Useful Links and Further Information
Becoming a Dentist is a long process that requires hardwork and determination but it is extremely rewarding both financially and personally.
Qualifications
To work within the UK and gain a licence to practice Dental procedures you will need the following qualifications:
1. At least 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and Science.
2. 3 A Levels including Chemistry/Biology (required in most cases), grades AAA, ABB
3. A degree in Dentistry - Degrees last a total of 5 years and those of you who do not have science based A-levels can apply for a dental degree that offers a preliminary course in Chemistry, Physics and Biology which generally lasts 30 weeks. In total this degree option would last 6years.
Since 2007 most UK Schools of Medicine and Dentistry require applicants to complete a UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT). This test can not be studied for and is designed to test the following:
Verbal Reasoning: This section examines your ability to think logically and form a conclusion using written information.
Quantative Reasoning: Examines your ability to solve numerical problems.
Abstract Reasoning: Examines your ability to deduce relationships from information through both convergent and divergent thinking.
Problem Solving: Examines your ability to manage various forms of information in order to make informred decisions and appropriate responses.
You must pay for the test which is usually £60 ( this may increase in 2011), it does not gurantee a place on the course. It is designed to select the most appropriate people for the course based upon academia, personality and mental abilities.
Moving Forward
If you have gained these qualifications from an institute abroad or are not a UK National you must apply to the General Dental Council (GDC) for permission to practice. Depending on the level of qualification you have gained abroad you may be asked to complete an Overseas Registration Exam (ORE) which will test both your written and clinical skills.
You're probably away that if you are not from the European Union or the UK you must obtain a Visa to work both in the Private and Public sector. Any failure to do so could result in your deportation, a fine or even a prison sentence.
For more information on Visas, Working in the UK, the General Dental Council and Universities that offer the Dentistry course please follow the links below:
General Dental Council: www.gdc-uk.org/
UCAS:www.ucas.ac.uk/
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