Dentistry

To any current or qualified dental students, how did you guarantee yourself that spot?
Also, are there certain universities which won't look at my dental-heavy personal statement for my 5th option as pharmacy in case I get rejected from dentistry.
Finally, thoughts on a gap year?
Thanks

No one can guarantee a dental place; the closest you get is ticking every box hard: strong grades, solid work experience, and smashing the interview (and UCAT if needed). Apply early + prep like it’s a job.
For your 5th choice (Pharmacy): most universities won’t “penalise” you for a dentistry-leaning statement, but some might question commitment. Best fix = add 1 short paragraph that links your interest to pharmacy too (patient care, medicines, teamwork) so it still reads believable. Great idea if you use it well, more dental experience, UCAT retake, interview prep, volunteering/paid care work. If you’re just taking a break with no plan, it won’t help much.