How to be a dentist?

Hi, I just finished Year 13, i didn't apply to uni during year 12. I'm applying for medicine 2025, not dentistry, but they are very similar in some aspects. I'll give you some knowledge I've found myself over the past year of researching.
GCSE's - you wont need 8/9's in everything, but still try ur hardest, its nice to have. Some unis score GCSE's, in some cases you will need perfect scores to get an interview.
A-Levels - Perfect choices, all unis should be open for you with these subjects. Most uni's dont accept the EPQ toward scoring applications, but i would still do this and theme it around dentistry so you can include it on your Personal Statement , (maybe something to do with issues with nhs dentists?, look into this more). Also, if you do the EPQ, complete it asap, to focus on other studies. check on specific dent course pages for this, or contact them. If you get A*AA Most unis should accept this, check individual course pages for this.
Btw, if you have free lessons, study in at least 50% of them. I studied in most of mine since my mates were usually in lesson during mine. I genuinely think this is the reason i got A*A*AA at a level. Start very early for revising.
Personal Statement - I couldn't tell you anything for dent specifically, but maybe try shadowing a dentist in nhs setting and private setting? I think that would give good views from both sides. In-person WEX isn't completely needed, as unis consider that its difficult to find for some applicants, but still try and find it all the way up until you apply. If you dont find any, there are Virtual WEX online that you should do (maybe do these ontop of in person?). There are lots of things you can include that are not entirely related to dentistry, but have transferable skills / experiences. Jobs, Any volunteer work, any teamwork projects, etc. You could also read some dentistry books? I know a lot of med applicants do this, including myself, it gives great insight.
Yes there is an entrance exam, the UCAT, this is very very mentally draining, gl. You will sit this summer after year 12. There is no other entrance exams that im aware of, there used to be the BMAT for London Unis + Oxbridge but its been scrapped from this year forward.
Dentistry is 5 years, unless you do a graduate entry (apply with a degree, this is so competitive.) or foundation year. I couldnt tell you about your step 5.
fyi, if you do good in all this stuff, you might get an interview, you must do an interview to get an offer. I'm pretty sure the vast majority of unis only score based on the interview, so top (number of spaces available) in the interview will get an offer, and all your academics don't matter at this point. Some will do like a 50/50 split, like newcastle, but look at individual course pages.
Keep in mind the acceptance rate for dentistry, I believe, is around 20%.
Work hard, be disciplined, and you will become a dentist. Good luck 🙂

Omg tysm this rllly helped tyyyy