law or dentistry?
im in year 11 but ive changed my mind for a levels, i was going to do engineering (phys maths graphics) but the salary and hours didnt seem worth it, so now im looking into law and dentistry? i know they're two completely different fields but i do have to pick something soon to reapply for sixth form 💔 i guess dentistrys super competitive so id have to do bio chem maths only? whereas law seems to have much more lenient choices for a levels
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
Reply 1
I would say just go with something you want to do.. dentistry means you need to be whiffing off people's breaths, seeing rotten bits in people's teeth and gums and at times you would be doing tooth extraction, which needs a lot of physical strength and effort.
Reply 2
Original post
by slinkybubim in year 11 but ive changed my mind for a levels, i was going to do engineering (phys maths graphics) but the salary and hours didnt seem worth it, so now im looking into law and dentistry? i know they're two completely different fields but i do have to pick something soon to reapply for sixth form 💔 i guess dentistrys super competitive so id have to do bio chem maths only? whereas law seems to have much more lenient choices for a levels
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
Law on the other hand requires long working hours, loads of reading and you need to get a further license. If you are happy with reading long passages of text and going through millions of cases then that is ok for you
Reply 3
Original post
by slinkybubim in year 11 but ive changed my mind for a levels, i was going to do engineering (phys maths graphics) but the salary and hours didnt seem worth it, so now im looking into law and dentistry? i know they're two completely different fields but i do have to pick something soon to reapply for sixth form 💔 i guess dentistrys super competitive so id have to do bio chem maths only? whereas law seems to have much more lenient choices for a levels
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
Hey @slinkybub,
If you're not keen on either career, it may be worth having a rethink. Remember that you don't have to choose your exact degree focus yet - instead, you could choose A-Level subjects which can meet the entry requirements for degrees across multiple fields (Maths, Science, etc.).
Biology, Chemistry and Maths is a good combination for Dentistry as well as lots of other STEM degrees. On the other hand, lots of Law courses don't have a preferred subject combination - in which case, you could still apply to Law degrees with Biology, Chemistry and Maths if you eventually decide you're not pursuing a STEM-based degree.
Have you spoken to any teachers or any careers advisors in your school? They may be able to point out some careers you haven't considered yet that still have creative aspects.
Hope this helps,
Eve (Kingston Rep).
Original post
by slinkybubim in year 11 but ive changed my mind for a levels, i was going to do engineering (phys maths graphics) but the salary and hours didnt seem worth it, so now im looking into law and dentistry? i know they're two completely different fields but i do have to pick something soon to reapply for sixth form 💔 i guess dentistrys super competitive so id have to do bio chem maths only? whereas law seems to have much more lenient choices for a levels
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
If you arent keen on either, then it may be worth a rethink.
How about something like teaching?
Reply 5
Original post
by slinkybubim in year 11 but ive changed my mind for a levels, i was going to do engineering (phys maths graphics) but the salary and hours didnt seem worth it, so now im looking into law and dentistry? i know they're two completely different fields but i do have to pick something soon to reapply for sixth form 💔 i guess dentistrys super competitive so id have to do bio chem maths only? whereas law seems to have much more lenient choices for a levels
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
you definitely don't have to do maths as well btw, its not preferred or weighted etc for dentistry. So you could even do bio chem + an essay subject or arts that may make it easier for you to be sure in ur decision later
Reply 6
Original post
by slinkybubim in year 11 but ive changed my mind for a levels, i was going to do engineering (phys maths graphics) but the salary and hours didnt seem worth it, so now im looking into law and dentistry? i know they're two completely different fields but i do have to pick something soon to reapply for sixth form 💔 i guess dentistrys super competitive so id have to do bio chem maths only? whereas law seems to have much more lenient choices for a levels
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
Hi there,
I can totally relate to the dilemma of choosing at sixth form😢. I would suggest researching career prospects of both and speaking to students from both law and dentistry to get an idea of the day-to-day life which would help you discover which path aligns with your interests better. I am a 3rd year law student and I enjoy my course despite it being stressful as it aligns with my interest.
Most unis do not have subject requirements for law. I would say that having at least one essay based subjects would be helpful as there are lots of essays and writing in law school so having the experience could be useful. I did maths, business and English lit for A levels
Some uni might have subject requirement or a list of non-preffered subjects I would suggest looking directly at the uni's website if you have any particular uni in mind. If you have any questions please feel free to ask away.😊
Best wishes
uni of Kent student reps
Reply 7
Original post
by slinkybubim in year 11 but ive changed my mind for a levels, i was going to do engineering (phys maths graphics) but the salary and hours didnt seem worth it, so now im looking into law and dentistry? i know they're two completely different fields but i do have to pick something soon to reapply for sixth form 💔 i guess dentistrys super competitive so id have to do bio chem maths only? whereas law seems to have much more lenient choices for a levels
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
right now i don't really want to do either honestly but thats just bc i wanted to do something creative as a career (which would only pay horribly) so once i start studying for either ill probably get more interested
i definitely have the grades for both, but i dont really know what to do
tldr law or dentistry? and which a level combos would be good for them?
