dentistry competitivity

is dentistry a lot harder to get into than medicine?
at my sixth form only one person got into med last year so is dentistry too far a goal?

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

eriksks

Simply put; Yes.
There's less dental schools in the UK, and it seems the number of dentistry applicants is growing each year.
However, the same applies for medicine applicants.
Dentistry schools seem, to me, a lot more clear-cut than medical schools. They tend to have clearer requirements e.g. UCAT cutoff scores which seem to be consistent across many of the universities.
I'm assuming you're torn between the two, and I would advise that you shouldn't decide on which degree to do out of how easy it is to get in, or settle less for medicine because you want to do dentistry but think it's too hard.
With dedication and drive, you are able to achieve this.
I can either put down your sixth form statistic to be because; not many people applied in the first place, your sixth form has a small student population, or they just don't offer enough support.

I'm happy to help if you have any questions about the application process or are looking for support (ex-medicine applicant, just finished second year A-Level student)

Reply 2

ismaelishere

Original post by eriksks

Simply put; Yes.
There's less dental schools in the UK, and it seems the number of dentistry applicants is growing each year.
However, the same applies for medicine applicants.
Dentistry schools seem, to me, a lot more clear-cut than medical schools. They tend to have clearer requirements e.g. UCAT cutoff scores which seem to be consistent across many of the universities.
I'm assuming you're torn between the two, and I would advise that you shouldn't decide on which degree to do out of how easy it is to get in, or settle less for medicine because you want to do dentistry but think it's too hard.
With dedication and drive, you are able to achieve this.
I can either put down your sixth form statistic to be because; not many people applied in the first place, your sixth form has a small student population, or they just don't offer enough support.
I'm happy to help if you have any questions about the application process or are looking for support (ex-medicine applicant, just finished second year A-Level student)

do you think that sixth form support contributes much to the application process? like will going to a more reputable sixth form help significantly or is it majority my own responsibility in getting in either way.

Reply 3

eriksks

Original post by ismaelishere

The reputation of the sixth form is irrelevant, getting into dentistry school is entirely on you, it’s just that the support some of them offer is helpful and at times advantageous, such as personal statement support and understanding the application process.
If you know everything about the application process and are confident in your ability to have a strong application, don’t worry

Reply 4

Dentistwys

If I take alevel biology chemistry and psychology for alevels. Will unis like birmingham uni prefer applicants which take alevel bio, chem and physics/ maths for their alevels over psychology? or even for medicine as I am not sure if i want to be a dentist or doctor yet.

Reply 5

eriksks

Original post by Dentistwys

Nope
As long as it meets the requirements the third is usually irrelevant, as long as you score well in it and it isn’t one of the not accepted ones

Reply 6

Dentistwys

Thank you what subjects did you take if you don't mind me asking?

Reply 7

eriksks

Original post by Dentistwys

Thank you what subjects did you take if you don't mind me asking?

Same as you and an EPQ in first year :smile:

Reply 8

Dentistwys

Original post by eriksks

Same as you and an EPQ in first year :smile:

So u took chem bio and psychology :smile:

thanks for getting back to me

Reply 9

bloomlove8

Original post by eriksks

Same as you and an EPQ in first year :smile:

Hi! Sorry I can’t message my account is neww. But I have Reddit @ florahrt could u message me on there if that’s okay🙏🏼

Reply 10

rememberemi

It's really tough, and the short answer is yes definitely. But it is also 100% possible, so if dentistry is what you want to pursue, don't be put off.