What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Dentist?

If you are an adult thinking about dentistry, you might be looking at your old school certificates and wondering where on earth to begin. Maybe some results are missing, or the grades just were not what you hoped for. This guide walks through the qualifications for dentist training in the UK from the very start, so you can see which gaps to fill first.

It is a long journey, but most of it can be planned one step at a time. If you would like to talk through your own starting point, get in touch on the number below or via the contact form.

Qualifications for Dentist Helpline: 020 4634 1407

Start With an Honest Look at What You Already Have

Before you book any courses, dig out whatever results you have and lay them out. Becoming a registered dentist in the UK runs through a fairly fixed set of stages: GCSEs, A Levels, an admissions test, a dental degree, then foundation training and registration with the General Dental Council (GDC). Knowing which stages you have already covered tells you where your own route begins.

For a clear overview, Pass Learn has a handy guide answering what qualifications do I need to be a dentist, with each requirement set out in one place. It is worth keeping open while you plan.

Why Your GCSE Grades Matter More Than You Might Think

Dentistry is highly competitive, and dental schools look closely at GCSEs. Most ask for six or more strong GCSEs, often at grade 7 or above, although requirements vary by university. For English Language and Maths, Pass Learn’s guide gives grade 6 as the minimum, with grade 7 preferred.

Science matters just as much. Strong science GCSEs, ideally including biology and chemistry, are expected, so check the exact rules for each school on UCAS. For a closer look at subjects and grades, this guide to GCSEs for aspiring dentists covers what universities usually expect.

Missing or Weak GCSEs? You Still Have Options

If your grades fall short, try not to panic. GCSE resits are seen as a credible way to strengthen a dentistry application, and many adults resit them. Maths and English sittings run in May and November, while sciences are sat in the May/June window.

Some people look at GCSE equivalents in English, Maths, Combined Science or Biology instead. These only work if the university accepts them, and you may still need some actual GCSEs. Each university makes its own decision, so always ask before you commit your time and money.

Where Functional Skills Fits Into the Picture

Since this is a Functional Skills site, it is only fair to be straight with you. Functional Skills Maths and English are offered at Levels 1 and 2, and Pass Learn describes Level 2 as equivalent to a GCSE grade 4. Dental schools usually ask for grade 6 or 7 in English and Maths, so a Functional Skills certificate on its own may not meet a dentistry entry requirement.

Where it can help is as a starting point. If maths or English has felt like a sore spot since school, Level 1 and Level 2 can be a gentler way back into study before you tackle GCSEs. Treat it as a stepping stone rather than the finish line.

Getting the A Levels Dental Schools Look For

Universities use A Levels as their main measure of academic ability, especially your grasp of science and problem solving. You will usually need three, with offers typically at AAA and some schools asking for A*AA. Chemistry and Biology are usually expected, and many universities value Maths or Physics as the third subject.

Adults can study A Levels too. To weigh up your subject choices, have a read of this piece on the best A Levels to become a dentist. A small number of dental schools may consider an Access to HE Diploma, but A Levels remain the usual route, so check with each school first.

If you need to study as a private candidate, Pass Learn runs online GCSE and A Level courses and books exams at local centres, with subjects including Maths, Biology and Chemistry.

The UCAT and the Rest of Your Application

Most UK dental schools ask for the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test). It is computer-based and taken in the summer before you send off your UCAS application, covering verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitative reasoning and situational judgement. Some schools set cut-offs, while others treat it as one factor among several.

On top of that, expect a multiple mini interview (MMI), an enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance. A well-rounded CV and relevant work experience also help show that you are serious.

The Degree, the Training and Paying for It All

The standard route is a five-year degree, either a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or a BChD, accredited by the GDC. From around year 3 you treat real patients under supervision. If you already have a related science degree, often at 2:1 or above, a four-year graduate-entry course may be open to you.

After graduating, expect at least a year of supervised foundation training, then GDC registration, which is a legal requirement before treating patients in the UK. The National Careers Service guide to dentistry careers puts average pay at £55,000 for starters, rising to £117,000 for experienced dentists.

Money is a real worry for lots of adults returning to study. GOV.UK explains that a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan may be available, repaid only once you earn over a threshold. Rules change for courses starting on or after 1 January 2027, so read up on student finance for undergraduates early, as applications take four weeks to process.

Conclusion

Starting from scratch as an adult means more stages to work through, but the order is clear: GCSEs at the grades dental schools want, A Levels in Chemistry and Biology, then the UCAT and your application. Functional Skills can be a handy way back into learning, but check what each university accepts. With a realistic plan, the qualifications for dentist entry can be tackled one at a time.

Qualifications for Dentist Helpline: 020 4634 1407

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a dentist if I left school with poor grades?

Yes, it is possible, but you will usually need to improve your results first. GCSE resits are seen as a credible way to strengthen an application.

Will Functional Skills Level 2 count instead of GCSE maths and English?

Pass Learn describes Level 2 as equivalent to a GCSE grade 4, while dental schools usually ask for grade 6 or 7. Each university decides what it accepts, so check directly.

How long does it take to qualify as a dentist?

Plan for around six years or more after A Levels: a five-year degree plus supervised training. The National Careers Service mentions two years of supervised postgraduate training.

Do I need to sit an admissions test?

Most UK dental schools ask for the UCAT, sat in the summer before applying. Some graduate-entry courses use the GAMSAT instead of, or alongside, the UCAT.

Written by

Pass Functional Skills Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.