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CONTENTS

1. What’s Dentistry?

2. What Dentistry degrees can you study?

3. What do you need to get onto a Dentistry degree?

4. What topics does a Dentistry degree cover?

5. How will you be assessed?

6. Why study Dentistry?

7. Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Dentistry degree?

8. What do Dentistry graduates earn?

9. What jobs can you get as a Dentistry graduate?

10. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

11. Similar subjects to Dentistry

12. Have any questions?

What’s Dentistry?

Dentistry is the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease and disfigurement of the teeth, gums and oral area.

There are many roles required in the field of dentistry. The dentist, and also several reinforcements: dental assistants, nurses, hygienists, technicians and therapists.

Study the area and you’ll learn all about the sciences that relate to Dentistry, as well as other topics. Areas include anatomy, physiology, public health, paediatrics and more. Courses usually involve lots of practical teaching sessions and clinical experiences.

Take a look at the university league table for Dentistry.

What Dentistry degrees can you study?

Most undergraduate degrees in Dentistry come as a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Dental Surgery (BDS) or Clinical Dentistry (BChD).

Some courses have an integrated master’s as part of the course. You can earn a Master of Science (MSc), Clinical Dentistry (MChD) or Dental Surgery (MDS).

For BDS/BChD/MChD degrees, options include a preliminary or gateway year, which may be integrated as part of the course. You’ll need to apply by the October application deadline.

Undergraduate degrees could include:

Dentistry / Dental Surgery BDS

Prepare for a career as a dentist. You’ll learn about dental health, patient care, diagnosis and treatment. The course may take a focus on the surgery element of dental care.

Search for Dentistry and Dental Surgery courses.

Dental Therapy and Hygiene BSc

This course focuses on the fixing of issues and preventative oral care. You could be learning how to help patients keep their teeth healthy, or how to perform treatments such as fillings.

Find Dental Therapy and Hygiene courses.

Dental Technology BSc

You can learn about the technical side of dental care, such as the creation of prosthetics and appliances, like crowns and dentures.

Search for Dental Technology courses.

What do you need to get onto a Dentistry degree?

Dental school applicants need to achieve high grades, normally between 144–168 UCAS points. However, universities will also make contextual offers. Related areas such as dental hygiene or technology have lower requirements.

Qualifications required by dental schools include:

• A Levels: A*AA–AAA
• BTECs: D*DD
• Scottish Highers: AAAAA–AAAAB (Advanced Highers: AAA–BBB)
• International Baccalaureate: 38–32
• Universities will usually ask that you have studied: biology and chemistry

Other good subjects to have studied include:

• Human biology, maths, physics or psychology, depending on the university
• General studies and critical thinking may not be accepted

Experience that would look good on your application:

• Work experience or shadowing in related job environments. Contact your local dental practice or dental hospital, and look for educational videos or MOOCs online
• Volunteering in a care setting, such as a hospice or care home, or with a charity providing support services
• Background research on your preferred role and topical issues. Try looking at the websites of professional bodies such as the British Dental Association (BDA) or the Dental Schools Council. You can also read dental journals

Other requirements for this subject include:

• Pass in the practical element of science taken at A Level
• Admission tests for dentists (UCAT, BMAT, or GAMSAT for graduate entrants)
• Interview
• Due to the nature of this work, you’ll need to complete Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) checks (PVG scheme in Scotland)

What topics does a Dentistry degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

• Biochemistry, physiology, tissues and organs
• Biomedicine in relation to dentistry
• Craniofacial biology
• Digestive, renal and endocrine systems
• Neuromusculoskeletal system
• Professionalism and the foundations of dental practice
• Radiography
• Restoration and maintenance of adult oral health

How will you be assessed?

If you study Dentistry, you'll need to know complex medical techniques and terminology. So be prepared for a lot of exams! Assesment methods may include:

• Clinical skills assessments
• Coursework
• Essays
• Exams (written, clinical scenario papers and practical)
• Online multiple-choice tests
• Portfolio

See the top 10 universities for Dentistry.

Why study Dentistry?

Dentistry, like any other medical degree or profession, has the feel-good factor. You're changing lives for the better, learning how to keep people in good health.

Career-specific skills:

• Scientific knowledge and clinical skills to practice dentistry or in a related role, and register with the General Dental Council

Transferable skills:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Organisation and time management
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Team working
• Entrepreneurial thinking
• Ethical practice

Professional accreditation:

Courses must be approved by the General Dental Council for you to practice as a dentist, dental nurse, dental hygienist/therapist or dental technician.

What do Dentistry graduates earn?

Dentistry graduates can expect a starting salary in the region of £38,000. This is the highest of all subject areas.

Most dentists become self-employed contractors in general dental practice. They pay the practice owner for the use of their premises.

As an associate dentist, you could average an income of £60,000 once your overheads are taken into account. Dentists who practice within the NHS earn a salary, ranging from £43,000–£92,000 depending on seniority and managerial level.

Dental hygienists may be employed by a dental practice or may work within the NHS. Salaries range from £25,500–£39,000 (NHS Band 5 or Band 6).

What jobs can you get as a Dentistry graduate?

As well as being a dentist or dental care professional, other options include in research or charity healthcare. You could also take further training and specialise in a specific area.

• Academic dentistry (teaching or research)
• Community dentist
• Cosmetic or restorative dentist
• Dental and maxillofacial radiologist
• Dental public health consultant
• Dento-legal adviser
• Endodontist
• Health improvement practitioner
• Maxillofacial surgeon
• Oral and maxillofacial pathologist
• Orthodontist

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

If you have a first degree in a related area (e.g. biomedical sciences) and gained a 2:1 or above, you could be eligible for a graduate-entry course to qualify as a dentist. Some Dentistry courses are specifically for medical graduates. Areas of further specialisation at postgraduate level include:

• Dental Sedation and Pain Management PGCert
• Doctor of Dental Surgery DDS
• Endodontology DClinDent
• Dental Public Health MRes

Similar subjects to Dentistry

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:

• Biomedical Sciences
• Medical Technology & Bioengineering
• Medicine
• Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics
• Pharmacology & Pharmacy

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Have any questions?

Get in touch with our experts! Email ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk with your question about studying Dentistry. We’ll be happy to hear from you!