dentistry without alevel bio

Hi guys,
I’m currently a year 12 student studying chemistry, maths and psychology. I want to study dentistry however at gcse i didn’t get the required grade for biology to study it at alevel at my school (i got a 6 i needed a 7) Rather than moving school i decided to stay as my school is good for academics as its a grammar school. I realised later on that most universities need alevel biology to study dentistry except from kcl, Queen mary, and Bristol. However these unis are very competitive and if i don’t get into them should i take a gap year and do bio? I’ve heard universities don’t like it when you take a gap year to take a subject. Pls help and tell me what i can do.
Many thanks

Reply 1

Logic1

12

Original post by dorsa25p

Hi guys,
I’m currently a year 12 student studying chemistry, maths and psychology. I want to study dentistry however at gcse i didn’t get the required grade for biology to study it at alevel at my school (i got a 6 i needed a 7) Rather than moving school i decided to stay as my school is good for academics as its a grammar school. I realised later on that most universities need alevel biology to study dentistry except from kcl, Queen mary, and Bristol. However these unis are very competitive and if i don’t get into them should i take a gap year and do bio? I’ve heard universities don’t like it when you take a gap year to take a subject. Pls help and tell me what i can do.
Many thanks

What are you GCSEs grades and have you got your ucas grade or I am assuming it is based on your AS level official exams?

Reply 2

McGinger

20

2025 Entry Requirements for each UK Dental School - UK dental school entry requirements - Dental Schools Council
Dental Officer Cadet | Royal Navy
PS. Most Unis do not care how/when you do any extra A levels.

Reply 3

dorsa25p

OP

2

Original post by Logic1

What are you GCSEs grades and have you got your ucas grade or I am assuming it is based on your AS level official exams?

i haven’t done my mocks yet or anything to do with ucas yet. My gcse grades were:
Maths - 8
English Language- 7
English lit - 5
Biology - 6
Chemistry - 7
Physics - 7
History - 6
German - 7
RS -7
Product Design - 4

Reply 4

UCLan_Sophia

Official Rep

8

Original post by dorsa25p

Hi guys,
I’m currently a year 12 student studying chemistry, maths and psychology. I want to study dentistry however at gcse i didn’t get the required grade for biology to study it at alevel at my school (i got a 6 i needed a 7) Rather than moving school i decided to stay as my school is good for academics as its a grammar school. I realised later on that most universities need alevel biology to study dentistry except from kcl, Queen mary, and Bristol. However these unis are very competitive and if i don’t get into them should i take a gap year and do bio? I’ve heard universities don’t like it when you take a gap year to take a subject. Pls help and tell me what i can do.
Many thanks

Hi @dorsa25p ,

I'd love to provide some advice on this topic!

I firstly recommend applying for those universities as it provides you an opportunity to still study dentistry next year. In order to make yourself a more competitive candidate, improve upon your skills and experiences. I recommend doing some volunteering or see if there is a possibility of work experience within your chosen field. Take this year to really gain experiences to show your passion for the subject.

I also recommend seeing if any university offers a foundation course for this subject which may have different requirements.

If your determined to take dentistry and you don't get into one of these options, do a gap year. You can work on getting your A-level in biology while also continuing to make yourself a more competitive candidate.

I wish you luck, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (Business and Management)

Reply 5

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

11

Original post by dorsa25p

Hi guys,
I’m currently a year 12 student studying chemistry, maths and psychology. I want to study dentistry however at gcse i didn’t get the required grade for biology to study it at alevel at my school (i got a 6 i needed a 7) Rather than moving school i decided to stay as my school is good for academics as its a grammar school. I realised later on that most universities need alevel biology to study dentistry except from kcl, Queen mary, and Bristol. However these unis are very competitive and if i don’t get into them should i take a gap year and do bio? I’ve heard universities don’t like it when you take a gap year to take a subject. Pls help and tell me what i can do.
Many thanks

Hey @dorsa25p,

As Sophia said above, if you're passionate and settled on studying Dentistry, it's worthwhile to apply to KCL, Queen Mary and Bristol regardless of how competitive they are (dentistry courses will likely be very competitive no matter where you apply).

If you don't get accepted into these universities on your first admissions cycle, you can always take a gap year and study Biology either by yourself or through a local college. Most universities are perfectly understanding towards students who take gap years to pick up another A-Level subject, so I wouldn't worry too much about being left at a disadvantage compared to other applicants. However, during this time it might also be a good idea to try and get some relevant work experience (e.g. volunteering at a hospital or a local dental clinic) to support your application further.

Best of luck,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

dentistry without alevel bio

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