Worth reapplying for dentistry?

I’ve achieved AAA in Biology, Chemistry and Geography, but I didn’t receive any offers for dentistry, so I didn’t get in :frown:

is it worth taking a gap year and reapplying? Does anyone have any experience in this? Thank you!

Reply 1

Obsidian♡Hart

Hii, I only have experience with medicine but my cousin was in your situation except she had A*A*A*A and 12A* for GCSE and a high UCAT score, she applied for dentistry 3 times and got rejected each time and now she's finally doing something to become a dental assistant but I'm not sure exactly what course. I know dentistry is far more competitive than medicine so I would recommend taking a gap year and hopefully it works out, if not I think its better to just have a backup plan, and also really consider your uni choices I think its best to not apply to all the competitive ones at once. My cousin applied to all the London unis because she didn't want to move out, but I thought that it was a bit of a risky choice considering how competitive they are. Hope it helps and good luck!

Reply 2

Wally2018

Original post by Obsidian♡Hart

hi what is your cousin currently doing?

Reply 3

Obsidian♡Hart

Original post by Wally2018

hi what is your cousin currently doing?

Hi, if I'm not wrong she's studying Dental Therapy & Hygiene in KCL.

Reply 4

Dentcomb

Did you manage to get feedback on the rejections? Were you interviewed anywhere? My daughter reapplied and got in to start in September this year. She took a gap year and worked in an orthodontic dental practice and also travelled a lot ! Dentistry is so incredibly competitive and the application process is so demoralising at times. But if it’s the career you want and are suited to then it’s really worth pursuing as long as you get the grades a great UCAT and a fabulous personal statement with lots of work experience. They have thousands of applications for very few places. Lots of people go abroad to study as most places teach in English. Good luck with your decision process.
I think work experience is essential to see the stresses involved with the profession- I worry people have a vision of dentistry without knowing the stress involved with it on a daily basis - I’ve been a dentist for 34 years and really hope that the youngsters chasing the dream aren’t going to be disappointed that they have. This is why work experience is so important and why the universities pay so much attention to the personal statement and the interviews. Good luck x Happy to answer any questions you may have