Dentistry rivals medicine as one of the most difficult and demanding degrees in the world to complete. Places are often limited at UK dental schools. To successfully apply, you will need qualifications in science subjects such as chemistry and biology, as well as being good with people and a strong communicator.
If you have a science background and want to plan and prepare your pathway to a challenging and rewarding profession, dentistry could be your right career decision. The UK is home to some of the best dental colleges in the world for international students, with experienced teaching teams, placement opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities to help students graduate and be career-ready.
Learn more about the best colleges for dentistry in the UK below (Guardian University Guide 2024). If you have more questions or want to begin your application, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK India today.
Ten Best Colleges for Dentistry in the UK
1. University of Plymouth
BDS Dentistry at the University of Plymouth is centred around patient support and dental research. The five-year comprehensive course is an opportunity to enhance the skills and knowledge required to enter an enriching career in the healthcare industry. The University’s partnership with Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise and NHS plays a significant role in helping students get the hang of various clinical situations.
Plymouth's programme amalgamates theoretical and practical modules, covering everything from integrated dental science to inter-professional engagement and applied dental knowledge to clinical dental practice. In addition to expanding their knowledge of clinical dentistry, students will improve their communication skills, leadership expertise, and professionalism through this highly intensive course.
- Course to consider: BDS Dental Surgery
- Entry requirements: GCSE, A Levels and UCAT or GAMSAT
- International fees: £22,100 (year 1) (₹23.16 Lakhs) and £41,100 (years 2-5) (₹42.98 Lakhs)
2. Queen’s University Belfast
The Queen’s University Belfast Dental School is among the most reputed in Europe, having delivered dental education since 1920. The Northern Ireland university has 97% student satisfaction (NSS 2022) and has designed its dental course in consultation with several globally recognised professionals. Furthermore, Queen's Dentistry programme has earned prestigious rankings, claiming the top spot in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 and securing the fourth spot in the Complete University Guide 2024, solidifying its status among the elite dental schools in the United Kingdom.
In addition to exploring the detailed version of clinical dentistry, students will get acquainted with biomedical sciences, anatomy for dentistry, prosthetics, pharmacology, and disease mechanisms. The learning will be through lectures, seminars, and assessments, targeting students’ overall development.
- Course to consider: BDS Dentistry
- Entry requirements: 36 points overall, including 6 6 6 at Higher Level, including Biology and Chemistry + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or an equivalent acceptable to the University.
- International fees: £37,600 (₹39.41 Lakhs)
3. University of Dundee
The University of Dundee’s Dentistry programme is designed to support students from diverse backgrounds in transitioning to dental student professionals. Students will perform routine oral examinations, improve their operative skills, and learn to use rotary instruments. Throughout the programme, market professionals will assist students to enhance their knowledge and expertise in dentistry.
The development of communication skills is at the core of this programme, which aims to help you master the medicolegal aspects of complex care delivery. The curriculum is designed to develop independent and lifelong oral care practice while equipping you with advanced dermatology and other related health concerns.
- Course to consider: Dentistry BDS
- Entry requirements: Students must have a CBSE/ISC/XII Standard with 85% overall in the CBSE, ISC, or leading state board XII Standard exams and 85% in three relevant subjects, including Chemistry and at least one other science, and an IELTS test with at least 7.0 in each component.
- International fees: £38,150 (₹39.99 Lakhs) for Level 1, then £52,645 (₹55.18 Lakhs) per year for the remaining four years (Level 2 - 5)
4. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow offers an award-winning BDS Dentistry programme. The five-year course begins with an introduction to clinical dentistry in the first year. It covers various theoretical and practical aspects of the subject, including biomedical sciences, patient management, and orthodontics. Students perform their first extraction during the third year and comprehensively learn about head and neck anatomy. The fourth-year modules include oral medicine, sedation, orthodontics, and health promotion.
- Course to consider: BDS Dentistry
- Entry requirements: AAAAB Higher + B Advanced Higher (AABB S5 minimum for consideration), IB points and IELTS scores
- International fees: £53,460 (₹56.04 Lakhs)
5. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol offers a 5-year dentistry undergraduate program designed to provide an essential advanced understanding of the domain to mould compassionate dental professionals. The curriculum focuses on four primary areas: being a good practitioner, learning like a scholar and scientist, becoming a professional who can drive positive change, and understanding your role as a person and citizen. The program boasts impressive student satisfaction rates, with 98% of surveyed Dentistry students finding the course intellectually stimulating and 93% expressing satisfaction with the teaching staff (NSS 2022).
The course is accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC). It covers all aspects of GDC-intended learning outcomes and provides a thorough understanding of relevant biomedical sciences and hands-on patient care starting in the second year.
