Making an application

Making an application to study dentistry can be daunting. This section aims to make the process easy to understand. It lays out the initial parts of an application in the order that you need to consider them, taking you from qualifications while at school or college to applying for financial support. The second part of the application stage will require attending interviews at a dental school for shortlisted candidates.

The application procedures for international students are the same as those described on this page, however, international students will have additional things to consider. To find out more, please see the international applicants page.

The deadline for applying to dentistry is 15 October every year.

How to apply

Applications to study dentistry are handled through UCAS. Applicants are able to apply to up to four dental courses. If you are in college or sixth-form then you should be guided through the process by teachers.

There is a very high number of applications to dentistry each year and the process takes longer than for most other courses. For this reason, application must be made just under one year in advance. The deadline is always 15 October, to begin the course in September of the following year.

Paid courses offering application help

DSC would like to make it clear that none of its members are affiliated with any websites selling courses and services to assist with applications to dental schools. Paid-for services allow for those with the disposable income available to access extra support which is unfair and inappropriate; moreover, such private assistance is not run by admissions professionals or academic staff and thus advice issued must be regarded with caution. Dental schools will not consider certificates from such providers when reviewing applications from prospective students. For those students considering engaging with private companies to sell assistance to applicants to dental school, care should be taken to not breach fitness to practise rules and their respective student agreements with their dental school.