Last Updated on November 10, 2025
Are you looking forward to a career as a dentist? Those students who plan to pursue dental studies from a foreign country, for a wider scope of work have reasons to celebrate now. Study in UK aspirants will be able to give a jumpstart to their career with the course in Dentistry In UK. You can now gain entry to one of the prestigious dental colleges located in the UK, which are approved by the General Dental Council.
But, there is of course some hard work involved. In this blog, we will try to make it as seamless as possible. Discover the best colleges, cost, eligibility, and admission process for aspiring dentists from India.
Dentistry In UK – Highlights
| Name of Course | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
| Duration | 4-5 years ( 6 years with foundation course) |
| Specialisations | Pediatric Dentistry, Endodontics, Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics |
| Minimum Age Requirement | 18+ |
| Regulatory Body | GDC |
| Entrance Examination | The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) |
| English Proficiency Tests | TOEFL, IELTS |
Top Dentistry Universities In UK
If you are eager to pursue dentistry in UK, as it has world class facilities and a unique pedagogical approach, stay right here. We have compiled the list of the top dentistry colleges for you. The below mentioned colleges are approved by the General Dental Council.
- Queen’s Belfast University
- University of Bristol
- Newcastle University
- University of Glasgow
- University of Manchester
- University of Leeds
- King’s College London
- University of Dundee
- University of Sheffield
- Cardiff University
- University of Liverpool
- University of Birmingham
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Plymouth
- University of Central Lancashire
- Teesside University, Middlesbrough
- University of Aberdeen
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry
These are the 18 colleges approved by the General Dental Council. Students from across the globe can study dentistry, in any of the above colleges, given you meet entry requirements. For more information on the University background and faculty quality, you can get in touch with a study abroad consultant. You will be able to get real-time and authentic information on campus life, accommodation, and other aspects of living and studying dentistry in UK.
Decoding Entry Requirements To Study Dentistry In UK
In order to become a dentist in the UK, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree like BDS or BChD. Those who do not fulfil certain requirements for admission to the approved dental courses, must join a one-year foundation program.
For Undergraduate Programs In Dentistry UK
- You must have completed Class 10+2 with biology, physics, chemistry and mathematics. Moreover, the applicant should have at least 90% in aggregate.
- You must be able to produce all the academic transcripts from school.
- English language proficiency has to be proven through tests like IELTS, for which the minimum acceptable score is 7.0 overall. Those appearing for TOEFL must have scored 95 and above.
- Those who have completed their schooling from an international school must have scored 37 points in their International Baccalaureate examination.
- The minimum age criteria for admission to any undergraduate course in the UK is 18 years. There is no upper age limit.
- For admission to any of the top dental colleges in UK, one must have taken the admission tests like the UCAT or University Clinical Aptitude Test. The test mainly ascertains your abilities in verbal reasoning, cognitive skills, and quantitative skills. Some universities ask for BMAT scores, as well. Research well, and prepare accordingly.
For Graduate Programs In Dentistry UK
- You need to have a graduate degree in dentistry from a recognised medical board, with a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.
- All other requirements remain the same.
The following dental schools offer 1- 4 year graduate programs in dentistry in UK.
- University of Aberdeen School of Medicine and Dentistry
- University of Central Lancashire School of Dentistry
- King’s College London Dental Institute
- King’s College London Dental Institute (3 years, for medically qualified applicants only)
The University of Manchester School of Dentistry and Cardiff University School of Dentistry are currently offering foundation programs, for students who do not have the aforementioned science subject’s combination at matric level.
Admission Process And Requirements Dentistry In UK
After one ascertains the eligibility criteria and shortlists a university to study at one of the dentistry universities in uk, it is time to navigate through the steps for admission.
- After having taken one of the entrance tests like UCAT or BMAT, the incumbent must submit all the academic transcripts, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation, completed application form, passport copy, passport size photos, bank statement, and various scores of entrance examinations.
- The selected candidates get an email from the university committee, for a personal or virtual round of interview, depending on the student’s location.
- Thereafter, the applicants get a confirmation of offer in a few weeks. One has to accept or decline the offer.
- After having accepted the offer, one must proceed to the visa formality stage. Aspirants must also start applying for scholarships, if eligible.
After completing the dentistry courses in uk, one needs to practice for 1-2 years under a dentist, before applying for GDC registration. For master’s courses, the same acts as a unique value addition during application.
