Advice on how to increase your chances of studying Dentistry at University

Medically related courses like Dentistry are some of the most popular that A level students apply for and consequently the pressure for places at the UK's small number of Dental schools is intense.  Aspiring dentists face some of the stiffest competition and as a result we hear lots of stories each year from around the country of students who struggle to gain entry even with fantastic A level grades and CIFE colleges are experts at helping with reapplications in these circumstances.  What is commonly forgotten here is that a successful application to study dentistry is based on a wide range of different elements and not just A level performance.  The purpose of this article is to therefore highlight some of the important elements that need careful attention and lots of hard work in advance of submitting an application.

Some key elements of a Dentistry application:

1. Academic grades
2. Work experience/voluntary work
3. Pre-admissions tests
4. Personal statement
5. Interview

1. Academic grades

The most important element of your application is your academic profile; there is little room for manoeuvre if you do not meet the required grades.  At GCSE, the requirements can vary widely, but most universities usually need at least A grades in the core subjects.  At A level, there is less variation in required grades and most courses expect AAA. The majority of dental schools will expect two of these grades to come from A level Biology and Chemistry, though a small number of universities will accept alternative combinations.  It is important to note that if you do not meet these grades, it is unlikely that you will be accepted without compelling mitigating circumstances or opting to retake.

2. Work experience/voluntary work

Building up a profile of dentistry specific work experience and a range of other voluntary work helps to show the admissions officers that you really mean business.  You should aim to build up a variety of experience over a long period of time; students who cram experience in to the summer holiday after their first year of A levels are less likely to present as truly dedicated applicants.  Most courses require that you have undertaken at least two weeks of direct work experience with a dentist, so this should be your first priority.  After that, aim for ongoing voluntary work in clinical settings to demonstrate your commitment to a career in a care role.

3. Pre-admissions tests

Universities have now been using clinical pre-admissions tests for a number of years and they continue to be a major challenge to students pursuing entry to study dentistry.  A large proportion of universities use the UCAT, a computer-based aptitude test. The exception to this is Leeds which uses the BMAT, a written test involving application of mathematical and scientific knowledge, critical thinking and written communication skills.  Careful research and ongoing practice for these tests is needed to maximise your chances of securing a high score

4. Personal statement

The personal statement remains as important as ever and gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your motivation, skills and interests to the admissions team.  This is not something that can be done easily, so your statement needs lots of thought and will need to be drafted and redrafted many times before it is perfect.  This cannot be left until the last minute, so it is important to start work on it as soon as possible.

5. Interview

Universities use either a traditional panel interview or the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) to determine whether a student is suited to study dentistry. These interviews are increasingly complex and rigorous, so long term preparation and practice are vital to ensure that a student succeeds. They often involve the student reflecting on why they want to pursue a career in dentistry, what they have learned during their work experience and consideration of ethical scenarios, as well as practical tasks and opportunities to provide instructions.

A final note – Retake students

Many students who do not achieve the A level grades they wanted first time round too often conclude that their dreams to become a dentist are over. This is certainly not the case and out of the undergraduate programmes on offer in the UK, more than half consider retake students. The aforementioned points are all relevant to a retake student, but all such students are advised to contact dental schools directly before applying to check whether their circumstances make them eligible to be considered. For example, some dental schools stipulate certain minimum grade attainment during the first sitting of A levels.

Article written by Mark Shingleton, Principal at MPW Birmingham