Dentistry and law are very different paths and your A-level choices will shape which is realistic: dentistry is highly competitive and usually requires biology and chemistry, often with Maths depending on your desired university choices whereas law is much more flexible with no specific requirements, so essay-or analysis- based subjects like english, history or politics work well. Please think if these are your enjoyed subjects by doing some research.
Trenyce (kingston rep)
Reply 8
4
Original post
by Kingston EveHey @slinkybub,
If you're not keen on either career, it may be worth having a rethink. Remember that you don't have to choose your exact degree focus yet - instead, you could choose A-Level subjects which can meet the entry requirements for degrees across multiple fields (Maths, Science, etc.).
Biology, Chemistry and Maths is a good combination for Dentistry as well as lots of other STEM degrees. On the other hand, lots of Law courses don't have a preferred subject combination - in which case, you could still apply to Law degrees with Biology, Chemistry and Maths if you eventually decide you're not pursuing a STEM-based degree.
Have you spoken to any teachers or any careers advisors in your school? They may be able to point out some careers you haven't considered yet that still have creative aspects.
Hope this helps,
Eve (Kingston Rep).
If you're not keen on either career, it may be worth having a rethink. Remember that you don't have to choose your exact degree focus yet - instead, you could choose A-Level subjects which can meet the entry requirements for degrees across multiple fields (Maths, Science, etc.).
Biology, Chemistry and Maths is a good combination for Dentistry as well as lots of other STEM degrees. On the other hand, lots of Law courses don't have a preferred subject combination - in which case, you could still apply to Law degrees with Biology, Chemistry and Maths if you eventually decide you're not pursuing a STEM-based degree.
Have you spoken to any teachers or any careers advisors in your school? They may be able to point out some careers you haven't considered yet that still have creative aspects.
Hope this helps,
Eve (Kingston Rep).
hi! ive been thinking and maybe i could do chem maths and english lit ? id still be able to do dentistry at unis like kcl and law would still be an option. ive already spoken to an adviser but that was before i changed my mind so ill have to rebook it, but i think ive more accepted my options
Reply 9
4
Original post
by Emma:-)If you arent keen on either, then it may be worth a rethink.
How about something like teaching?
How about something like teaching?
teaching could be good, but im not sure about the pay, but i could always transfer into it if law or dentistry doesnt work out
Reply 10
4
Original post
by O1iviryou definitely don't have to do maths as well btw, its not preferred or weighted etc for dentistry. So you could even do bio chem + an essay subject or arts that may make it easier for you to be sure in ur decision later
this is actually so helpful bc i didnt know that at all 😭😭 i think im gonna do chem maths and eng lit to keep both open but i might swap english for an art depending on how unis feel abt it!! thank u sm!!
Reply 11
4
Original post
by Uni of Kent 1Hi there,
I can totally relate to the dilemma of choosing at sixth form😢. I would suggest researching career prospects of both and speaking to students from both law and dentistry to get an idea of the day-to-day life which would help you discover which path aligns with your interests better. I am a 3rd year law student and I enjoy my course despite it being stressful as it aligns with my interest.
Most unis do not have subject requirements for law. I would say that having at least one essay based subjects would be helpful as there are lots of essays and writing in law school so having the experience could be useful. I did maths, business and English lit for A levels
Some uni might have subject requirement or a list of non-preffered subjects I would suggest looking directly at the uni's website if you have any particular uni in mind. If you have any questions please feel free to ask away.😊
Best wishes
uni of Kent student reps
I can totally relate to the dilemma of choosing at sixth form😢. I would suggest researching career prospects of both and speaking to students from both law and dentistry to get an idea of the day-to-day life which would help you discover which path aligns with your interests better. I am a 3rd year law student and I enjoy my course despite it being stressful as it aligns with my interest.
