How to Study Dentistry in the UK

What studying dentistry in the UK looks like

Dentistry in the UK is usually studied as an undergraduate degree entered directly after school. The dental degree is awarded under names such as BDS or BChD, and it is the primary qualification needed to train as a dentist.

Like Medicine, Dentistry is highly competitive, with many more applicants than places at most schools. Requirements vary between dental schools and change year to year, so use this as an overview and confirm the details on each dental school's official course page before you apply.

A-level (and equivalent) subject requirements

Dental schools generally expect strong science qualifications. At A-level, Chemistry and Biology are commonly required, often alongside a third subject; schools publish the exact grades and subject combinations they accept.

If you study a different qualification — such as the International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers, or another national system — each dental school lists its own equivalent requirements. Because accepted subjects, grades, and qualifications differ by school and change over time, check each dental school's official entry-requirements page directly.

• Chemistry and Biology — commonly required
• A third subject — often required (check each school)
• Non-A-level qualifications — schools list their own equivalents

The UCAT admissions test

Most UK dental schools require the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) as part of the application, in the same way as medical schools. It is a computer-based test of reasoning, decision making, and situational judgement rather than curriculum knowledge.

The BMAT, once used by some schools, was discontinued — its final sitting was in 2023 — so the UCAT is now the standard test. Registration windows, format, scoring, and fees are set each year by the UCAT, and each dental school decides how it uses the results, so verify the current details on ucat.ac.uk and each school's admissions page.

The UCAS application and interviews

You apply for Dentistry through UCAS, the UK's central undergraduate application service, including a personal statement. As with Medicine, Dentistry typically has an earlier UCAS deadline than most courses, so check the current deadline on ucas.com and prepare well ahead.

Shortlisted applicants are usually invited to interview, often in a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format that assesses communication, manual awareness, motivation, and ethical reasoning. Some schools use panel interviews instead; each publishes its own selection method.

International applicants and selection

UK dental schools accept international students but usually reserve a limited number of places for them, with different fees and entry requirements. International students will also generally need permission to study in the UK; the UK Student visa is the standard route and applicants usually need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.

Selection combines grades, the UCAT, the personal statement, and interview, weighted differently by each school, and there is no guaranteed route in. This is general information, not immigration advice — verify current visa rules and fees on gov.uk/student-visa, and confirm each dental school's requirements on its official site.