Help - applying to dentistry
Hi everyone,
I’m aiming to apply for Dentistry (BDS) October 2025 and need advice on retaking my A-levels/GCSEs.
I’m currently in a gap year after lacking direction during my first A-levels, but I’ve now found my passion for Dentistry and need to retake my grades. Here’s my situation:
Current Grades:
A-levels: Chemistry (E), Biology (C), PE (C).
GCSEs: English Lang (4), English Lit (7), Maths (6), Science (8-8), others mostly 7-9.
Gap Year Status: Already in one gap year but may need a second to retake.
Goal: Dentistry (BDS)
The Unis that accept resits (2024) and I can apply for Bristol, KCL, Plymouth, Leeds, or Sheffield. Will send out emails to confirm the 2025 entry requirements.
However,
- Leeds for A levels has 1 resit attempt (as in 1 year to retake all A-Levels) and Plymouth requires you to have the grades already for applications.
- Sheffield will require me to retake GCSE Maths and English to achieve 7s in each
- Bristol I will have to retake GCSE Maths to get a grade 7
- KCL I will have to retake my GCSE English language to achieve a 6
So for my GCSEs I need to retake my English Language (4 --> 7) and GCSE Maths (6-->7), I was considering doing this part this summer (2025)
And was also wondering who to get in touch with for this and the deadlines, Should I do this at my old school?
And for my A-levels I am unsure when to retake whether I do it this summer (2025) and apply with actual grades which need to be at least AAA or apply with predicted and retake next year (summer 2026), giving me more time to study but a longer period where I have to think about A-Levels, however I am unsure which would be best and again unsure on the deadlines and if I can do this at my old school.
I also will have to study for the UCAT Summer 2025 and need to do well (aiming for 2800+ and B1) I have done the UCAT before and got 2700 B2
Any advice, tough love, or resources would mean the world. I’m determined to make this work but need a reality check. Thanks in advance!
If I fail for the September 2026 academic year I have been looking at applying in Europe and studying there instead but my preference would be to study in the UK as I would be able to utilise student loans and not have to focus on learning language too.
So here are some of my other questions:
- How do I even retake exams? Do I contact my old school, or go private?
- Can I reuse practical endorsements (PAGS) for Chemistry/Biology? What about PE coursework/practical?
- Is jumping from Chem E → A and Bio C → A in 4 months realistic? or 1 and 1/2yrs? For me I feel it is as I know I put low effort into my A-Levels which I now regret and now I have the drive to work hard towards my goal
- Do dental schools prefer applicants with actual grades, or are predicted grades acceptable? I.E should I take my exams this year or next year?
Any responses will be appreciated!
Thanks in advance – any advice or shared experiences would mean the world!
Best Wishes to everyone reading!
I’m aiming to apply for Dentistry (BDS) October 2025 and need advice on retaking my A-levels/GCSEs.
I’m currently in a gap year after lacking direction during my first A-levels, but I’ve now found my passion for Dentistry and need to retake my grades. Here’s my situation:
Current Grades:
A-levels: Chemistry (E), Biology (C), PE (C).
GCSEs: English Lang (4), English Lit (7), Maths (6), Science (8-8), others mostly 7-9.
Gap Year Status: Already in one gap year but may need a second to retake.
Goal: Dentistry (BDS)
The Unis that accept resits (2024) and I can apply for Bristol, KCL, Plymouth, Leeds, or Sheffield. Will send out emails to confirm the 2025 entry requirements.
However,
- Leeds for A levels has 1 resit attempt (as in 1 year to retake all A-Levels) and Plymouth requires you to have the grades already for applications.
- Sheffield will require me to retake GCSE Maths and English to achieve 7s in each
- Bristol I will have to retake GCSE Maths to get a grade 7
- KCL I will have to retake my GCSE English language to achieve a 6
So for my GCSEs I need to retake my English Language (4 --> 7) and GCSE Maths (6-->7), I was considering doing this part this summer (2025)
And was also wondering who to get in touch with for this and the deadlines, Should I do this at my old school?
And for my A-levels I am unsure when to retake whether I do it this summer (2025) and apply with actual grades which need to be at least AAA or apply with predicted and retake next year (summer 2026), giving me more time to study but a longer period where I have to think about A-Levels, however I am unsure which would be best and again unsure on the deadlines and if I can do this at my old school.
