What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Dentist?

Returning to study as an adult brings its own set of questions, particularly when the goal is as demanding as dentistry. Many of the qualifications for dentist training can be studied independently and sat as a private candidate, which means you can build your profile around work and family commitments. This article answers the questions adult learners most often ask about studying for, and sitting, the exams that dental schools look for.

At Online Exams, we understand that sitting exams outside school or college can feel unfamiliar at first. We recommend reading each dental school’s entry requirements closely and choosing a provider that is clear about exam dates, centres and costs before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need before applying to dental school?

The usual pathway runs through GCSEs (Level 2), A Levels (Level 3) and an admissions test, followed by a five-year dental degree accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC). After graduating, dentists complete supervised foundation training and must register with the GDC before treating patients in the UK.

For a full breakdown of each stage, a detailed answer to what qualifications do I need to be a dentist is a sensible place to begin before you decide which exams to sit.

Can I resit my GCSEs as an adult private candidate?

Yes. GCSEs are usually taken between the ages of 14 and 16, but many adults resit them. GCSE exams are regulated by Ofqual, and as a private candidate you can choose your exam date, exam board and tier. If your original grades fall short of what dental schools ask for, resits are seen as a credible way to strengthen an application.

Which GCSE grades should I be aiming for?

Most dental schools ask for six or more strong GCSEs, often at grade 7 or above, although requirements vary by university. For English Language and Maths, Pass Learn gives grade 6 as a minimum and grade 7 as preferred. Strong science grades are also important, ideally including biology and chemistry.

Because entry standards differ, it is worth reading a guide to GCSEs for aspiring dentists and then checking individual requirements on UCAS before deciding which subjects to resit.

When are GCSE exams held for private candidates?

GCSE Maths and English sittings take place in May and November, while Science exams are held in the May/June window. If you need several subjects, planning your sittings around these windows will help you spread the workload sensibly.

Will dental schools accept GCSE equivalency tests or Functional Skills?

This depends entirely on the university. GCSE equivalents in English, Maths, Combined Science and Biology may be an option, but each dental school decides whether it accepts equivalency tests, and some GCSEs may still be required.

Functional Skills Level 2 is described by Pass Learn as equivalent to a GCSE grade 4, which is below the grades dentistry typically asks for. Contact admissions teams directly before relying on any alternative.

Can I study A Levels online and sit them as a private candidate?

Yes. A Levels are usually taken between 16 and 18, but adults can study them too. Some providers combine online study with private-candidate exam bookings at local exam centres across the UK. You might, for example, look at Pass Learn’s online courses, which include subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.

Which A Level subjects should I choose?

Chemistry and Biology are usually expected, and many universities value Maths or Physics as a third subject. Universities treat A Levels as the main measure of academic ability, particularly scientific understanding and problem solving.

Requirements vary between dental schools, so a guide to the best A Levels to become a dentist can help you compare options before you enrol on a course.

What happens if my A Level results fall short?

The typical offer is AAA, with some schools asking for A*AA, and offers below AAA are described as very rare. If you miss the grades, resits are usually available in the summer series, with some autumn options. Allow enough time in your plan for a further sitting if one becomes necessary.

Do I need to sit an admissions test as well?

Most UK dental schools ask for the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). It is computer-based, taken in the summer before your UCAS application, and covers verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitative reasoning and situational judgement.

If you already hold a relevant science degree, some graduate-entry programmes use the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) instead of, or alongside, the UCAT. Applicants also face a multiple mini interview, an enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance.

How can I fund a dental degree as an adult learner?

Student finance may help with study at university. The two main loans are a Tuition Fee Loan, paid directly to the university, and a Maintenance Loan for living costs, which depends on where you study and your household income. Repayments begin only once you have left your course and are earning over a threshold, and they depend on your earnings rather than the amount owed.

Extra help, usually not repayable, may be available to students on a low income, disabled students and those with children or adult dependants. Rules change for courses starting on or after 1 January 2027, so read the official guidance on funding your dental degree before you apply, and remember that applications take four weeks to process.

Studying for dental school entry as an adult takes careful planning, but each step, from GCSE resits to A Levels and the UCAT, can be taken at your own pace as a private candidate. Before committing, the National Careers Service’s dentist careers information is well worth reading, as it covers the day-to-day work, typical hours of 37 to 40 a week and an average salary from £55,000 for starters to £117,000 for experienced dentists.

Written by

Online Exams Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.