The current dental school applicant: an overview of the admission process for UK dental schools and the sociodemographic status of applicants

Abstract

Provides an overview of the current admission processes for dental schools within the UK.Encourages critical analysis of the admission processes used for undergraduate and postgraduate dental students.Explores how the admission processes may change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and gives an indication as to the sociodemographics of the future dental career force.

A retrospective study of the admission ways in the School of Dentistry of National Taiwan University from 2000 to 2021

“…It is difficult to assess whether the selected students are capable of completing the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and also possess the attributes to become a full contributing member of the dental profession. 11 …”

Contemporary dental student professionalism: moving towards a macro-level perspective

“…Admission into UK dental school remains highly competitive, with most requiring a minimum of three A grades at A-level, usually alongside strong GCSE grades and University Clinical Aptitude Test scores and voluntary work experience. 79 A series of multiple mini interviews and/or aptitude or situational judgement tests usually follows this initial screening process, not only to ensure candidates are academically able, but also that they have the traits required for the profession. 80 Preparation for this intensive entry process often starts from an early age and, in itself, may be the reason why our current students are less likely to have part-time jobs as teenagers, or to socialise frequently.…”

Orthodontic education in the UK: Evolution over the last 50 years and potential future developments

“…The recently published ‘Advancing Dental Care Review: Final Report’ has laid out the need for flexible entry routes into training and widening access and participation (Health Education England, 2021). Efforts have been made to widen participation at undergraduate level (Booth et al, 2022), and changes in orthodontic training and part-time opportunities will hopefully allow widened participation in orthodontic careers.…”