Dentistry is a branch of medicine and healthcare that teaches students the art of handling and treating the teeth and jaw of patients. There are undergraduate and postgraduate courses available in the UK for national and international students to enrol in and UK universities follow a practical approach to learning, with real world experience and patient treatment happening early in the process.
If you want to study dentistry in the UK, learn more below about the different types of dentist specialisations available. Begin your application by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
Types of Dentist
Orthodontist
Orthodontists are specialists who correct the alignment of teeth and jaw, including overcrowding, alignment issues and crooked teeth. These types of dentists use a variety of tools and practices such as braces, wires, retainers, etc.
Orthodontist degrees in the UK are generally available at masters level, meaning students will need to successfully obtain an undergraduate dentistry degree first.
Periodontist
Any disease or problem associated with the gums of an individual is assisted and corrected by a Periodontist. They try to treat any kind of damaged tissues or use preventive measures if there are signs of gum decay.
Endodontists
Endodontists are skilled in treating problems that are associated with the roots of teeth. Any kind of pain in the tooth is taken care of by an Endodontist. Normal treatments include root canal surgery, tooth extraction, etc.
Prosthodontist
Prosthodontists are dentists who work on restorative work, to repair any damage that might have happened during an accident. These restorations can be minor or major, including missing teeth, jaw alignment, etc. They are also classified as cosmetic dentists as they improve how the jaw and teeth appear.
Oral Pathologist or Surgeon
These dentists have a wide array of fixations to work on including not just the jaw but the face, throat and ear as well. A variety of surgeries, procedures and implants are looked at by oral pathologists that might have happened due to deformation or accidents.
General Dentists
General dentists handle the day to day requirements of patients such as routine checkups, fillings, cleaning and bleaching.
Entry requirements for Dentistry
Dentistry entry requirements at any dental school at a UK university are high because of the highly skilled nature of the degree. Places are also extremely limited, so before applying, students should ensure they meet the following criteria:
- Excellent scores in subjects such as chemistry and biology; physics and mathematics are also accepted in some cases
- Valid scores in medical examinations like UKCAT or BMAT
- English language proficiency, shown via IELTS scores that should be above 6 or 6.5
Some universities require a letter of reference and a statement of purpose for a clear understanding of student candidature and intent in studying the science of dentistry in the UK.
How much does dental school cost?
The cost of studying dentistry in the UK begins at £25,000, but can be as high as £47,000 at some universities. There are various aids and scholarships available for international students covering not just their tuition fees but also living expenses. A few of the most rewarding scholarships are Rhodes Scholarship, Global Health Future Leader Scholarship, Chevening Scholarship, etc.
Study Dentistry in the UK
Learn more about becoming a dentist and studying dentistry in the UK by arranging a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
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