Dentistry Courses in the UK

Becoming a dentist in the United Kingdom involves many years of study as well as practical training. Find out why you should study Dentistry, the entry requirements, what you will learn on the programme and the job opportunities in this industry.

Introduction To Studying Dentistry in the UK

Dentistry programmes at UK universities are designed to have the perfect combination of science subjects, theory assignments and practical elements. Dentistry can be regarded as an aesthetically focused practice and entry requirements for dentistry degrees in the UK vary across universities. All universities ask for decent grades in the sciences apart from excellent communication skills and a passion for the subject.

Dentists are medical professionals who are mainly involved in restoring and taking care of oral health. Some of the major duties of a dentist comprise the treatment of teeth and gums, teeth whitening and carrying out simple complex surgeries like root canal, extraction and implants. The study areas focus on the reasons, precautions, management of oral hygiene and treatment of dental diseases.

Typically, to get admitted to a University in the UK you will require three A Levels with excellent grades to pursue a degree in this field. Most undergraduate dentistry programmes take five years to complete. Aspiring students in the ‘dentistry’ field have a range of degrees to choose from, including Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChd), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS). A dentist can also enrol for a postgraduate study covering both clinical as well as non-clinical fields and a specialised area in dentistry.

Why choose a course in Dentistry?

There is a steady demand for good dentists across the world. Students eager to earn a degree in a dental school are expected to have reasonably good grades, serious devotion and the required rational skills to complete the course. A degree in Dentistry from a reputed college in the UK and the required training allows you to assist people in enhancing their overall oral health, appearance and quality of life and spot life-threatening diseases including cancer. It is a career that allows you to own a dental clinic and to be your own boss.

You can decide how much you want to earn by aligning it with how many hours you work. Dentistry is a highly-respected medical profession and there is a healthy competition to get placed at leading dental colleges, it requires in-depth training and preparation. Moreover, settling down as a dentist in the UK has an excellent scope although dentistry as a career is highly competitive.

Apart from clinical practice, a dentist can highly contribute to the future data of oral health care by pursuing their career in dental research. A dental researcher has the capability to discover novel oral health phenomena or a solution to a specific oral healthcare issue by using up-to-date technological tools and the latest scientific findings.

What will you learn on a Dentistry course in the UK?

During the first year of the program you will gain insights on the basic medical and dentistry areas such as physiology, anatomy, oral biology and biochemistry. You will then gain further knowledge in these areas over the different phases of your program till you attain the degree. Hands on experience under special guidance usually begins by the end of the first year. Most universities in the UK also provide simulation models for practical sessions.

For those who do not have a science background for a dentistry degree, you can apply for a Pre-Dental course which helps provide the basis for a Bachelor’s degree in the Dentistry subject. After completing your Bachelor’s degree, you will begin a year of Dental Foundation Training. After accomplishing your General Dental Council-accredited course, you can register as a qualified UK dentist with the council. New certified dentists are permitted to work under experienced general dental practitioners for 35 hours per week.

The general as well as explicit areas of dentistry cover geriatric or elderly dentistry, oral and maxillofacial operation, anaesthesia, restorative and healing dentistry, oral radiology, paediatric dentistry and many more. Students as well as newly graduated dentists also get involved in clinical experiences by working on patients under stringent guidance at a health care centre or a dental clinic.

Career options after studying Dentistry in the UK

As a dentist in the UK, you have the option to work for the National Health Service (NHS) of the UK or at a private health care hospital. You will have to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) to practice dentistry.

You will typically be examining the dental and oral hygiene of your patients, guiding them on daily practices on how to look after their teeth and gums and suggest treatments. Some of the duties of a dentist also include performing dental treatments such as fillings and teeth extractions, teeth cleaning and whitening, using technical gear and tools like X-ray machines to tackle underlying issues or diseases.

You can also opt to become a dental hygienist or a dental therapist or even a dental teacher. These options are highly recommended across the globe. Dentists’ working hours can differ largely depending on their working requirements. You can choose to be self employed and dedicate specific working hours if you work as a general dental practitioner.

Job Options

General practice dentist
Consulting
Hospital dentistry
Armed forces dentistry
University teaching
Research
Dental hygienist
Dental technician
Dental therapist

Other jobs you can take up with a degree in Dentistry

Health promotion specialist
Health service manager
Higher education lecturer
Medical sales representative
Secondary school teacher
Teaching laboratory technician
Primary school teacher Science writer

Entry Requirements for Dentistry in the UK
International Baccalaureate requirements: 37 points A-levels requirements: AAA IELTS requirements: 7.0 overall, with no lower than 6.5 in any one component
*Please note that Entry Requirements vary for each university.
English Language Requirement: English language scores secured in the Higher Secondary (in your country) are considered by select institutions in Britain. IELTS is therefore not mandatory for some UK Universities. Speak to us now to find out more about English Language requirements. English Language classes, delivered by the British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, are available at specific Universities for both before and throughout the programme for international students. If you are worried about IELTS, speak to us now and we will help you secure admission at a University where IELTS scores are not mandatory.

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How Global Study Link can help you get placed for a Education course at a UK University?

Are you planning to study Dentistry at a UK University? Global Study Link has an excellent record in helping international students get placed at some of the leading UK Universities offering Dentistry programmes. Our UK course advisors will assist you with course application, scholarship advice, English Language requirement and visa application. If it’s been your long time goal to study in the UK, speak to one of our advisors right away for prompt and impartial advice.

Universities

These are some of the leading Universities offering ‘Dentistry’ courses in the UK. However, at Global Study Link, we can help you get placed not just at these institutes but across a wide range of Universities in the UK. Contact our education advisors now if you wish to pursue your career at a University not listed here.

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