Degree Subject
Study Dentistry Abroad
Dentistry degrees (BDS in UK, DDS in USA) prepare you for a career as a dental professional, combining medical science with practical clinical skills.Programmes typically take 5 years and integrate academic study with extensive clinical training in dental hospitals and practices.Dentistry offers the satisfaction of directly improving patients' health, autonomy in clinical practice, and excellent career prospects with options for specialisation or running your own practice.
Entry Requirements
- A-Levels: AAA including Chemistry and Biology (some accept Chemistry and one other science)
- International Baccalaureate: 38-40 points with HL 6,6,6 in Chemistry and Biology
- UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) required by most UK dental schools
- Minimum IELTS 7.0 (with 7.0 in each component) for international students
- Extensive dental work experience and shadowing
- Manual dexterity demonstrated through hobbies or practical work
- Strong personal statement showing commitment to dentistry
Required High School Subjects
- Chemistry (essential - Grade A minimum)
- Biology (essential or highly recommended - Grade A)
- Third science or Mathematics (preferred)
- Subjects demonstrating manual dexterity beneficial
Personal Statement Tips
Your Dentistry personal statement should demonstrate genuine motivation for dentistry specifically (not just general healthcare interest), extensive dental work experience with reflection on what you observed and learned, understanding of the role and responsibilities of dentists, awareness of NHS dentistry challenges and private practice, manual dexterity through hobbies (art, music, craft, sport requiring hand-eye coordination), evidence of communication skills and empathy through patient interactions, understanding of dental specialties and career pathways, engagement with dental issues (access to care, prevention, oral health inequalities), ability to work in a team through examples, and recognition that dentistry combines science, art, and patient care. Discuss specific procedures you observed and what they taught you about dentistry.
Admissions Tests
UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
Computer-based test assessing cognitive abilities and professional behaviour. Required by most UK dental schools including King's, Manchester, Birmingham, and Queen Mary.
Sections: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Situational Judgement Test
Interview Preparation
Dentistry interviews typically use MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) format or panel interviews. Be prepared to discuss your dental work experience in detail with specific examples, explain why dentistry rather than medicine (emphasise manual skill, direct patient impact, preventive care, lifestyle), demonstrate manual dexterity through discussion of relevant hobbies, answer ethical scenarios (refusing treatment, child protection, patient confidentiality), show awareness of NHS vs private dentistry and access challenges, discuss current dental health issues (sugar tax, fluoridation, dental deserts), explain understanding of different dental specialties, demonstrate communication skills through role-play stations, and show realistic understanding of the demands of dental training and practice. Practice explaining dental procedures you've observed.
Top Universities for Dentistry
King's College London
UK
AAA including Chemistry and Biology + UCAT + Interview
University of Manchester
UK
AAA including Chemistry and Biology + UCAT + Interview
University of Birmingham
UK
AAA including Chemistry and Biology + UCAT + Interview
University of Pennsylvania
USA
Pre-dental studies + DAT + Interview (graduate entry)
University of Michigan
USA
Pre-dental studies + DAT + Interview
University of Melbourne
Australia
Undergraduate degree + Interview (graduate entry)
Career Opportunities
General Dental Practitioner
Orthodontist
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Periodontist
Endodontist
Paediatric Dentist
Prosthodontist
Dental Public Health Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
What work experience do I need for dentistry applications?
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