Can I Still Do Dentistry Without Chemistry A-Level?

Hi, I really want to do dentistry, but I think I picked the wrong A-Levels. I’m in year 12 currently studying AQA A-Level Biology, OCR A-Level Psychology, and a Level 3 Health and Social Care Certificate.
I got:
• GCSE Maths – 5
• GCSE English Language – 8
• GCSE English Literature – 9
In recent mocks
• A-Level Biology – A*
• A-Level Psychology – A*
• Level 3 Health & Social Care – A
I know most universities require Chemistry for dentistry, and I don’t take it. Some people have told me to drop out and start again with Chemistry, but I don’t really want to do that. Are there any alternative routes into dentistry for someone in my position? I originally wanted to do child nursing but have changed my mind. I want to do dentistry now especially because I can specialise in paediatrics and own my clinic or can I still that with dental hygiene and therapy? Do
I need to retake maths also?
For example:
• Are there foundation years for dentistry that I can apply for?
• Can I take Chemistry in a gap year and apply after?
• Would studying Dental Hygiene and Therapy first help me get into Dentistry later?
I’m really unsure about my options and would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

You could take a foundation year if eligible. very few unis don’t require chemistry for dentistry. As you have psychology A Level I think KCL or Bristol might work. However, if you don’t have a third A Level that may not work and dental schools may not accept BTEC. I would contact them to check.
You could try for graduate entry dentistry after doing a dental hygiene or similar degree, but keep in mind there are few dental graduate entry schools so it is competitive.
Doing chemistry in a gap year may be feasible, but would be tough to do it all in one year.

Hi, I really want to do dentistry, but I think I picked the wrong A-Levels. I’m in year 12 currently studying AQA A-Level Biology, OCR A-Level Psychology, and a Level 3 Health and Social Care Certificate.
I got:
• GCSE Maths – 5
• GCSE English Language – 8
• GCSE English Literature – 9
In recent mocks
• A-Level Biology – A*
• A-Level Psychology – A*
• Level 3 Health & Social Care – A
I know most universities require Chemistry for dentistry, and I don’t take it. Some people have told me to drop out and start again with Chemistry, but I don’t really want to do that. Are there any alternative routes into dentistry for someone in my position? I originally wanted to do child nursing but have changed my mind. I want to do dentistry now especially because I can specialise in paediatrics and own my clinic or can I still that with dental hygiene and therapy? Do
I need to retake maths also?
For example:
• Are there foundation years for dentistry that I can apply for?
• Can I take Chemistry in a gap year and apply after?
• Would studying Dental Hygiene and Therapy first help me get into Dentistry later?
I’m really unsure about my options and would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

2025 entry requirements for each UK Dent School :
DSC-Entry-Requirements-entry-2025.pdf

KCL, Plymouth and QMUL are the only ones you would be able to apply to without chemistry A Level.. I would definitely try pick up alevel chemistry when you can, as its limiting your choices otherwise..
I would definitely not do another degree with the hopes of graduate entry dentistry, as that is 10x more competitive than undergrad and you have to do the much harder GAMSAT instead of UCAT..

hey so i am going to retake year 12 and do chem biology and psychology and also resit maths thanks ☺️

Have you got your school's agreement to this?

no not yet 😭 it’s half term for me rn so my careers advisor hasn’t replied to my message yet but she was the one who told me about doing that so it’s likely they will agree and if not I’ll just join a new school in September!

Just be aware that schools have limitations on 'repeat years' - mainly because they may not get any government funding for you, so it would be a good idea to get this agreement asap.