- Degree
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), 5 years
- Typical offer
- AAA including Chemistry & Biology (varies)
- Admissions test
- UCAT (check each school)
- Intl. tuition
- ≈ £38,000–£60,000+ / year
Key takeaways
- Dentistry is the five-year BDS and is among the most competitive UK degrees.
- Entry requires top grades, the UCAT, and relevant clinical/dental work experience.
- International tuition is very high — typically £38,000 to over £60,000 a year.
- Qualified dentists register with the General Dental Council (GDC) to practise in the UK.
What a UK Dentistry degree involves
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a five-year clinical degree that combines biomedical science with extensive supervised clinical practice on patients from early in the course. It leads to a qualification allowing graduates to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) and practise dentistry in the UK. Competition for places — especially for international students, who compete in a capped pool — is intense, comparable to or exceeding Medicine. Some schools offer graduate-entry routes for applicants with a relevant first degree.
Entry requirements and building a competitive application
Dental schools typically require top A-level grades (around AAA) including Chemistry and Biology, a strong UCAT score, and documented dental or healthcare work experience. A focused personal statement and strong interview performance (often multiple mini-interviews) are decisive. Because places are so limited, a realistic, well-researched shortlist matters enormously. Study UK Now reviews your academic profile, test preparation, work experience and personal statement to maximise your chances across the schools where you are genuinely competitive.
How Study UK Now helps with this
Get expert, end-to-end help — from university matching to your visa.
Frequently asked questions
How competitive is Dentistry in the UK for international students?
Extremely competitive. International places are capped at each dental school, applicants compete in a separate pool, and entry typically requires top grades, a strong UCAT score and relevant work experience. Tuition is very high. A carefully targeted shortlist and outstanding application are essential — Study UK Now builds both with you.
Do I need the UCAT for UK Dentistry?
Most UK dental schools require the UCAT admissions test, though specific requirements and how scores are used vary by school. Always confirm the current admissions test requirement on each dental school's page before applying, as test requirements have changed in recent years. Study UK Now advises on test strategy and timing.
Sources — verified June 2026
Visa, fee and policy details change. Always confirm the latest on the official source before you rely on it.