. Throughout the five years, you will learn practical skills and attend academic lectures and seminars.
It's difficult to say which dental school in the UK is the easiest to get into as each university has different standards for what they're looking for in applicants. However, the University of Leeds' Dental Institute has a comparatively low entry requirement for studying dentistry courses in the UK.
To become a dentist in the UK, you will need good communication, concentration, the ability to work long hours, often under pressure, and manual dexterity.
Dentistry is an esteemed profession, and a successful dentist will have good judgement, professionalism, critical thinking, and organization skills.
Study Dentistry in the UK
If you are interested in studying Dentistry in the UK, arrange your free consultation with SI-UK London today.
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