I also will have to study for the UCAT Summer 2025 and need to do well (aiming for 2800+ and B1) I have done the UCAT before and got 2700 B2
Any advice, tough love, or resources would mean the world. I’m determined to make this work but need a reality check. Thanks in advance!
If I fail for the September 2026 academic year I have been looking at applying in Europe and studying there instead but my preference would be to study in the UK as I would be able to utilise student loans and not have to focus on learning language too.
So here are some of my other questions:
- How do I even retake exams? Do I contact my old school, or go private?
- Can I reuse practical endorsements (PAGS) for Chemistry/Biology? What about PE coursework/practical?
- Is jumping from Chem E → A and Bio C → A in 4 months realistic? or 1 and 1/2yrs? For me I feel it is as I know I put low effort into my A-Levels which I now regret and now I have the drive to work hard towards my goal
- Do dental schools prefer applicants with actual grades, or are predicted grades acceptable? I.E should I take my exams this year or next year?
Any responses will be appreciated!
Thanks in advance – any advice or shared experiences would mean the world!
Best Wishes to everyone reading!
You have already hit the required grades to study dentistry in the EU, i am doing that myself in slovakia year 4, the degree is immediately recognised in the UK upon completion and so you'd be in the same boat as UK grads, only difference, it won't be supported by Student Finance, so you'd have to be able to pay the 13.5k euros a year somehow. There are other european options, happy to advise you if you need it but I wouldn't give up on the dentistry dream, if it's your only option, I would consider it
Original post by the_stu_DENT
You have already hit the required grades to study dentistry in the EU, i am doing that myself in slovakia year 4, the degree is immediately recognised in the UK upon completion and so you'd be in the same boat as UK grads, only difference, it won't be supported by Student Finance, so you'd have to be able to pay the 13.5k euros a year somehow. There are other european options, happy to advise you if you need it but I wouldn't give up on the dentistry dream, if it's your only option, I would consider it
Hi how did you find this? Also after 2028 there’s a risk of overseas qualifications not getting recognised therefore you will need to sit the ORE exam
Original post by Wally2018
Hi how did you find this? Also after 2028 there’s a risk of overseas qualifications not getting recognised therefore you will need to sit the ORE exam
How did I find what exactly? And as for 2028 ... You won't need to sit the ORE. That's pure speculation. Over a third of dentists registered with the GDC last year were EU grads... Then on top of that was a chunk of foreign dentists that had to take the ORE. The remaining registrants were from the UK (graduated from UK unis) .. therefore implementing ORE on EU grads is suicide. There's more chance of it remaining than not if we see it in black and white. Moreover, Brexit was years ago and the GDC extended their initial timeline to 2023 then in 2023 they extended it again to 2028, the likelihood is another extension if not an indefinite exception for EU grads. I mean it's been in action for decades, if it ain't broke why fix it? From my sources on the inside (within the GDC and fully qualified experienced dentists) the ORE won't extend to EU grads after 2028. My advice is to go ahead and study abroad if you can't get into dentistry within the UK. I do it and am a strong advocate of it
feel free to get in touch . I also shared all this info on a vid on YouTube I made so you can check that out if you want. I go under the same name
Original post by JohnWalker1
Hi everyone,
I’m aiming to apply for Dentistry (BDS) October 2025 and need advice on retaking my A-levels/GCSEs.
I’m currently in a gap year after lacking direction during my first A-levels, but I’ve now found my passion for Dentistry and need to retake my grades. Here’s my situation:
Current Grades:
A-levels: Chemistry (E), Biology (C), PE (C).
GCSEs: English Lang (4), English Lit (7), Maths (6), Science (8-8), others mostly 7-9.
Gap Year Status: Already in one gap year but may need a second to retake.
Goal: Dentistry (BDS)
The Unis that accept resits (2024) and I can apply for Bristol, KCL, Plymouth, Leeds, or Sheffield. Will send out emails to confirm the 2025 entry requirements.
However,
- Leeds for A levels has 1 resit attempt (as in 1 year to retake all A-Levels) and Plymouth requires you to have the grades already for applications.
