Dentistry rivals medicine as one of the most difficult and demanding degrees in the world to complete. Places are often limited at UK dental schools and to successfully apply you will need qualifications in science subjects such as chemistry and biology, as well as being good with people and a strong communicator.
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is the most common course found across UK dental schools, and training generally takes a minimum of five years to complete, with practical patient care often introduced after year one.
Do you want to apply to study dentistry? Learn more about the top five UK universities for dentistry (2022 Guardian University Guide) below and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today to begin your UCAS application.
Top Five UK Universities for Dentistry
1. University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth Peninsula Dental School has an extremely close relationship with NHS partners, meaning early clinical contact for all students. Ultra Modern facilities enable the University to produce dental practitioners with clinical skills of the highest order and state-of-the-art Dental Education Facilities provide a substantial service to over 10,000 NHS patients per year.
- Course to consider: BDS Dental Surgery
2. University of Glasgow
At the University of Glasgow you will learn by treating patients under close supervision by highly experienced and skilled tutors.
Ranked top in the The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 and 2nd in the Guardian University Guide 2022, the Glasgow Dental Hospital & School has been providing a strong foundation for students' future in medicine and oral health since 1879.
- Course to consider: BDS Dentistry
3. Queen’s University Belfast
Dentistry at Queen’s University Belfast is ranked 1st in the UK for teaching (96% satisfaction National Student Survey) and, as early as year 1, students will be expected to take clinical placements as part of their learning.
- Course to consider: BDS Dentistry
4. University of Aberdeen
The Institute of Dentistry at the University of Aberdeen is a modern purpose-built facility with state-of-the-art equipment and teaching facilities. There are only 20 dentistry places available per year at the University, meaning entry is highly competitive. This does mean those accepted on to the programme benefit from a great staff:student ratio though.
Clinical work on the BDS Dentistry programme is introduced after one year and 100% of Aberdeen Dentistry School graduates go into work after graduation.
- Course to consider: BDS Dentistry
5. University of Dundee
The University of Dundee is a university in Scotland that prepares students for careers as dentists or dental therapists and students will develop knowledge and skills across the full range of dental disciplines, gaining experience treating patients in the University's own dental hospital.
The University of Dundee was recently named 'University of the Year' for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2020), and is ranked 4th in the UK for student satisfaction.
- Course to consider: Dentistry BDS
Study Dentistry in the UK
If you wish to learn more about top dentistry universities in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today. Our UK university application experts will ensure your application is ready and submitted without error.
BDS Dental Surgery