What is different about dentistry and medicine applications?

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British universities are globally renowned for the high quality of their dentistry and medicine courses. As a result, they are two of the most heavily subscribed degree courses in the UK. On average, around 15 applications are received for each place at undergraduate dental schools, and around 10 applications are received for each place on medicine courses.

Want to start exploring what courses are available? Take a look at medicine courses and dentistry courses!

The admission process differs for dentistry and medicine subjects from typical university applications, so it’s important to know the differences and be well-prepared. So what do you need to be aware of?

Academics

It’s no secret that dentists and doctors need to know a huge amount of detailed information and learn many techniques to carry out their work. Their undergraduate degrees take at least five years to compete compared to a typical three-year bachelor’s, and one of the most important requirements for dental and medical schools in the UK is a strong academic background.

With courses being as competitive as they are, university admissions teams often look not just at an applicant’s A-levels, but their GCSEs, and AS levels too. Our advice? Start as early as you can. Keep your grades consistently high, and you’ll be off to a great start with your application.

Subjects studied

You’ll need a minimum of three A-levels, including chemistry and biology. One other science subject is often required, for example, physics or mathematics, since an understanding of fundamental scientific concepts is essential for success in both medicine and dentistry.

A strong A-level grade in a humanities, arts or modern language subject will normally be accepted as a third subject, however applicants with non-scientific A-levels are usually expected to complete a foundation year to get up to speed with the fundamentals.

Admissions tests

Dental and medical schools also require applicants to take one or more admission tests, with the UCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) and BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) being the most common.

The UCAT exam measures cognitive skills, and must be taken between July and October of the year before you intend to start your degree. The BMAT is a written assessment taken after your application that tests scientific knowledge at GCSE level, as well as problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing skills.

Each exam aims to challenge your knowledge and preparedness, so ensure that you have done your homework beforehand. You can only attempt these tests once per admission cycle.

Application deadlines

While most undergraduate university applications must be submitted by the 31 January in the year you intend to start the course, the deadline for most dentistry and medicine applications is 15 October in the year before your course begins.

If you're looking to begin your medicine or dentistry course in September 2025, you'll need to have completed your application by 15 October 2024.

University choices

Another detail of dentistry and medical degree applications is that candidates can apply to just four universities for their chosen subject, with the fifth UCAS choice being reserved for a non-medical degree as a back-up option. The fifth choice can be at the same university as one of the four dentistry or medicine choices, and should carry lower admission requirements.

Experience and interviews

Given the rigorousness of each course, university interviews and participation of prior work experience is expected as part of the admission process. Organising voluntary placements can take time, so once again, start as early as you can, and give yourself the best chance for success.