Most unis do not have subject requirements for law. I would say that having at least one essay based subjects would be helpful as there are lots of essays and writing in law school so having the experience could be useful. I did maths, business and English lit for A levels
Some uni might have subject requirement or a list of non-preffered subjects I would suggest looking directly at the uni's website if you have any particular uni in mind. If you have any questions please feel free to ask away.😊
Best wishes
uni of Kent student reps
im planning on speaking to an advisor soon! thank you for ur insight on law, ive been looking more into it and i think i do have an interest 😸 you might not have an answer yet but have you found it difficult to get work experience or a job? apparently theres not a lot of places bc its oversubscribed so im not sure how to go about that 💔 no worries if u dont know!
Original post
by slinkybubteaching could be good, but im not sure about the pay, but i could always transfer into it if law or dentistry doesnt work out
Yeah teaching is deffo worth thinking about. There will always be jobs in teaching.
Reply 13
Hi @slinkybub,
You’re absolutely right that law gives you much more flexibility with A-levels. For law, universities don’t require specific subjects and you don’t even need to study law at university to become a lawyer. So your A-levels could be essay-based (e.g. History, English, Politics) or a mix including Maths, it’s quite open.
Dentistry is very different. It arguably has stricter subject requirements. Most dental schools will expect Biology and Chemistry, and many applicants also take Maths. So if you wanted to keep dentistry open, you’d realistically need Bio + Chem and probably Maths as you rightly mention.
On salary and hours, I’d probably stray away from law. In almost all areas of law, the hours can be long and salaries will be low. That said, the salary can be high (particularly in big commercial law firms), which can offset that, but it’s still demanding.
Dentistry is generally more stable and structured once qualified, but it’s very competitive to get into, and you’ll study for longer, meaning more student debt before you start earning lucratively.
Also, it’s completely okay that you “don’t really want to do either” right now. That’s actually important information.
If your heart is more creative, maybe ask yourself:
Every career has trade-offs. Law = flexibility and varied routes, but potentially long hours.
Dentistry = structured and stable, but intense training and competitive entry. Engineering would have had its own trade-offs too.
Since you’re in Year 11, one practical strategy could be: pick A-levels that keep the most doors open. Bio + Chem would keep dentistry open. Maths keeps a lot of paths open too. Law doesn’t require specific subjects, so it’s easier to pivot into later.
When you feel stuck like this, try listing what matters most to you long term. Is it stability, income ceiling, work-life balance, career progression, creativity, helping people directly, flexibility, length of training etc. and see which voice is the loudest essentially.
Hope that helps, happy to answer any follow ups!
Ronak
You’re absolutely right that law gives you much more flexibility with A-levels. For law, universities don’t require specific subjects and you don’t even need to study law at university to become a lawyer. So your A-levels could be essay-based (e.g. History, English, Politics) or a mix including Maths, it’s quite open.
Dentistry is very different. It arguably has stricter subject requirements. Most dental schools will expect Biology and Chemistry, and many applicants also take Maths. So if you wanted to keep dentistry open, you’d realistically need Bio + Chem and probably Maths as you rightly mention.
On salary and hours, I’d probably stray away from law. In almost all areas of law, the hours can be long and salaries will be low. That said, the salary can be high (particularly in big commercial law firms), which can offset that, but it’s still demanding.
Dentistry is generally more stable and structured once qualified, but it’s very competitive to get into, and you’ll study for longer, meaning more student debt before you start earning lucratively.
Also, it’s completely okay that you “don’t really want to do either” right now. That’s actually important information.
If your heart is more creative, maybe ask yourself:
•
Do I want financial stability first and creativity on the side?
•
Or would I regret not at least exploring a creative path?
Dentistry = structured and stable, but intense training and competitive entry. Engineering would have had its own trade-offs too.
Since you’re in Year 11, one practical strategy could be: pick A-levels that keep the most doors open. Bio + Chem would keep dentistry open. Maths keeps a lot of paths open too. Law doesn’t require specific subjects, so it’s easier to pivot into later.
When you feel stuck like this, try listing what matters most to you long term. Is it stability, income ceiling, work-life balance, career progression, creativity, helping people directly, flexibility, length of training etc. and see which voice is the loudest essentially.
Hope that helps, happy to answer any follow ups!
Ronak
Reply 14
Original post
by slinkybubim planning on speaking to an advisor soon! thank you for ur insight on law, ive been looking more into it and i think i do have an interest 😸 you might not have an answer yet but have you found it difficult to get work experience or a job? apparently theres not a lot of places bc its oversubscribed so im not sure how to go about that 💔 no worries if u dont know!
Hi,
Work experiences for law is extremely hard since it’s already a competitive course with a lot of students studying it. Law also requires further training and licensing. If you could get any unpaid experiences (e.g., courts or admin in a firm) then that may ease your journey in licensing and training.
-Sarah (Kingston Rep)
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