- Sheffield will require me to retake GCSE Maths and English to achieve 7s in each
- Bristol I will have to retake GCSE Maths to get a grade 7
- KCL I will have to retake my GCSE English language to achieve a 6
So for my GCSEs I need to retake my English Language (4 --> 7) and GCSE Maths (6-->7), I was considering doing this part this summer (2025)
And was also wondering who to get in touch with for this and the deadlines, Should I do this at my old school?
And for my A-levels I am unsure when to retake whether I do it this summer (2025) and apply with actual grades which need to be at least AAA or apply with predicted and retake next year (summer 2026), giving me more time to study but a longer period where I have to think about A-Levels, however I am unsure which would be best and again unsure on the deadlines and if I can do this at my old school.
I also will have to study for the UCAT Summer 2025 and need to do well (aiming for 2800+ and B1) I have done the UCAT before and got 2700 B2
Any advice, tough love, or resources would mean the world. I’m determined to make this work but need a reality check. Thanks in advance!
If I fail for the September 2026 academic year I have been looking at applying in Europe and studying there instead but my preference would be to study in the UK as I would be able to utilise student loans and not have to focus on learning language too.
So here are some of my other questions:
- How do I even retake exams? Do I contact my old school, or go private?
- Can I reuse practical endorsements (PAGS) for Chemistry/Biology? What about PE coursework/practical?
- Is jumping from Chem E → A and Bio C → A in 4 months realistic? or 1 and 1/2yrs? For me I feel it is as I know I put low effort into my A-Levels which I now regret and now I have the drive to work hard towards my goal
- Do dental schools prefer applicants with actual grades, or are predicted grades acceptable? I.E should I take my exams this year or next year?
Any responses will be appreciated!
Thanks in advance – any advice or shared experiences would mean the world!
Best Wishes to everyone reading!
I’m aiming to apply for Dentistry (BDS) October 2025 and need advice on retaking my A-levels/GCSEs.
I’m currently in a gap year after lacking direction during my first A-levels, but I’ve now found my passion for Dentistry and need to retake my grades. Here’s my situation:
Current Grades:
A-levels: Chemistry (E), Biology (C), PE (C).
GCSEs: English Lang (4), English Lit (7), Maths (6), Science (8-8), others mostly 7-9.
Gap Year Status: Already in one gap year but may need a second to retake.
Goal: Dentistry (BDS)
The Unis that accept resits (2024) and I can apply for Bristol, KCL, Plymouth, Leeds, or Sheffield. Will send out emails to confirm the 2025 entry requirements.
However,
- Leeds for A levels has 1 resit attempt (as in 1 year to retake all A-Levels) and Plymouth requires you to have the grades already for applications.
- Sheffield will require me to retake GCSE Maths and English to achieve 7s in each
- Bristol I will have to retake GCSE Maths to get a grade 7
- KCL I will have to retake my GCSE English language to achieve a 6
So for my GCSEs I need to retake my English Language (4 --> 7) and GCSE Maths (6-->7), I was considering doing this part this summer (2025)
And was also wondering who to get in touch with for this and the deadlines, Should I do this at my old school?
And for my A-levels I am unsure when to retake whether I do it this summer (2025) and apply with actual grades which need to be at least AAA or apply with predicted and retake next year (summer 2026), giving me more time to study but a longer period where I have to think about A-Levels, however I am unsure which would be best and again unsure on the deadlines and if I can do this at my old school.
I also will have to study for the UCAT Summer 2025 and need to do well (aiming for 2800+ and B1) I have done the UCAT before and got 2700 B2
Any advice, tough love, or resources would mean the world. I’m determined to make this work but need a reality check. Thanks in advance!
If I fail for the September 2026 academic year I have been looking at applying in Europe and studying there instead but my preference would be to study in the UK as I would be able to utilise student loans and not have to focus on learning language too.
So here are some of my other questions:
- How do I even retake exams? Do I contact my old school, or go private?
- Can I reuse practical endorsements (PAGS) for Chemistry/Biology? What about PE coursework/practical?
