MAKING A DENTISTRY APPLICATION
Personal qualities Academic ability necessary but not sufficient Need to be caring and sensitive Need good team-work and leadership skills Manual dexterity is essential. Give evidence of this: model-making, handicrafts, musical ability, embroidery……. Persons with large, clumsy hands need not apply!
Very competitive One of most popular subjects Only 16 dental schools Apply to four Recent stats show 11 applicants for each place (14 at Leeds)
Typical entry requirements Good GCSE scores: mainly As and A*s 3 full A levels at AAA or above including sometimes asking A* in Biology and Chemistry UKCAT for most dental schools
Pre-dental course for those without science A levels
Work Experience Start in Year 12 Up to 3-4 weeks Find a range of different experiences in variety of settings eg hospital work, socially different areas Keep a diary/journal
Personal Statement Knowledge of profession through work experience and reading Leadership skills and concentration Team work Evidence of sustained voluntary work Evidence of motivation
The Interview Motivation, responsibility, social awareness, interest Why is this dental school the preferred choice Knowledge of course at this school
Demonstrate communication skills, ability to be engaging and to argue when appropriate
Useful resources British Dental Association website General Dental Council website The British Dental Journal NHS Careers website PDF on ‘Work Experience in the NHS’