Are you hoping to become a dentist in the UK? If you are, I have to tell you it is a great career, but I hope you have thought about it. Dentistry takes so long, that you will need the perseverance and the determination to complete it, and the only thing that will keep you going is your decision and desire. The dental course in UK is about 5 years usually. If after all the thinking, you have decided that it is what you want to do, then congratulations..It really is a great choice.
I have been a dentist for over 10 years and have a brother who has also become a dentist. He is a lot younger then me and I practically guided him through the whole procedure. Since then more students have come to me to ask for help as they have seen the success.
I am very happy to help but I do say, the earlier you plan to become a dentist the better it is. Not to say that you cannot start later, you definitely can, but it will take even longer and the spaces are even more limited. I had a dental student in my year who was 36, so nothing is impossible.
At any stage you can improve your chances to get into dental university, But your chances will really improve if you have worked hard at your GCSEs. These universities are looking at your GCSEs now as well since the competition has increased. It also gives them a indication of how you will perform in your A levels. Really make sure you get A/A*'s in biology, chemistry, maths and english. It will really help later.
If you haven't got a hobby already, it would really help you if you did something with your hands that showed that you could do small and intricate things. Find something that you enjoy, like woodwork,sewing,model making. It will really improve your manual dexterity as well as show that you enjoy working with your hands. Some universities will ask you to bring in something that you have made.
The A level stage will seem like the hardest before you get into dental university. This is because you will be applying to all the dental schools while trying to get at least an AAB in your A levels. You will be expected to have biology and chemistry as 2 of your A levels with grades A in both. The other A level, should be either a science or maths, although some universities are a lot more relaxed about this. They all do not accept general studies as another A level.
As well as all the exams, most dental schools will expect good grades at a UKCAT test. This is not such an easy feat. It tests your skills such as verbal reasoning and decision analysis. You will have to practice at this test while you are doing your A levels. Although it seems that this is unrelated to dentistry, it really is, since you will be making instant decisions, for which you will need to draw upon your common sense and analysing abilities.
After all this, it is very very competitive to get into dental school and has been described as the most popular course by the Times newspaper. You can apply to 4 universities of your choice. Make sure you look for what they are asking for and have the necessary requirements. You will be given an interview, where they will really seek out your motives for becoming a dentist.
I have been a dentist for over 10 years and have a brother who has also become a dentist. He is a lot younger then me and I practically guided him through the whole procedure. Since then more students have come to me to ask for help as they have seen the success.
I am very happy to help but I do say, the earlier you plan to become a dentist the better it is. Not to say that you cannot start later, you definitely can, but it will take even longer and the spaces are even more limited. I had a dental student in my year who was 36, so nothing is impossible.
At any stage you can improve your chances to get into dental university, But your chances will really improve if you have worked hard at your GCSEs. These universities are looking at your GCSEs now as well since the competition has increased. It also gives them a indication of how you will perform in your A levels. Really make sure you get A/A*'s in biology, chemistry, maths and english. It will really help later.
If you haven't got a hobby already, it would really help you if you did something with your hands that showed that you could do small and intricate things. Find something that you enjoy, like woodwork,sewing,model making. It will really improve your manual dexterity as well as show that you enjoy working with your hands. Some universities will ask you to bring in something that you have made.
The A level stage will seem like the hardest before you get into dental university. This is because you will be applying to all the dental schools while trying to get at least an AAB in your A levels. You will be expected to have biology and chemistry as 2 of your A levels with grades A in both. The other A level, should be either a science or maths, although some universities are a lot more relaxed about this. They all do not accept general studies as another A level.
As well as all the exams, most dental schools will expect good grades at a UKCAT test. This is not such an easy feat. It tests your skills such as verbal reasoning and decision analysis. You will have to practice at this test while you are doing your A levels. Although it seems that this is unrelated to dentistry, it really is, since you will be making instant decisions, for which you will need to draw upon your common sense and analysing abilities.
After all this, it is very very competitive to get into dental school and has been described as the most popular course by the Times newspaper. You can apply to 4 universities of your choice. Make sure you look for what they are asking for and have the necessary requirements. You will be given an interview, where they will really seek out your motives for becoming a dentist.
About the Author:
Dr Alka has taught many students to become a dentist. She has set up a website where you can learn from her and her successful dental students with insider tips on everything you need to do to learn how to be a dentist
