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List of Leading Dental Schools Across the UK

dental student studying at school

To become a dentist in the UK, you’ll need several years of education and practical learning, but the financial and job satisfaction makes dentistry a career well worst perusing after school.

New dentists can expect to earn a starting salary of around £34,000 per year, and up to £100,000 or more with experience, developing a specialty, or and working within a private dental practice.

Here’s a list of highly rated UK dental schools, collages, and universities, to get you started in your journey of becoming a fully qualified dentist.

England

King’s College London Dental Institute

University of Birmingham School of Dentistry

University of Bristol Dental School

University of Leeds School of Dentistry

University of Liverpool School of Dentistry

University of Manchester School of Dentistry

Newcastle University School of Dental Sciences

Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry

  1. University of Plymouth Peninsula Dental School

University of Sheffield School of Clinical Dentistry

Scotland

University of Aberdeen Institute of Dentistry

University of Dundee School of Dentistry

University of Glasgow Dental School

Wales

Cardiff University School of Dentistry

What’s Involved in Becoming a Qualified UK Dentist

Academic Requirements

A-levels (or equivalent qualifications): Typically, a strong background in subjects like Biology and Chemistry is essential, along with Physics and Mathematics for some universities.

UCAS Application: You apply to dental schools through UCAS, the UK’s centralized university admissions service. This involves submitting a personal statement, references, and your predicted or actual A-level grades.

Find out more about getting started as a dentist here.

Undergraduate Dental Degree (BDS or BChD)

Duration: 5 years

Course Structure:

Years 1-2: Focus on basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, as well as introductory clinical practice.

Years 3-4: Emphasis on clinical skills, patient care under supervision, and exploration of various dental specialties (like orthodontics, periodontics).

Year 5: Engage in full-time clinical practice, gaining increasing independence and responsibility.

Dental Foundation Training (DFT)

Duration: 1 year

DFT Overview: Following graduation, you are required to complete a one-year DFT program. This involves working in an approved dental practice with a supervising dentist.

Purpose: The DFT program aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and independent practice, ensuring you possess the necessary practical skills for safe and effective dental work.

GDC Registration

What it Entails: The General Dental Council (GDC) serves as the regulatory authority for dentists in the UK.

Registration Process: After completing your dental degree and vocational training, you are obligated to register with the GDC to legally practice dentistry in the UK. This registration process requires evidence of qualifications, completion of DFT, and adherence to the GDC’s fitness-to-practice standards.

Additional Training and Specialization

Specialty Training: For those interested in areas such as orthodontics, oral surgery, or periodontics, further specialized training is necessary. This typically involves postgraduate studies and clinical training, extending the duration to 3-5 years.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

CPD Requirements: Dentists are mandated to complete a certain number of CPD hours annually to maintain their GDC registration.

CPD Activities: CPD activities can include attending seminars, conferences, online courses, and other educational events.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Annual CPD Requirement: Dentists are required to engage in CPD to keep their professional knowledge and skills current. The General Dental Council mandates a minimum of 100 hours of CPD every five years.

CPD Activities: CPD activities can range from attending workshops and seminars to participating in online courses and webinars.

Work Environment

General Practice: The majority of dentists work in general practice settings, either as solo practitioners or as part of a dental team.

Hospital Dentistry: Dentists may also find employment in hospitals, especially if they specialize in areas like oral surgery or maxillofacial surgery.

Community Dental Services: A smaller number of dentists work in community-based services, providing care to specific groups such as children, the elderly, or individuals with special needs.

Advancement in Career

Partnerships or Ownership: Dentists with sufficient experience often advance to become partners in a private run dental practice or start and own their own dental clinic.

Academic or Research Careers: Some dentists choose to pursue careers in academia, either by teaching at dental schools or conducting research in the field.

Focus Area (Speacialisation): Numerous dentists opt to deepen their expertise, which may include extra certifications and result in positions within medical facilities or specialized clinics.

To become a dentist in the UK, one must possess a solid educational foundation, dedicate themselves to several years of rigorous learning and practical experience, and continue to enhance their professional skills.

Following the completion of a dental education, undergoing specialized training, and obtaining registration with the General Dental Council, dentists have the chance to work in diverse environments and pursue additional specializations and career growth.

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