How much does it cost to become a dentist?

To do a standard 5-year degree, tuition fees for UK students are approximately £9,250 a year, so in total this will cost around £46,000. Always check with the institution as prices may vary from year to year. You will need to factor in your living costs whilst at university, visit our cost of living page to check for average costs. Following graduation you will have additional costs to register with the General Dental Council (GDC). You will then need to factor in future expenses associated with continuing professional development, though some employers may fund these for you.

Where can I study dentistry in the UK?

Unlike most other degree choices, there are only a small number of universities in the UK with an accredited dental school. Our School of Medicine and Dentistry is one of these few. Explore our dentistry subjects .

How can I become a Dental Therapist?

The route to become a Dental Therapist is similar to a Dental Surgeon but your degree may only last 3 years. You will still need to undertake practical experience and apply to the GDC. View our Dental Therapy degree for further information on this route.

Becoming a Dentist | Step by Step Guide

Q: What work experience do I need to become a dentist?

Before you start university (optional work experience) A career in dentistry can be demanding so it’s worth considering work experience in the area to see if it’s right for you. This could be a role working in a dental practice; on reception or shadowing a dental professional. During your degree You will undertake practical experience in the form of clinical placements. Following your registration with the GDC You will need to complete one or two years of supervised practice before becoming fully registered. Online resources Become a student member of the British Dental Association (BDA) and gain access to useful online resources. The resource provides careers, interview advice and more.

Dentistry is a varied and rewarding career choice. In this article, we'll take you through the steps of how to become a dentist in the UK.

Why become a dentist?

Dentists in the UK are in high demand with high earning potential. Dentists positively impact the lives of their patients, relieving pain and restoring confidence.

The journey to become a dentist may be lengthy and demanding, but the rewards are worthwhile.

Examining, diagnosing and treating dental diseases and disorders.
Performing various dental procedures such as cleaning, filling, extracting, repairing and whitening teeth.
Ordering and interpreting X-rays and other diagnostic tests.
Creating treatment plans for patients.
Educating patients about the importance of oral health and hygiene.
Monitoring the development of the teeth and jaws.
Keeping clinical records and liaising with specialists.

Private practice, either on their own or in partnership with other dentists.
Teaching and research for dental schools, universities, or research institutions.
Government agencies or dental corporations, providing dental care or promoting dental health.
Dental product development, working for companies that create dental products or technologies.
Dental specialists, in the fields of orthodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, or endodontics.
Dental support roles, such as dental hygienist, dental assistant, lab technician, or community dental coordinator.

How to become a dentist in the UK

To become a qualified dentist, you'll need to commit to a five-year degree course, on the job training, and continued professional development. Take a look at our timeline to becoming a qualified dentist:

How long does it take to become a dentist in the UK?

Study an undergraduate degree in Dentistry

You will need to complete an undergraduate degree in Dentistry. This normally takes 4-5 years. The University of Central Lancashire is one of only a handful of universities to have an accredited Dental School.

Our Dental Surgery BDS degree is a four year course. We put an emphasis on practical, real-word experience. During your first year, you will be based in our Dental School. You will develop your clinical skills and knowledge, as well as an understanding of how the human body works.

You will spend the rest of your degree in one of our local community Dental Education Centres. You will treat patients under the supervision of one of our experts. This includes secondary care oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and restorative dentistry. You'll also be able to supervise patients throughout their whole treatment journey. This will give you the practical experience and clinical skills you need for success.

This course is accredited by the General Dental Council.

Register with the General Dental Council (GDC).

This is the regulatory body for dentists in the UK. The GDC is responsible for setting standards and ensuring dentists are fit to practice.

To register with the GDC, you must pass an exam and demonstrate you have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice as a dentist.

To be eligible for GDC registration you will:

Meet certain criteria set by the General Dental Council
Have completed an approved dental degree program and hold a recognised qualification
Have completed the required hours of clinical practice
Will be of good character and health (background checks and a health declaration form will form part of your application).

Further study

You may choose to specialise in a particular area of dentistry, such as prosthodontics or endodontics.

Our MSc Prosthodontics course will allow you to offer prosthodontics in your practice. This can increase your earning potential. Most of the learning is delivered online, so you can fit studying around work. You'll gain 20 days of clinical practice, supervised by our experts.

Our MSc Endodontology will allow you to offer endodontics. This course combines home study with supervised clinical practice. You will attend 20 days of practice, where you'll learn to assess, undertake and lead clinical treatment.

Continuing professional development

To maintain your membership of the GDC you will need to submit records of your continuing professional development (CPD).

CPD is a vital part of the regulatory system that protects the public and patients. CPD courses can be studied to meet your personal development plan and are often supported by your employer.

Frequently asked questions

Qualifications in chemistry or biology are requirements for most universities, with physics and mathematics also viewed as relevant subjects. The expected grade standards for dentistry are generally higher than most subjects:

GCSEs
Include: science subjects, mathematics, English language.

Also desirable: second language, social sciences.

A Levels
Entry requirements range from BBB to AAA, with the universities and colleges most commonly asking for AAA in chemistry, biology, physics or mathematics

It’s best to check on the specific programme you’re interested in, as entry requirements can vary.

To do a standard 5-year degree, tuition fees for UK students are approximately £9,250 a year, so in total this will cost around £46,000. Always check with the institution as prices may vary from year to year.
You will need to factor in your living costs whilst at university, visit our cost of living page to check for average costs.
Following graduation you will have additional costs to register with the General Dental Council (GDC).
You will then need to factor in future expenses associated with continuing professional development, though some employers may fund these for you.

Before you start university (optional work experience)
A career in dentistry can be demanding so it’s worth considering work experience in the area to see if it’s right for you. This could be a role working in a dental practice; on reception or shadowing a dental professional.

During your degree
You will undertake practical experience in the form of clinical placements.

Following your registration with the GDC
You will need to complete one or two years of supervised practice before becoming fully registered.

Online resources
Become a student member of the British Dental Association (BDA) and gain access to useful online resources. The resource provides careers, interview advice and more.

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I loved getting hands on experience so early on in the course and I think the facilities here are great.

Hannah Silberstein

BDS Dentistry
United Kingdom

Where next?

Course
Clinical Dental Technology, BSc (Hons)
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Dental Studies (Dental Care Professionals), BSc (Hons)
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Dental Surgery, BDS
Course
Dental Surgery (International Route), BDS
Course
Prosthodontics, MSc

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Prosthodontics, MSc

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Start your journey to your dream career

How to become a dentist in the UK

How long does it take to become a dentist in the UK?

Frequently asked questions

What GCSEs and A Levels do I need to become a dentist?

How much does it cost to become a dentist?

What work experience do I need to become a dentist?

Where can I study dentistry in the UK?

How can I become a Dental Therapist?

Hear from our dentistry graduates

Dentistry graduate Usama talks about helping dentists abroad

Endodontology graduate Rose Thomas talks about her career in dentistry

Oral Surgery alumnus reflects on his career journey

Where next?

Clinical Dental Technology, BSc (Hons)

Dental Studies (Dental Care Professionals), BSc (Hons)

Dental Therapy, BSc (Hons)

Dental Surgery, BDS

Dental Surgery (International Route), BDS

Prosthodontics, MSc