Undergrad Dentistry

Hi,
I want to study in the UK, and I want to become a dentist, I'm doing my A-levels this year studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths.
Since I first need to do a Bachelor's, can I do Biochemistry or Biological Sciences first, and then get a DDS, or do I have to apply to pre-dental school right away, I want to study in London, and I want to have more than 3 options for my UCAS, what should I do?

In the UK, if you want to become a dentist, you generally don’t need to do a separate Bachelor’s degree first. Instead, you can apply directly to a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program straight out of A-levels. This is a five-year undergraduate course that combines both the academic and clinical training you need to become a dentist.
Since you're aiming for London, universities like King's College London and Queen Mary (Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry) offer BDS programs that are highly regarded. You can definitely have more than 3 options on your UCAS—up to 5, in fact—so you can apply to a mix of London and non-London universities to keep your options open.
If you’re set on having a broader science background first and then doing dentistry later, you could technically do a degree in Biochemistry or Biological Sciences first, but this route would take longer. After your Bachelor’s, you’d need to apply for a Graduate Entry Dentistry program, which usually lasts four years.
However, if your main goal is to become a dentist, going directly into a BDS program is the most efficient path. If you want more options on your UCAS application, you could apply to BDS programs at different universities across the UK, not just in London.
So, to sum up:
1. Direct Path: Apply straight to BDS programs at universities like King's College London, Queen Mary, etc. You can list up to 5 choices on your UCAS.
2. Alternative Path: Do a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry or Biological Sciences, then apply for Graduate Entry Dentistry—but this will take more time.
Given your focus on London, I’d recommend researching the BDS programs there and maybe attending open days or virtual tours to help make your decision!