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optometry vs dentistry

If anyone is doing optometry or dentistry, could you please help me?
im currently in year 11, but im thinking about whether to do optometry or dentistry at uni. ive considered a lot of pros vs cons but idk which would be better.
everything about optometry seems good but theres just 2 things; salary and university choices. salary is quite a big factor for me and ie seen some people say optom isnt fincancially worthwhile. also there not many uni choices, and only 2 russel group unis which are too far for me. ive always dreamed of attending a russel group uni or at least a uni that is seen as one of the uk's top ones, but the best options are city uni.
as for dentistry, im worried about the competitiveness and the stress of doing it. is it too much? will i be able to handle it? whats gonna happen if i get rejected? ive also wanted to go to kcl for a long time, so tht can only happen if i do dentistry.
please help me lmao idk what to do

Reply 1

Hi.

To be clear with you, Dentistry is highly competitive, its no joke. Your GCSEs and A levels grades, any work experience and the UCAT. The UCAT is quite intense and you will absolutely the highest score possible. This isn't to scare you, but to be real. You could even line optometry up as an insurance.

Optometry is not nearly as difficult to get into, i can only speak anecdotally, but financially it can be rewarding. When its compared to dentistry, its clear if finances are your main objective or a priority, then try for dentistry.

Both courses are long time commitment. Dentistry will be 5 years uni and an additional 1-2 in foundation training. Optom will be 3 years uni and 1 year in placement.

Be very sure on your choice before you attend uni. I hope this helps and good luck.
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

Original post by mxhxna
If anyone is doing optometry or dentistry, could you please help me?
im currently in year 11, but im thinking about whether to do optometry or dentistry at uni. ive considered a lot of pros vs cons but idk which would be better.
everything about optometry seems good but theres just 2 things; salary and university choices. salary is quite a big factor for me and ie seen some people say optom isnt fincancially worthwhile. also there not many uni choices, and only 2 russel group unis which are too far for me. ive always dreamed of attending a russel group uni or at least a uni that is seen as one of the uk's top ones, but the best options are city uni.
as for dentistry, im worried about the competitiveness and the stress of doing it. is it too much? will i be able to handle it? whats gonna happen if i get rejected? ive also wanted to go to kcl for a long time, so tht can only happen if i do dentistry.
please help me lmao idk what to do

Hi, currently you should focus on your GCSEs and get the best grades you can, in order for you to do the required a levels for both courses I.e a level biology and chemistry.

Both careers are rewarding, but don’t just choose a course solely on the financial aspect. Although you may get paid more as a dentist, it is very hard, going through more years at university then post university going through training etc.

Why don’t you do work experience for both and see which one YOU like and what you could genuinely see yourself doing in the future.

Indeed, dentistry is EXTREMELY competitive and even the best grades doesn’t correlate with you necessarily getting an offer.

You need to seriously sit down and evaluate the pros and cons for both careers, however your focus should be revising for your GCSEs and exceeding the minimum requirements

Reply 3

Original post by mxhxna
If anyone is doing optometry or dentistry, could you please help me?
im currently in year 11, but im thinking about whether to do optometry or dentistry at uni. ive considered a lot of pros vs cons but idk which would be better.
everything about optometry seems good but theres just 2 things; salary and university choices. salary is quite a big factor for me and ie seen some people say optom isnt fincancially worthwhile. also there not many uni choices, and only 2 russel group unis which are too far for me. ive always dreamed of attending a russel group uni or at least a uni that is seen as one of the uk's top ones, but the best options are city uni.
as for dentistry, im worried about the competitiveness and the stress of doing it. is it too much? will i be able to handle it? whats gonna happen if i get rejected? ive also wanted to go to kcl for a long time, so tht can only happen if i do dentistry.
please help me lmao idk what to do


I am a current year 13 student and offer holder for University of Manchester Dentistry and awaiting decisions from KCL and Newcastle. And I can tell you that pursuing dentistry or optometry is not about the degree but the profession. Ultimately you study to become either an optometrist or a dentist. And you need to consider which career is best for you not so much the uni/degree. I would 100% recommend waiting and concentrating on getting solid GCSEs, and in your summer break look for both dental and optometry work experience, because then you can understand more what’s best for you. Also make use of speaking to dentists, optometrists and students to gauge an understanding. Additionally do not be closed minded in just these 2 professions. If you are considering these it is likely that you like Sciences and Healthcare. Look into other professions wether that is research or medicine, or something else.

Reply 4

Original post by Jeevan Dosanjh
I am a current year 13 student and offer holder for University of Manchester Dentistry and awaiting decisions from KCL and Newcastle. And I can tell you that pursuing dentistry or optometry is not about the degree but the profession. Ultimately you study to become either an optometrist or a dentist. And you need to consider which career is best for you not so much the uni/degree. I would 100% recommend waiting and concentrating on getting solid GCSEs, and in your summer break look for both dental and optometry work experience, because then you can understand more what’s best for you. Also make use of speaking to dentists, optometrists and students to gauge an understanding. Additionally do not be closed minded in just these 2 professions. If you are considering these it is likely that you like Sciences and Healthcare. Look into other professions wether that is research or medicine, or something else.

Brilliant insightful reply. Manchester chose well, congratulations and I hope you have a long and happy career.

Reply 5

Original post by Osterley
Brilliant insightful reply. Manchester chose well, congratulations and I hope you have a long and happy career.


Thank you, I appreciate the kind words!! I have just firmed King’s College London. Hopefully I achieve my A-Levels now!!

Reply 6

Original post by Jeevan Dosanjh
Thank you, I appreciate the kind words!! I have just firmed King’s College London. Hopefully I achieve my A-Levels now!!

Fabulous! Please do stay on TSR to offer other students contemporary application advice.

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