What is Graduate Entry Dentistry?
Graduate Entry Dentistry is a course for mature students who have completed an undergraduate degree and wish to pursue a career in dentistry. There are 3 ways of applying to dentistry as a graduate:
- Undergraduate Entry as a Graduate – 5 years
- Graduate Entry – 4 years
- Graduate Entry for Medical Graduates – 3 years
Most universities accept graduate applicants into their standard dentistry programme, whilst few universities have a fast track 3- or 4-year course for mature students to apply for. Students who are yet to finish their degree can apply for graduate dentistry in the final year of their undergraduate programme.
Here, you can apply through UCAS, similar to the application you would have put forward in sixth form. Your reference writer will usually be your personal tutor who will give you a prediction grade. You can fill in the details of your degree transcript for Year 1 and Year 2 and put the prediction grade under Year 3.
However, you will be applying as an independent individual and will have to check all details of your application.
Mature students who are applying after completion of a degree can apply with their completed degree classification and submit an individual application through UCAS.
Many students would have completed an undergraduate degree in a science-related course and gain the opportunity to build upon their existing knowledge and skills in the dental sciences. The graduate dental programme condenses the pre-clinical and clinical components of dentistry which allows students to complete the course in a shorter timeframe.
The entry requirements for graduate entry dentistry vary depending on the university you apply for. All schools require students to have completed at least an undergraduate degree, preferably in a science-related course.
If students have not completed a science-related degree, they may be required to complete pre-requisite modules to apply. All students will also need to complete either the UCAT or GAMSAT entry exam and have some work experience to discuss either in their personal statement or in their interview.
How Competitive Are Graduate Entry Dentistry Courses?
Graduate Entry Dentistry is an extremely competitive course with a limited number of seats available. Students are expected to demonstrate a strong academic background, excellent interview skills, passion, and motivation to pursue dentistry.
They may also be required to have certain pre-requisite modules or courses completed. Furthermore, all students must sit the appropriate entrance exams (UCAT or GAMSAT). These entrance exams assess critical thinking skills, logic, reasoning, and academic knowledge. High scores are usually necessary to have a competitive and successful application.
Advantages of Graduate Entry Dentistry
There are many advantages of pursuing Graduate Entry Dentistry as a mature student.
- Accelerated Pathway – the GED programme is a shorter course that allows students to complete a full dentistry degree in a quicker timeframe.
- Skills and Knowledge – Students will be given the opportunity to build upon skills and knowledge attained during their undergraduate degree which allows for a smoother transition into dentistry.
- Networking and Opportunities – completing the GED pathway after an undergraduate degree opens up many opportunities and pathways in both research and dentistry. Students will also get a great chance to network with many dentists and allied healthcare professionals throughout their course.
Which UK Dentistry Schools Offer Graduate Entry Dentistry Courses?
| University | Duration | Approx. Number of Places | Aptitude Test | Are Non-Science Degrees Accepted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | 4 years | 20 | UCAT | No |
| King’s College London | 4 years | – | UCAT | No |
| King’s College London | 3 years | 7 | None | MBBS only |
| UCLAN | 4 years | 29 | UCLAN Exam | No |
Which Non-UK Dental Schools Offer Graduate Entry Dentistry Courses?
| University | Duration | Aptitude Test | GMC-recognised |
|---|---|---|---|
| European University (Georgia) | 3-4 years | No | Yes |
| Caucasus International University (Georgia) | 3-4 years | No | Yes |
Preparing for Graduate Entry Dentistry
The application process can be daunting, especially when applying after a degree, however the process is extremely similar to UCAS application submitted in sixth form. Gathering all your relevant documents and information such as grade transcripts from your undergraduate degree, your prediction grades or degree classification alongside work experience will help you prepare to apply into UCAS.
There are a few ways to prepare for your application to graduate entry dentistry.
- Reference – it’s important to notify your reference writer as early as possible that you are applying for further education in dentistry. This will give them plenty of time to prepare your reference, help you with your grade transcripts and your grade prediction as well as guiding you through other aspects of the application. You should also let them know the deadline as they may dealing with multiple students of various future prospects.
- Work Experience – as graduate entry dentistry is extremely competitive; work experience can help to boost your application greatly as it shows your passion and motivation to pursue a career as a dentist. Work experience can be through shadowing or working with a variety of dental professionals. This will also give you insight and exposure into the field that brings a different level of maturity.
- Personal Statement – your personal statement is the best component of the application to highlight your experiences, skills, and knowledge that you have gained throughout your time in your undergraduate degree. Here you can highlight how applying as a mature graduate student brings different skill sets and strengths to your application. You can also include a letter of recommendation if universities ask as well as work experience and research details.
Interview Preparation
Dental interviews are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their personal attributes and skills. Here, you can show universities your maturity, strengths, and passion to pursue a career in dentistry and demonstrate why you would be the best candidate.
Each university has a different interview process, so it is important to check on their website for more information. The interview season for Dentistry can also start as early as November and ends usually in April. Since COVID-19, many conduct their interviews online, but some may still hold in-person interviews.
There are two main types of dental interviews:
- MMI (multiple mini-interviews
- Panel Interviews
As a graduate, interviewers will expect a higher level of skill and knowledge and they may be different to applying through the undergraduate programme.
To help you prepare, here are some of our tips and questions!
Tips For Interview Preparation:
- Ensure to practice answering common Dentistry questions out loud to build your confidence.
- Familiarise yourself with the dental schools you are applying for and how their course is structured.
- Read up on Dentistry Hot Topics and Ethical Issues as these may come as stations.
- Learn common dental conditions and diseases to enhance your knowledge.
- Be prepared with all details to discuss your work experience and what you gained from your placement.
- Boost your skills with Dentistry Interview Tutoring or by booking yourself onto our Dentistry MMI circuits.
Common Interview Questions:
- Why do you want to study Dentistry?
- What skills have you gained from your undergraduate degree that makes you a good candidate for Dentistry?
- What work experience have you carried out and what did you gain from this experience?
- Describe some of the healthcare professionals who work alongside dentists.
- Why do you want to be a dentist rather than a dental nurse?
- What are the key qualities of being a dentist?
- Have you recently read any dental publications that has interested you?
- What impact do you hope to make in the field of dentistry?
- What are some of the challenges that dentists may face?
- What extracurricular activities have you done relating to science and research?
You should also check on the university website for details on what style of interview each conduct, however, ensure to check for up-to-date information as schools can change their process on a yearly basis!