- Course to consider: BDS Dental Surgery
- Entry requirements: GCSE, A Levels and UCAT or GAMSAT and IELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 in all skills
- International fees: £46,500 per year (₹48.74 Lakhs)
6. University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool has produced nine Nobel laureates and has been a prominent centre of higher education for more than 140 years. The BDS Dentistry programme at Liverpool’s School of Dentistry presents a personalised approach to understanding clinical governance, holistic dental care, and the modern healthcare environment.
Training involves managing medical emergencies, personal development support, and understanding restorative care. During the five-year programme, students will get acquainted with several dental care techniques, such as extraction, crowning, and restoration. Students will also attend paediatric, oral diseases, and radiology clinics to enhance their clinical and diagnostic skills.
- Course to consider: BDS Dentistry
- Entry requirements: After two years of study, you must take three A levels at grades AAA (including Chemistry and Biology) at the first sitting.
- International fees: £44,550 (₹46.70 Lakhs)
7. Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London's Institute of Dentistry, established in 1911 in the vibrant East End, is the longest-running institution in the UK. The institution ranks first in London for Dentistry, according to The Complete University Guide, and is known for its advanced research and commitment to top-tier dental education. The newly established Centre for Teaching and Innovation (CTI) enhances clinical education and research opportunities. It is located in the highly developed Alexandra Wing of The Royal London Hospital, and students have access to modern facilities, including the Blizard Building and advanced clinical simulation labs.
With around 70 students per year, the Institute fosters a close-knit community of learners. Graduates succeed in prestigious institutions globally, like The Royal London Dental Hospital. Queen Mary University of London's Institute of Dentistry offers an exceptional educational experience, blending academic excellence with practical skills.
- Course to consider: BDS Dentistry
- Entry requirements: Students must have A-Levels, IB with 38 points, GCSE and IELTS scores
- International fees: £48,700 (₹51.05 Lakhs)
8. University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham School of Dentistry offers a 5-year undergraduate course for students who want to receive comprehensive training to excel in the dynamic field of dentistry. Students will engage in clinical sessions and speciality clinics under the guidance of experienced staff, including specialists and respected local practitioners.
The £50 million Birmingham Dental Hospital offers world-class facilities, including a fully equipped phantom head laboratory and exclusive training clinics just a mile from the main campus. The General Dental Council (GDC) BDS Dental Surgery course also recognises it, which lets you join the UK register upon graduation. Ranked 22nd globally for Dentistry by QS World University Rankings 2023 and 10th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2024, the University of Birmingham offers a prestigious and practical education in Dentistry.
- Course to consider: BDS Dentistry
- Entry requirements: Students must have Standard XII with 90% maximum marks, IB with 38 points, GCSE and English tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE
- International fees: £27,180 (₹28.49 Lakhs)
9. Cardiff University
Cardiff University offers a comprehensive and practical education for aspiring dental professionals. The institution will provide hands-on training to prepare students to deliver dental care in modern clinics. Early clinical exposure is integral to the curriculum, as is teaching at the University Dental Hospital, where you'll work alongside experienced staff in diverse scenarios.
It is located within the University Hospital of Wales, the largest teaching hospital in the country; students benefit from a rich learning environment with over 100,000 patient contacts annually, facilitating direct clinical management experiences. At the University of Wales, you'll receive a top-tier education with practical training and opportunities for professional growth.
- Course to consider: BDS Dentistry
- Entry requirements: Students must have Standard XII with 90% maximum marks, IB with 38 points, GCSE and English tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE
- International fees: £28,200 (₹29.56 Lakhs)
10. Newcastle University
Newcastle University's Dentistry program stands out for its exceptional quality and recognition, consistently ranking among the top institutions in the UK and globally. It is rated 3rd in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2024, and its commitment to excellence extends worldwide, with recognition as a Global Top 110 University by QS World University Rankings 2024. Newcastle University is also recognised for sustainable development, ranking 4th in the UK and 24th globally. The commitment to clinical and health education is further underscored by placement within the Top 100 for Clinical and Health according to Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
The program ensures adherence to professional standards, providing students with hands-on clinical practice opportunities under close supervision. Newcastle University equips students with the skills and experience necessary for success in the dynamic field of Dentistry, from observing simple procedures to managing patients and mastering advanced techniques.
- Course to consider: BDS Dentistry
- Entry requirements: Students must have Standard XII with an 85% average compared to A-Levels, IB with 38 points, GCSE and English tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE
- International fees: £44,390 (₹46.53 Lakhs)
Study Dentistry in the UK
If you wish to learn more about top dentistry universities in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK India today. Our UK university application experts will ensure your application is ready and submitted without error.
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