A dentistry programme prepares students to become licensed dental professionals. Dentistry courses cover anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, and dental materials science. In addition to classroom instruction, students must complete clinical training that provides hands-on experience treating patients under the guidance of licensed dentists. This training typically occurs in dental clinics, where students can observe and participate in fillings, extractions, and root canals.
The demand for dental services continues to grow, making dentistry a promising career choice for individuals interested in healthcare and helping people. Home to some of the best dental schools in the world, London is an ideal destination for studying dentistry as an international student.
Key skills required for success in dentistry include strong communication skills, manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure. If you want to study dentistry in London, learn more about courses, entry requirements, and international fees below. Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London to begin your application.
Best Dentist Schools in London
1. King’s College London
The Dentistry BDS course offered by King’s College London provides a comprehensive and integrated education in dental practice. It combines the latest advancements in dental education with early clinical experience to ensure students develop the necessary skills and knowledge.
Students can access state-of-the-art clinical, simulation, and technical facilities, including low-fidelity phantom heads and high-fidelity augmented reality haptic simulations. The largest dental school in the UK offers the course, graduating approximately 150 dentists annually. It also benefits from partnerships with prestigious hospitals such as Guy's and St Thomas and King's College Hospital Trusts.
KCL's dentistry course emphasises whole patient care, considering both dental and medical needs. It is structured in three main components. The first covers biomedical sciences, including behavioural sciences, epidemiology, pathology, and microbiology, progressing to human disease. The second component focuses on the oral and dental aspects of the biological sciences. The third component concentrates on dentistry's clinical and technical aspects, preparing students to provide comprehensive oral and dental healthcare for patients of all ages.
- Course in focus: BDS Dentistry
- Entry requirements: A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Biology or Chemistry, in addition to grade A in one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology.
- International fees: £54,313
- QS world ranking for dentistry: 5th
- KCL accommodation: King's Residences offers a safe and collaborative living environment for students in the vibrant city of London. The accommodation guarantee applies to specific groups, including new first-year undergraduates, Foundation students, care-experienced students, and students under 18 on move-in day.
2. Queen Mary, University of London
The Institute of Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London offers a five-year dental degree program that combines an innovative curriculum with world-class facilities and access to London's diverse population. The curriculum begins with focusing on the scientific basis of clinical practice in the first year. Students are introduced to basic biological principles and develop essential study skills. Topics covered include clinical skills, critical thinking, dental materials, oral biology, and the effects of illness on patients and their families.
The curriculum covers abnormalities and diseases of the mouth, oral biology, and specialized areas such as restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and orthodontics. In the following years (2-4), students apply their knowledge to body systems in health and disease. They spend significant time working with patients and engaging in complementary educational activities such as seminars, laboratory work, tutorials, e-learning projects, and library research.
Throughout the course, students are encouraged to take a holistic approach to dentistry by studying human sciences, sociology, and psychology. This enables them to understand patients' attitudes towards oral healthcare and the dental profession.
- Course in focus: Dentistry (BDS)
- Entry requirements: A*AA (results must be achieved in one sitting over a study period of no longer than two years). Must include Biology or Chemistry and a second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics)
- International fees: £48,700
- QS world ranking for dentistry: 16th
- Queen Mary accommodation: For undergraduate students, over 2,250 rooms are available in self-catering residences on or near the Mile End campus. Additionally, 360 rooms are specifically allocated for Medicine and Dentistry students in Whitechapel and the City of London. The university also offers 26 adapted rooms for students with mobility impairments or hearing difficulties. Postgraduate students can live in Aspire Point, a new development in Stratford.
3. University College London
The MSc Conservative Dentistry at UCL is for dental professionals wanting to extend their knowledge and clinical skills in advanced and complex restorative dental treatment. The UCL Eastman Dental Institute offers an extensive range of dentistry programmes. Students studying for their MSc will benefit from advanced teaching facilities and gain theoretical and practical experience in the restorative management of cases ranging from straightforward to complex, using either tooth- or implant-supported fixed restorations.
UCL is one of the top 10 universities in the world, and the Eastman Dental Institute undertakes high-quality research that advances knowledge of the causes, treatment and prevention of orofacial and related diseases.
- Course in focus: Conservative Dentistry MSc
- Entry requirements: A Medical/Dental degree from a recognised institution is acceptable.
- International fees: £61,800
- QS world ranking for dentistry: 28th
- UCL accommodation: UCL offers various accommodation options for international students, including John Dodgson House, located in central London, near UCL's Bloomsbury campus, Frances Gardner House, situated in the heart of Bloomsbury, and Campbell House East & West, which offers en-suite rooms and shared facilities
Dentistry Scholarships in London
In the UK, various scholarships and funding opportunities are available to support international dentistry students. These scholarships aim to help alleviate the financial burden associated with dental education.
The British Dental Association (BDA) Benevolent Fund Scholarships offer means-tested financial support to dental students facing financial difficulties. The Dentistry Awards Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need. The Dentistry Show Scholarship supports outstanding individuals pursuing dentistry through a competitive application process. The Dental Schools Council (DSC) Scholarship Fund provides financial aid based on academic excellence, covering tuition fees or living expenses. The Association of Dental Groups (ADG) Scholarship Scheme assists students with their education expenses based on academic achievement.
Study Dentistry in London
If you want to study Dentistry in the UK, arrange your free consultation today.
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