[Vian]

All dental schools place emphasis on voluntary work and work experience. After all, how else can they know if you're cut out for Dentistry?

Though if what you're asking is the duration of work experience, King's and Cardiff don't really have a minimum duration and prefer quality over volume (though it never hurts to have as much experience as possible). However, it seems like you'll be applying for Graduate entry and from what I've heard, Dental Schools expect more experience from graduates than undergraduates, so you definitely want to keep that in mind.

[cptKernow]

Peninsula only run a graduate 4 year course. They are very heavy on work exp and voluntary. 4 weeks bare minimum work exp plus voluntary. I found out the second was a prerequisite to my cost.

[bibbles]

Liverpool like extra curricular too! And Kings College specifically state this on their prospectus:

Community activities (Very Desirable)
We look for applicants who have participated as fully as possible in school, college or community life, making the most of the opportunities available to them and also demonstrated some experience of society beyond their immediate environment. Your interests, achievements and contribution to your community are taken into account eg clubs, theatrical, religious etc.

General activities/interests
We look for applicants who not only have interests but may have also achieved in these areas eg music, sport, first aid, etc. Interviewees are encouraged to bring along examples of any handiwork to give an indication of their manual dexterity.
Work shadowing/observation (Very Desirable)
We would normally expect that applicants will have undertaken some voluntary work experience in a caring/health environment and/or observation in a dental clinical setting. It is important for applicants to have a realistic appreciation of what a career as a health professional involves.

Paid or voluntary work (Very Desirable)
Any voluntary contribution to your community is taken into account, eg volunteer in a care home. We look for evidence that you have worked in a setting where you can interact with the general public eg in a pharmacy, check-out or restaurant.

Hope that helped

[aqua05]

Heeey

As dentistry is a very competitive course.. and there are more applicants than the number of places available.. & obviously all those applying for dentistry would be like very competitive & stuff.. so you have to make sure you stand out from all of themm..
Grab every single opportunity you get.. coz you want to sure that you havent missed out on anything..
I'm not saying you wont get into dentistry..im just saying its very competitive & you want to do the best to get a place in there..
I did one and a half month work experience.. did at a private clinic, hospital dentistry, max fax department & at the dental lab..
It was all worth it! coz at the interview i had so much to talk about.. coz there was so much i learnt & they seemed pretty impressed!
Voluntary work would make you stand out as well..
Go like once a week to a care home, or you may go to an animal orphanage, or do some charity workk.. its all worth it!!!!
The more the better..
Even sports is one important as well.. If you have been a captain then it shows you got leadership qualitities..
Duration wise...get as much experience as you can get!

Good Luck!