Want to Study Dentistry in the UK? Here’s What Domestic and International Students in Canada Need to Know

If you are wondering whether it is worth studying dentistry abroad, the answer is yes. Not only can you enjoy the benefits of living in a new country with access to European travel, but you also get quality education from globally-ranked schools.

Studying in the UK comes with additional benefits for Canadian students. If you choose to study at one of the UK dental schools accredited in Canada, you will be able to practice in Canada after completing Canadian license and registration requirements. There are 1.1K dental school spots available for international students every year in the UK, a number that hasn’t changed since 2013.

Your dentistry degree will take 4-5 years to complete in the UK. This does not include any preceding degrees depending on the type of program you would like to apply for. In the UK, there are four types of dentistry degrees: 

• Standard entry – 5-year program

• Graduate entry - Typically 4-year program, requires a degree in science or healthcare

• Dentistry with preliminary year – 5-year program with a preliminary year for high school students who don’t have science course prerequisites 

• Dentistry with gateway year - Designed for students facing socioeconomic or educational barriers, typically a 5-year program with a foundational year. 

According to the UK’s National Health Service, as of April 2024, dentists receive an annual salary of CAD $92,609.64 – CAD $114,720.62. 

A dentistry degree opens many windows for international graduates, including: 

• Periodontist 

• Orthodontics 

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery 

• Endodontics 

• Pediatric dentistry 

• Prosthodontics 

• Anesthesiology 

• Dental public health 

• Dental researcher 

• Health Educator 

• Healthcare Manager 

• Pharmaceutical marketing

If you are interested in studying dentistry in the UK, you may still be curious about how it compares to a degree in Canada. Here is an overview of what you can expect from each country:

To help you decide which university is right for you, here are the top 6 dentistry schools in the UK according to QS Top University Rankings 2025, including what their faculty of dentistry is best known for.

Generally, you will need the following to apply as a Canadian student to a UK dental school: 

• Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 32 - 37 points in required courses such as Biology, Math, and Physics (note: course requirements will vary depending on the university) 

• Canadian High School requirements: 83-86% average 

• Typical IELTS requirements: 7.0 minimum, according to the General Dental Council of the UK.  

As a Canadian student, your entry requirements will vary from university to university, so it is important to check the school for their specific eligibility criteria or refer to the Dental School Council of UK’s yearly Entry Requirements Guide.  

IDP Canada also has expert education counsellors for the UK who are British Council certified, and available for a free consultation. Book a chat with a counsellor now. 

You can expect to pay between CAD $33,800 and $81,000 annually as an international student studying dentistry in the UK. Your tuition fees will depend on the school you apply for, of course, as well as the schedule for that year. Please refer to your school for the most accurate information or speak to an IDP Canada counsellor for guidance.

While scholarships for international students are competitive in the UK and are limited from school to school, domestic Canadian students have additional funding opportunities and can apply for grants through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. 

You can also find scholarships through these resources: 

• British Council UK Scholarships 

• Scottish Government Scholarships 

• UK and Wales Scholarships 

• Student Action for Refugees Scholarships 

• Displaced Student Opportunities UK 

International students can work part-time or casual jobs during their studies in the UK with no fixed hours. According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs, if your student sponsor type is ‘overseas higher education institution’, your working hours are up to 20 hours a week in term time. 

Ready to start your UK dentistry degree? Here is our step-by-step overview on how to apply.  

1. Select your schools. Based on your study interests, the degree type you would like to complete, and priorities for your study experience, choose your shortlist of schools.  

2. Review entry requirements for your degree type and schools. Refer to the UK Dental School Council’s Dental School Entry Requirements Guide for the most accurate and updated information. This guide is updated annually. Remember to check if you have the required preliminary degree before you apply. Some universities have a preference if you are applying for a graduate dental degree.  

3. Review Dental School Council Skills and Values Guide. The Dental School Council has a guide that indicates the key skills and values of successful applicants. Review this guide to help prepare a strong application.  

4. Seek application help. Dentistry school is highly competitive. You may want to seek professional help and support from trained education counsellors at IDP Canada to help you create a strong application and ensure you do not miss any important steps in your admissions test, visa process, and more.  

5. Take admission tests UCAT. Prepare for your UCAT and take the test. You will need to complete your UCAT at least a year in advance. 

6. Apply through UCAS. Complete your application through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).  

7. Complete interview as necessary. As part of the application process, an interview may be required. You will be notified by your school of choice if this is the case.  

8. Accept your offer and seek financial support. Once you receive your offer, explore financial support through scholarships or grants offered by your school or other institutions such as the British Council UK Scholarships.  

9. Apply for a tier 4 student visa. Review the UK student visa requirements and ensure you have complete documentation and proof of sufficient funds. You will also need to set up a UK bank account.

Studying dentistry in the UK can be a rewarding experience for domestic and international students from Canada, with added funding opportunities as a resident of a Commonwealth nation. 

Applying as an international student can be a complicated process, but not one you have to manage alone. If you are ready to begin your journey and apply to dentistry school in the UK, support is available. Check out our international student resources or book a free call with IDP Canada’s student counsellors. We are here to help you secure the future you want.   

An IDP counsellor can help you create a personalized study abroad plan that covers everything including:     

• Applying and getting accepted     

• Securing your Visa     

• Arranging accommodations, banking, and health insurance     

• Lining up any other service you may need to succeed.    

Best of all, because of our partnerships in the UK, these services are offered at no cost to you!    

Book your appointment with IDP Canada now!