What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Dentist?

There's more than one way into dentistry, and the right one for you depends on where you're starting from. Maybe you're still at school, maybe you've already got a science degree, or maybe you're coming at it later in life. Whatever your situation, the qualifications for dentist training look a little different on each path, so it helps to lay them out side by side.

Below, we compare the main routes, what each one asks for and how long it takes. Requirements vary between dental schools, so always double-check with the universities you like the look of.

Route One: Straight From School

This is the most common path. You head from sixth form or college straight onto a five-year dental degree. Here's what you'll usually need:

• Six or more strong GCSEs, often at grade 7 or above

• At least a grade 6 in English Language and Maths, with a grade 7 preferred

• Three A Levels, typically at AAA, with some schools asking for A*AA

• Chemistry and Biology at A Level, which are usually expected

• A UCAT result, taken in the summer before you apply through UCAS

The bar is high at both GCSE and A Level. If you want to see the detail, it's worth reading up on the GCSE grades required to be a dentist before you pick your options, as strong science grades, ideally in Biology and Chemistry, really count.

For the next stage, many universities also value Maths or Physics as a third subject. A handy summary of the A Level requirements for dentistry can help you weigh up your choices.

Route Two: Graduate Entry

Already got a degree? You may be able to take an accelerated four-year course instead. It leads to the same Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or BChD qualification as the five-year route. Typical requirements include:

• A related science degree, usually with strong biology or chemistry content

• A 2:1 or above in that first degree at most schools

• Strong A Level grades, which are still expected

• The GAMSAT at some schools, either instead of or alongside the UCAT

Because the details change from school to school, it's especially important on this route to check exactly which tests and grades each university wants.

Route Three: Access to HE or BTEC

An Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification for adults heading to university without A Levels. A small number of dental schools may consider it, and occasionally a BTEC too.

That said, Access to HE isn't the standard way into dentistry, and A Levels remain the usual route. It's a well-established path into related healthcare careers, though, so if you're drawn to this option, contact each dental school before you sign up for anything.

Route Four: Starting in a Related Dental Role

Some people start out in a vocational role, such as dental nursing or a healthcare apprenticeship, before moving towards dentistry. There's a whole team of related careers in this field, including:

• Dental nurse

• Dental hygienist

• Dental therapist

• Orthodontic therapist

• Dental technician

• Dental practice management

It's worth knowing that the National Careers Service doesn't currently list any dentist apprenticeship vacancies in England. To become a dentist yourself, you'll still need a dental degree. For a fuller picture of the job itself, have a look at this dentist careers information.

What Every Route Has in Common

Whichever path you take, some things stay the same. Applicants face a multiple mini interview (MMI), an enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance.

Once you've graduated, there's still more to come. You'll complete at least a year of supervised foundation training, and Dental Foundation Training is needed to work in NHS practice. Registering with the General Dental Council is a legal requirement before you can treat patients in the UK. You can follow all the steps to becoming a qualified dentist from start to finish in one place.

How Long Each Route Takes

Time is a big factor when you're comparing routes. Here's a rough guide:

• School leaver route: around six years, made up of a five-year degree and a year of foundation training

• Graduate route: around five years, made up of a four-year degree and a year of foundation training

• Specialist training: several more years on top, if you choose to specialise

The National Careers Service describes two years of supervised postgraduate training after the degree, so it's safest to plan for around six years or more on the standard route.

Paying for Your Studies

Student finance may help with the cost of university. There are two main loans: a Tuition Fee Loan, paid straight to your university, and a Maintenance Loan for living costs, which depends on where you study and your household income.

You'll only repay once you've left your course and are earning over a set threshold. Student loans don't affect your credit score, though lenders may look at them during affordability checks. Applications take around four weeks to process, so it's sensible to get started early when applying for student finance.

Conclusion

The school leaver route is the most common, but it isn't the only option. Graduates, adults with Access to HE qualifications and people already working in dental roles may all have a way in, as long as they meet each school's requirements.

At Harrogate Tutors, we know that comparing routes can feel overwhelming at first. We'd recommend listing the schools you're interested in, noting their entry rules side by side and finding support for any subject where you need a stronger grade.

If you're an adult filling gaps in your GCSEs or A Levels, Pass Learn's online courses and private exam bookings are one flexible option to look into.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the UCAT whichever route I choose?

Nearly all UK dental schools ask for the UCAT on the school leaver route. On graduate courses, some schools use the GAMSAT instead of, or as well as, the UCAT, so check each one.

Will I get the same qualification on every route?

Yes. Both the five-year course and the four-year graduate course lead to the same BDS or BChD degree.

Can I become a dentist through an apprenticeship?

Not at the moment. The National Careers Service doesn't currently list any dentist apprenticeship vacancies in England, so a dental degree is still needed.

What if my grades don't go to plan?

GCSE resits are a credible way to strengthen an application, and A Level resits usually take place in the summer, with some autumn options. If you later complete a related science degree, graduate entry could open up too.