Ten tips for applying to Dentistry

1. Always apply through UCAS

No dental school in the UK accepts direct applications, so you have to apply through the standard UCAS procedure. The deadline for medical and dental applications through UCAS is mid-October – no late applications are accepted.

You can apply to up to four dentistry courses. A useful 5th UCAS choice might be a biomedical science or bioscience; this would open the door to a graduate-entry dentistry degree in the future.

2. Have good reasons for choosing Dentistry

Universities will be looking for reasons why they should give you – out of hundreds of applicants – an interview. Why have you chosen dentistry over a different healthcare profession? Show that you understand what a career in dentistry is really like, and that you have a high level of commitment and resilience to see it through.

3. Get as much work experience as possible

It’ll show that you’re willing to take on new challenges and can be used to show how your skills have developed. Sport can build your teamwork skills and help manage stress. Volunteering in a care home, hospice or with a healthcare charity can build your rapport with those being cared or provided for. If you have paid work, reflect on your experience of teamwork, or response to difficult situations.

4. Get a variety of experience! 

Universities don't want people who can't offer leadership qualities and the ability to think on the spot. You won't necessarily gain these skills if you’re only shadowing one dentist for a month. For example, dentists need good manual dexterity, spatial awareness, and creativity. So if you paint or draw, or play a musical instrument or team sports, use these to talk about how you are developing skills that will apply to dentistry.

5. Be passionate

Similar to tip 2, make sure to show off your dental knowledge and prove that you really care about the subject. Some dentistry schools offer insight taster sessions – check what's available near you. The University of Sheffield offers Discover Dentistry, a free online course led by experts. Read news or dental journals about developments in dentistry or the NHS. See if you can talk to dental professionals – not just dentists – about their experiences. Talk about what you’ve learned in your application or interview, and how it’s influenced or motivated you.

6. Prepare for the UCAT

The UCAT is a short, computer-based test that checks your clinical aptitude. Some unis have a minimum cut-off score. Plan ahead and ensure you don’t miss the registration dates for the tests, as they’re usually taken before you submit your UCAS application. You’ll need to pay a fee – if you qualify for a bursary, take it, as it’ll signal to universities that your application merits wider consideration.

7. Run through your academic references with your school

All departments will expect good references from schools for the students they select. Talk through your application with someone relevant from your school. The reference can also include contextual information to help universities fairly consider applicants from different backgrounds.

8. Revise

You’ll need top grades to gain entry onto most dentistry courses – usually three As at A Level, or the equivalent. You're likely to need Chemistry and Biology (or another science subject such as Physics or Maths). If you have wider circumstances that affect your grades, you could be eligible for a lower grade offer. In this case, you could apply for Dentistry with a Preliminary Year, or Gateway to Dentistry – but you’ll still need to show you’ve got strong academic potential.

9. Practice your interview technique

Some dentistry schools use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), others may use panel interviews, and interviews could be held in person or online.

Relax and don't be scared – the university is interested in you and wants you to be there. Find someone to practise interviews with you – you may be able to find the kind of questions asked if you look online. Try and avoid giving rehearsed answers. Plan questions to ask the interviewers (but don’t answer a question with a question).

10. Research, research, research

Look around the internet and speak to different people to get advice. Different dental schools have different approaches to teaching. Some may cover academic learning before you start your clinical placements. Whereas integrated courses will have you interacting with patients at a much earlier stage of your training.

Keep a check on the websites of the schools you are applying to, as criteria may change each year – and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!