- Is jumping from Chem E → A and Bio C → A in 4 months realistic? or 1 and 1/2yrs? For me I feel it is as I know I put low effort into my A-Levels which I now regret and now I have the drive to work hard towards my goal
- Do dental schools prefer applicants with actual grades, or are predicted grades acceptable? I.E should I take my exams this year or next year?
Any responses will be appreciated!
Thanks in advance – any advice or shared experiences would mean the world!
Best Wishes to everyone reading!
Hi there! I'm not a dental student myself but if you happen to have any questions about Plymouth or uni in general, feel free to reach out!
Best of luck! 😊
-Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep
Have you considered a foundation year route? It’s highly competitive but so is dentistry - just an alternative route!
Original post by the_stu_DENT
You have already hit the required grades to study dentistry in the EU, i am doing that myself in slovakia year 4, the degree is immediately recognised in the UK upon completion and so you'd be in the same boat as UK grads, only difference, it won't be supported by Student Finance, so you'd have to be able to pay the 13.5k euros a year somehow. There are other european options, happy to advise you if you need it but I wouldn't give up on the dentistry dream, if it's your only option, I would consider it
Hi, im thinking of working for 2 years and applying abroad. Ive got AAA. Great GCSE grades too, enough to get in the UK. 4 A*, 3 A, 2B. I wanted to apply to bulgaria as the university fees suit me. Im looking for around £5000 a year for university fee. Which unis do that and will i be able to get into bulgaria. A dentist of mine said he got into it with BBC.
Original post by Moniqueeid
Have you considered a foundation year route? It’s highly competitive but so is dentistry - just an alternative route!
Foundation year is more competitive.
Original post by Kazuto0099
Hi, im thinking of working for 2 years and applying abroad. Ive got AAA. Great GCSE grades too, enough to get in the UK. 4 A*, 3 A, 2B. I wanted to apply to bulgaria as the university fees suit me. Im looking for around £5000 a year for university fee. Which unis do that and will i be able to get into bulgaria. A dentist of mine said he got into it with BBC.
Hey, you going abroad in EU with those grades is absolutely fine. But you gotta raise that budget. 9k I think Bulgaria is. UPJS which is my uni in Slovakia is 13500 euros... But it's a 5 year course. If you calculate, you'll save in the long run as you don't pay for a year of groceries, tuition, rent etc and you start earning earlier
Original post by JohnWalker1
Hi everyone,
I’m aiming to apply for Dentistry (BDS) October 2025 and need advice on retaking my A-levels/GCSEs.
I’m currently in a gap year after lacking direction during my first A-levels, but I’ve now found my passion for Dentistry and need to retake my grades. Here’s my situation:
Current Grades:
A-levels: Chemistry (E), Biology (C), PE (C).
GCSEs: English Lang (4), English Lit (7), Maths (6), Science (8-8), others mostly 7-9.
Gap Year Status: Already in one gap year but may need a second to retake.
Goal: Dentistry (BDS)
The Unis that accept resits (2024) and I can apply for Bristol, KCL, Plymouth, Leeds, or Sheffield. Will send out emails to confirm the 2025 entry requirements.
However,
- Leeds for A levels has 1 resit attempt (as in 1 year to retake all A-Levels) and Plymouth requires you to have the grades already for applications.
- Sheffield will require me to retake GCSE Maths and English to achieve 7s in each
- Bristol I will have to retake GCSE Maths to get a grade 7
- KCL I will have to retake my GCSE English language to achieve a 6
So for my GCSEs I need to retake my English Language (4 --> 7) and GCSE Maths (6-->7), I was considering doing this part this summer (2025)
And was also wondering who to get in touch with for this and the deadlines, Should I do this at my old school?
And for my A-levels I am unsure when to retake whether I do it this summer (2025) and apply with actual grades which need to be at least AAA or apply with predicted and retake next year (summer 2026), giving me more time to study but a longer period where I have to think about A-Levels, however I am unsure which would be best and again unsure on the deadlines and if I can do this at my old school.
I also will have to study for the UCAT Summer 2025 and need to do well (aiming for 2800+ and B1) I have done the UCAT before and got 2700 B2
Any advice, tough love, or resources would mean the world. I’m determined to make this work but need a reality check. Thanks in advance!
