Dentistry

What would I study and how do courses differ?

Dentistry is the branch of Medicine that is involved in the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is widely considered necessary for complete overall health. Most dental schools adopt a similar structure in their courses but key differences have begun to emerge in the teaching methodology and delivery of course content. It is therefore important for students to research the details of each course carefully and appreciate the key features and differences via university websites.

A dental course lasts five years and most dental schools offer one or two years of pre-clinical study, often taught outside the school covering the following: Anatomy, Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, Biochemistry, Oral Biology, Pharmacology, First aid and Introduction to Clinical Skills. In addition, students cover the effects of anaesthetics and other components common to Medicine and Dentistry such as Psychology.

As the course progresses the amount of clinical work carried out increases and most universities offer meaningful contact with patients after the third year. Oral Biology, Disease and Pathology are taught alongside the clinical work, as well as social and psychological aspects of patient care. During the clinical years students are given the opportunity to study some of the following courses: Behavioural Science, Computing and Statistics, Dental Materials, Dental Public Health, Dental Prosthetics, Haematology, Operative Techniques, Children’s Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Oral and Medicine Surgery, Orthodontics, Forensic Dentistry, Sedation, Radiology and Pain and Anxiety Management.

The final year consists of a common core of academic work and clinical dental practice and is designed to consolidate and enhance all the work and experience of the previous years of study. Near the end of the clinical course a personal study (an elective) is carried out on a topic of interest. At the end of the five years a professional examination is taken to qualify.

What are typical entry requirements?

There is fierce competition to secure a place at any of the 13 dental schools in the United Kingdom. From Haberdashers’ students most dental schools prefer A and A* grades at GCSE, (particularly in English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry) and again A grades at A Level. It is probable that over the next few years offers for dentistry will include at least one A* at A Level. In addition, a number of dental schools require applicants to sit the pre-admissions test, the UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test), full details of which are given in the most recent edition of the book ‘Getting Into Dental School’, published by Mander Portman Woodward.

Are there any essential or recommended A Levels?

All dental schools expect you to study A Level Chemistry and most want A Level Biology as well. A Level requirements do vary and it is important to carry out your own research.

AS Level Results

You must gain the highest marks you can in the AS/Lower Sixth examinations. A very high equivalent grade A average across your subjects will be needed for us to make strong A Level predictions, i.e. A*. The School will quote exceptional marks in the academic reference. As many schools do not offer the option of taking AS Level in the new linear A Level examinations, many universities will not use your AS grade as part of their selection process. However, they will be used as the basis of your predictions, which will be used to process your application. Do your research. Poor AS grades might mean you have to rethink, study Bio Med Sciences, for example, then think about applying for Dentistry either as post graduate or as an undergraduate.

Which is the best university for Dentistry?

All 13 universities in the UK are very good. There is no such thing as a bad dental school in the UK. Information in league tables which is based on a range of variables only tells you a small part of the whole story. League tables should only be used as a guide: they are not substitutes for visiting the dental schools, looking at the course content in detail, reading the university prospectus and speaking to those involved with the course. Several Haberdashers’ students have also gone abroad to study dentistry at private universities in Spain and the Czech Republic. The entry requirements for such institutions tend to be lower and the application procedure is entirely separate from UCAS.

Is there any special advice for Oxbridge applicants?

Neither Oxford nor Cambridge offers a Dentistry course.

What is important for my personal statement or interview?

As Dentistry is essentially a science, your interest in the science subjects is important. This includes reading scientific journals, writing articles for school publications or carrying out a piece of scientific research. Dentistry involves working in confined spaces, where fine motor skills are important. Your personal statement should include examples of your manual dexterity. Your personal statement should also give details of teamwork activities you have been involved in. A variety of work experience in the dental field is very important for interview.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: When preparing your statement, you much access the Dentistry schools’ websites to ensure you cover what they are looking for e.g. proof of manual dexterity, specified number of work experience weeks, lab work, etc.

Do I need to do work experience?

As Dentistry is a vocational subject, most dental schools will be looking for four to five weeks of work experience in a dental field, the more the better and the more diverse the better. We recommend having experience in both NHS and private settings, as well as dental surgeries and hospital dental departments. Orthodontics,

maxillofacial surgery and dental labs are also areas worth investigating for work experience.

Which jobs can I do with Dentistry?

As a qualified dentist you can specialise in any of the following: Restorative Dentistry, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Dental Public Health, Oral Medicine, Oral Microbiology, Oral Pathology, Forensic Odontology, Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, Cosmetic Dentistry and Prosthetics.

Additional information:

• Am I likely to be called for interview?

Yes. • Is there any particular reading I should do?

Scientific journals (e.g. the British Dental Journal) and be aware of key developments regarding health issues as they appear in the media. • Useful websites www.dentistry.co.uk www.bda.org www.gdc-uk.org

Related degrees: Biomedical Sciences, Medicine