Best Universities for Dentistry UK
Pursuing a degree in dentistry is considered to be one of the most challenging and rigorous programs in the world, rivalling that of medicine. Due to limited spots at UK dental schools, competition for entry is fierce which means that the UK is home to some of the hardest dental schools to get into UK.
To be considered, candidates must possess strong qualifications in science subjects, such as chemistry and biology, and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
If you are interested in a career that is both challenging and rewarding and have a background in science, dentistry courses may be the right path for you.
The UK is home to some of the world's leading dental colleges and dentistry universities for international students, with dedicated teaching teams, practical learning opportunities and modern facilities that will help you to graduate and be fully prepared to enter the workforce.
In this article, we are going to explore the best options when studying dentistry and help you to make a decision when it comes to finding the best dental school. This will enable you to study for your dentistry degree.
The Best Dental Schools in the UK
To be recognized as a reputable institution, dental schools in the UK must adhere to the guidelines set by the General Dental Council (GDC). Only graduates from GDC-accredited universities are permitted to take the licensure examination.
As a result, international students should keep this factor in mind when applying to dental schools in the UK. The following is a list of GDC-accredited UK dentistry schools in the UK, along with their rankings.
The following is a breakdown of the top three dental schools and universities in the UK, including information on their programs, necessary qualifications for admission, and application deadlines.
Queen’s University Belfast
Queen's University Belfast's Dental School has been a leader in dental education in the UK since 1920. It has been recognized as the top dental school in the country by the Complete University Guide's Subject League Table in 2023. Additionally, Queen's University Belfast is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 outstanding public research universities in the UK.
This makes it an excellent choice for international students looking to study dentistry in the UK. The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program at Queen's University Belfast is designed in such a way that students are given the opportunity to begin clinical work in the first year of the course.
Admission requirements:
Secondary school education (GCSE equivalent) with a grade C and above in biology, chemistry, and mathematics
Academic transcripts (UK equivalency)
Valid passport
Strong UCAT score
Passport photographs
Completed visa application
Letter of recommendations
Personal interview
A copy of bank statement showing adequate funds for at least one academic year of tuition
An IELTS score of 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in speaking and listening
Newcastle University
Newcastle University School of Dental Sciences (Newcastle upon tyne) is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, including a highly advanced Clinical Simulation Unit.
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course offered by the school is designed to provide students with a balance of clinical practice, research, and theoretical concepts. The program is split into five stages, each worth 120 credits, and spans over five years.
Admission requirements:
Secondary school education (GCSE equivalent) with AAA in biology, chemistry, and mathematics
Academic transcripts (UK equivalency)
Valid passport
Strong UCAT score
Personal statement
Passport photographs
Completed visa application
Letter of recommendations
Personal interview
A copy of bank statement showing adequate funds for at least one academic year of tuition
An IELTS score of 7.0
Newcastle University also accepts graduates with a 2:1 or higher degree for its 5-year-long standard BDS program.
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol Dental School is in the process of moving to a new, state-of-the-art facility, set to be completed in 2023. This new facility is designed with input from current students and faculty and will feature cutting-edge technology.
The Dental School's five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program is structured in a spiral format, with four key development themes, including: practitioner, scholar, and scientist; professional and agent of change; and person and citizen. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to combine their BDS degree with an honours BA or BSc in another field of science.
Admission requirements:
Secondary school education (GCSE equivalent) with AAA in biology, chemistry, and mathematics
Academic transcripts (UK equivalency)
Valid passport
Strong UCAT score
Personal statement
Passport photographs
Completed visa application
Letter of recommendations
A copy of the bank statement showing adequate funds for at least one academic year of tuition
An IELTS score of 7.5 overall with 7.0 in all other aspects
The university also accepts graduates with 60-70% aggregate for its 5-year-long entry-level BDS program.
The UK’s Best Dental Programs
In the UK, there are two options for those looking to pursue a career in dentistry: the traditional Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program, which is five years in length and intended for students who have completed secondary or high school education, or the graduate entry BDS program, which is four years in duration and intended for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree in a science-related field, such as biomedical science.
While some universities offer the option for graduate students to take standard-level dental courses, the program length remains at five years, unlike the shorter four-year graduate-entry programs.
Additionally, some dental schools require prerequisite coursework for their standard entry BDS programs, while others do not. For students with a bachelor's degree in a non-science field, a one-year foundation course may be required before enrolling in a graduate-level BDS program.
The following table includes information on which dental schools accept both standard and graduate-level students and which only accept graduate students. It also includes a list of any available specialisations offered by these institutions.
Dental School Fees in the UK
The cost of dental school tuition in the UK can vary depending on the university and the specific program. The tuition fee for a standard BDS program may be higher compared to a graduate-entry BDS program.
The following is a list of tuition fees for different dental schools in the UK as a reference point for prospective students.