Admissions tests

Each dental school uses an admissions test as part of its entry requirements. There are two different admission tests. Dental schools each state on their websites which test they use. Please note that the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) dental school does not use these tests and instead runs its own entrance exam as part of its selection procedure.

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)

The majority of dental schools use the UCAT (formerly UKCAT). Applicants register for and sit the UCAT before the UCAS application is made. Registration typically opens in May and closes in September. Testing takes place from July until October, ahead of the final deadline for UCAS applications to medicine, which is 15 October every year. See the UCAT website for exact dates and to register.

Please note that Covid-19 has affected how UCAT is delivered. You must visit the website to confirm deadlines.

BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)

Currently only Leeds Dental School uses the BMAT, which focuses more on academic aptitude. An applicant must register for the BMAT before the application is made, but the test is only taken after the application. This will be at the end of the calendar year, after the UCAS deadline has passed. The applicant’s score is sent automatically to the relevant dental schools which have been applied for. Registration opens in September and closes in October. Testing usually takes place in November.

Please note that Covid-19 has affected how BMAT is delivered. You must visit the website to confirm deadlines.