If I fail for the September 2026 academic year I have been looking at applying in Europe and studying there instead but my preference would be to study in the UK as I would be able to utilise student loans and not have to focus on learning language too.
So here are some of my other questions:
- How do I even retake exams? Do I contact my old school, or go private?
- Can I reuse practical endorsements (PAGS) for Chemistry/Biology? What about PE coursework/practical?
- Is jumping from Chem E → A and Bio C → A in 4 months realistic? or 1 and 1/2yrs? For me I feel it is as I know I put low effort into my A-Levels which I now regret and now I have the drive to work hard towards my goal
- Do dental schools prefer applicants with actual grades, or are predicted grades acceptable? I.E should I take my exams this year or next year?
Any responses will be appreciated!
Thanks in advance – any advice or shared experiences would mean the world!
Best Wishes to everyone reading!
I’m aiming to apply for Dentistry (BDS) October 2025 and need advice on retaking my A-levels/GCSEs.
I’m currently in a gap year after lacking direction during my first A-levels, but I’ve now found my passion for Dentistry and need to retake my grades. Here’s my situation:
Current Grades:
A-levels: Chemistry (E), Biology (C), PE (C).
GCSEs: English Lang (4), English Lit (7), Maths (6), Science (8-8), others mostly 7-9.
Gap Year Status: Already in one gap year but may need a second to retake.
Goal: Dentistry (BDS)
The Unis that accept resits (2024) and I can apply for Bristol, KCL, Plymouth, Leeds, or Sheffield. Will send out emails to confirm the 2025 entry requirements.
However,
- Leeds for A levels has 1 resit attempt (as in 1 year to retake all A-Levels) and Plymouth requires you to have the grades already for applications.
- Sheffield will require me to retake GCSE Maths and English to achieve 7s in each
- Bristol I will have to retake GCSE Maths to get a grade 7
- KCL I will have to retake my GCSE English language to achieve a 6
So for my GCSEs I need to retake my English Language (4 --> 7) and GCSE Maths (6-->7), I was considering doing this part this summer (2025)
And was also wondering who to get in touch with for this and the deadlines, Should I do this at my old school?
And for my A-levels I am unsure when to retake whether I do it this summer (2025) and apply with actual grades which need to be at least AAA or apply with predicted and retake next year (summer 2026), giving me more time to study but a longer period where I have to think about A-Levels, however I am unsure which would be best and again unsure on the deadlines and if I can do this at my old school.
I also will have to study for the UCAT Summer 2025 and need to do well (aiming for 2800+ and B1) I have done the UCAT before and got 2700 B2
Any advice, tough love, or resources would mean the world. I’m determined to make this work but need a reality check. Thanks in advance!
If I fail for the September 2026 academic year I have been looking at applying in Europe and studying there instead but my preference would be to study in the UK as I would be able to utilise student loans and not have to focus on learning language too.
So here are some of my other questions:
- How do I even retake exams? Do I contact my old school, or go private?
- Can I reuse practical endorsements (PAGS) for Chemistry/Biology? What about PE coursework/practical?
- Is jumping from Chem E → A and Bio C → A in 4 months realistic? or 1 and 1/2yrs? For me I feel it is as I know I put low effort into my A-Levels which I now regret and now I have the drive to work hard towards my goal
- Do dental schools prefer applicants with actual grades, or are predicted grades acceptable? I.E should I take my exams this year or next year?
Any responses will be appreciated!
Thanks in advance – any advice or shared experiences would mean the world!
Best Wishes to everyone reading!
Im going to be a little harsh. You have to completely change you as a person. Currently you seem lazy and unwilling to work, from evidence in the past. Hiw you do something is how you do everything. People cope by talking and telling their plans to others, it gives dopamine as if you completed them. YOU need go to your room and revise 6 hours a day MINIMUM. BASH past papers, every single one for every single subject you are retaking. MARK THEM. LEARN THE CONTENT FULLY ON EACH QUESTION YOU DIDNT DO WELL ON. REDO THEM UNTIL YOU GET A*. Learn content. And if your other subject contains case studies, you should memorise many, that interlink between topics.
Original post by Kazuto0099
Foundation year is more competitive.
Yes but some people have to get in so its worth considering and looking into as an alternative option.
Quick Reply
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