Committed to widening potential applications to dentistry, irrespective of students’ background, the entry requirements have changed in recognition of the changing landscape of school education, to allow a broader student mix to apply.

Studying both Chemistry and Biology is no longer essential at A-level, and Psychology is now recognised as one of the Science choices.  The change was proposed as the faculty believed that the requirement to perform well in both Biology and Chemistry at A-level potentially excluded many individuals who would make excellent dental professionals.

Psychology has been included as an option as the faculty recognise that those studying the subject will have developed attributes of great relevance to the practice of dentistry, such as the ability to implement behavioural change.

For applicants studying for the International Baccalaureate (IB), similar changes have been made to the entry requirements.

Said Professor Kim Piper, Dean for Education at the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences at King’s College London:

“At King’s we pride ourselves on finding the best and brightest minds regardless of background. We are pleased to announce that the entry requirements for Dentistry BDS will be opened up to allow access to a wider range of students.

We believe there are talented young people across the UK who might not have previously been able to access a Dentistry degree, and we’re delighted to give them the opportunity.”

In addition, as part of its drive towards widening participation, the faculty offers 10 places each year on its Enhanced Support Dentistry Programme (ESDP), aimed at applicants attending non-selective state schools from within Greater London. The A-level entry requirement for the ESDP is AAB – two grades below the standard A*AA offer.

 

Entry requirements in a nutshell for the standard 5-year programme:

Required A-level grades:

A*AA

Required subjects:

A-level Biology or Chemistry, in addition to studying at least one of: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.

GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths at grade 6 or above.

All applicants must take the UCAT (previously known as UKCAT).

 

More information: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/dentistry-bds