The specialisations include:
- Orthodontics
- Dental public health
- Forensic dentistry
- Pediatric dentistry
- Endodontics
- Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery
If you feel lost at any point in this process, you may contact a study abroad consultant like Admissify. Experts can guide you at each step, of choosing specialisation by syncing them with your life goals, choosing the university, applying for scholarships, and more.
Dentistry Courses In UK – Miscellaneous Fees For International Students
| Student Visa | GBP 524 |
| English Proficiency Test Fees | GBP 150 – 240 |
| Entrance Test Fees | GBP 70 -115 |
| Healthcare Surcharge | GBP 776 per year for students |
| BDS Tuition Fees | GBP 35,000 to 50,000 per year |
| Master’s Tuition Fees | GBP 30,000 to 50,000 |
| Cost of Living | GBP 900 to 1,400 per month |
Cost of Dentistry UK – University, Fees And Duration
Those who intend to pursue dentistry courses in uk, must keep the cost of education at different universities in mind, before deciding on one. It helps one to swiftly get through the entire process of admission. Here are the average fees mentioned according to the university.
| University Name | Courses | Duration | Annual Fees |
| University of Dundee | Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 5 years | GBP 23,000 to 23,150 |
| Queen Mary University | Dentistry BDS | 5 years | GBP 49,950 |
| King’s College London | Dentistry BDS | 5 years | GBP 58,200 |
| University of Plymouth | BDS Dental Surgery + Foundation Year | 6 years | GBP 25,000 |
| University of Birmingham | MSc Dentistry by Research | 1-2 years | GBP 28,320 |
| University of Glasgow | Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery MSc | 2 years | GBP 52,950 |
| University of Leeds | Dental Materials MSc | 1 year | GBP 32,250 |
| University of Manchester | MSc Clinical Dentistry (Paediatric Dentistry) | 3 years | GBP 59,500 |
Dental Universities In UK – Selection Process
To summarise, universities in UK, offering dental courses will follow the below-mentioned pathway.
- Check academic qualifications
- Analyse entrance test scores
- Analyse English proficiency scores
- Ascertain medical fitness
- Check criminal background
- Test the applicants on soft skills and life skills
A few weeks or months of pre-dentistry work experience increases your chances of selection
How Admissify Can Help
To get the right information about the top dentistry universities in uk, you can connect with Admissify. We are leaders in this segment and have been providing study in UK guidance to aspirants since decades. From selecting the university to navigating the admission and selection process, we can put you on the right track. After you secure admission to Dentistry In UK, we will help you with the visa formalities and scholarships as well. Post arrival support is also a part of the package. So, what is stopping you from connecting with us?
Conclusion
The competition for entry into the top dentistry universities in UK is fierce. So, one has to take adequate preparation before applying. Before applying to any college, one must check the eligibility requirements and other deliverables, before one can be considered by the institution for admission. Studying dentistry in UK, can be an experience of a lifetime, through which you can fulfil your dreams to become a global dentistry professional. However, you must be cautious as the process of getting entry in dentistry UK is highly competitive.
FAQs – Dentistry In UK
Bachelor’s courses are 5 years long, and 6 years with a foundation year. Masters are of 1- 4 years duration.
It costs between GBP 23,000 to 59,000 annually.
It is in high demand in the UK, and there are lots of vacancies in the NHS and the private hospitals.
It takes 5-6 years on an average to become a dentist, which includes internships.
Those countries with commonwealth listings like Australia and New Zealand, accept UK dentistry degrees. However, other countries may require the candidate to take an additional licensing examination.
Yes, you can settle in the UK after completing dentistry courses, but you may have to fulfil other criteria, like practicing there for a few years prior to applying for permanent residency. You have to pass Overseas Registration Examinations and also register with the General Dental Council. The immigration requirements can be stringent, but with proper planning, you can get through.
Abhrajita Mondal, is a Content Writer who has dabbled in numerous genres including education since the last five years, and has a deep interest in Holistic Wellness & Lifestyle practices. She is an Ex-HR with over 10 years of corporate experience. For a voracious reader and consumer of information, which finds a way of expression through writing, she does that with elan. Abhrajita loves to travel and is a complete foodie. She has a thirst for the unknown, and loves to read esoteric books.
