How many A-Levels should I take for Dentistry, which subjects should I take and what grades do I need?
Does this sound familiar to you?
You will be pleased to hear that you are not required to be psychic and guess what subjects Dental Schools require you to be taking. Dental Schools will state on their website the required grade but not necessarily which subjects they should be or even how many subjects you should take.
Here is everything you need to know about the A-Levels required to become a Dentist.
Which A-Level Subjects Do Dental Schools Require?
If you are wanting to study Dentistry, then expect to be required to have Chemistry as one of your subjects.
With this in mind, it would be strongly recommended to also take Biology, with the majority of courses either deeming it essential or a preferred subject.
However, it is important to remember that if you only choose one of Chemistry or Biology there will be fewer Dentistry courses available to you.
Maths and Physics are also suggested as the third subject choice.
Which, as expected, means Chemistry, Biology and Maths or Physics is the best subject combination choice for you and will keep all Dentistry courses open to you.
Interestingly many Dental Schools, such as Birmingham, Liverpool and Plymouth advise taking a third subject away from the sciences to be able to demonstrate and apply a wider scope of knowledge.
Furthermore, if you are planning on applying to King’s College London and are thinking of studying Maths and Further Maths at A-Level they will not consider Further Maths as the third A-Level.
What Do Dental Schools Say About A-Level Choices?
If we take a look some of the top Dental Schools in the country, we can see clearly what subjects they require applicants to be taking to have a better understand of what is expected.
King’s College London
A*AA at A-Level including Biology or Chemistry, in addition to studying one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology. If Maths is being used to meet the subject requirement, then they cannot consider Further Maths as the third A-Level. Please note that A-Levels in General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills, and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King’s as one of your A-Levels. If you are taking linear A-Levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all science subjects.
Newcastle University
AAA at A-Level including Chemistry and Biology (including a pass in the science practical components). Contextual offers are typically BBB at A-Level or equivalent, subject to attending a summer school.
Queen’s University Belfast
AAA at A-Level including Biology/Human Biology and Chemistry. GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4 is required if not offered at AS-Level or A-Level. For A-Level School Leavers, a maximum of one Applied A-Level will be counted. Please also note that only one Mathematics subject will be counted at A-Level. A-Level Critical Thinking and both A-Level and AS-Level General Studies are not acceptable.
University of Birmingham
AAA at A-Level in Biology, Chemistry and one other non-related standalone subject (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking). A-Levels must be taken concurrently over a maximum of 2 years.
University of Plymouth
The typical offer is A*AA – AAB at GCE A-Level/Scottish Advanced Highers, which must include an A grade in Biology and A in one further science from Chemistry, Maths, Physics and Psychology. The third GCE A-Level/Scottish Advanced Higher can be from any subject area, including the Humanities, Languages, Music, Sport, Science, and Social Sciences.
To summarise, always take Chemistry and Biology as this means more Dentistry courses will be available to you. Taking Physics or Maths as your third A-Level would be beneficial but do not feel like you will be disadvantaged by not choosing one, as many Dental Schools encourage a wider breadth of study.
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How Many A-Levels Do You Need To Study Dentistry?
Universities will usually advise that you take three A-Levels, with – as already mentioned – two of these typically being Biology and Chemistry.
Though it is important to consider that Dental, and Medical Schools for that fact, have to say they require three A-Levels as not all schools can accommodate students taking four A-Levels – and typically schools will dissuade students from doing so.
It is important to keep in mind that excelling in three subjects relevant to the degree you are applying to will always be preferable to performing well, but as highly in more than three.
Although, the other side of the argument would be that with Dentistry being so competitive having an extra A-Level will allow you to hold your own against some of the highest achieving applicants in the UK.
Which given how competitive Dentistry is, you realistically have to take this extra step, so taking four A-Levels might actually be a good idea.
But, as already mentioned if you feel you will not achieve high grades from taking an extra A-Level then always take three relevant subjects.
What A-Level Grades Do I Need For Dentistry?
Quite simply it depends on what Dental School you are wishing to apply to. Make sure you check with the university directly to see if you will be able to achieve their grade requirements.
King’s College London and Queen Mary University of London have the highest-grade requirements of all the Dental Schools with A*AA.
The University of Plymouth also offers applicants A*AA, but their offers are more likely to vary with candidates being able to receive offers as low as AAB.
On the whole though, if you are applying for any of the other Dental Schools the entry requirements are AAA.
As you will be able to gather from the above it is not easy to get into Dentistry, so it is imperative you know what grades to be aiming for.
Do remember that you do also have to do well on the UCAT, so your A-Levels are only forming a small part of the overall application.
Conclusion
Now you have a better understanding of the A-Level requirements to study Dentistry in the UK, you are in a better position to prepare your application.
However, if you feel you could use some extra help with your application, the 6med Medicine Mastery Bundle will assist you with all aspects of your application.
The main thing when applying is to work as hard as you can, for the best grades that you can, and that will stand you in good stead to do well in the application process.
Strengthen your entire application and guarantee your Dental School offer.
With our Complete Bundle, we guarantee that you will get at least one offer to study Dentistry, or your money back.
UCAT.Ninja
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MEDICINE MASTERY BUNDLE
Strengthen your entire application and guarantee your Dental School offer.
Get full, comprehensive support for your medical school application with 6med’s Medicine Mastery Bundle. Access everything you need for success as soon as you sign up.
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