Does applying for dentistry programmes increase my chances?

Hiya, I came to UK late and started high school in yr11 at February. Due to that I didn’t have complete GCSEs but i managed to get 98 in combined , 8 in math, 3 in english language in just 1-2 months of preparation. I applied for sixth form , decided to do 3 years to adapt to education system, i did applied science certificate- achieved Merit , as level math, and english resit achieved 4.
I am so insecure about my 4 in English language. I will retake this on may, I want to apply to dentistry next year in yr13.
I applied for MAC - (Manchester access programme) for dentistry, completed springpod dental virtual experience and want to apply for Liverpool’s dentistry programme as well.
By the way I am currently studying hard on A level biology, chemistry and mathematics wishing to get A*AA
My question is: will applying those programmes increase my chances of getting in? And will my GCSE portfolio and 3 years in college can look bad on my application and reduce chances? When should I start preparing for UCAT?