Eddie PhilipsChoosing the right dental school in the UK can shape your entire career in dentistry. Whether you’re aiming for general dentistry, orthodontics, maxillofacial dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, or academic research, the UK is home to some of the best dental schools in the world. This guide ranks the top 50 dental schools in the UK, highlighting what each institution is known for, typical entry requirements, tuition fees, acceptance competitiveness, facilities, and UK/international student friendliness.
Let’s get into it.
Top Best 50 Dental Schools In The UK
1. King’s College London Dental Institute
King’s College London is widely considered the top dental school in the UK. Located at Guy’s Hospital near London Bridge, the institute offers world-class teaching, a high student satisfaction rate, and exceptional clinical exposure. Students treat real patients early and access advanced simulation labs equipped with VR dental technology.
Fees: £9,250 (UK), ~£52,000 (international)
Strengths: Research, oral surgery, international reputation, high graduate employment.
Entry Requirements: AAA (including Biology or Chemistry).
2. University of Birmingham School of Dentistry
Birmingham offers a strong clinical-heavy curriculum with state-of-the-art dental hospitals. Students engage with major NHS partnerships, ensuring real patient treatment early in training.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£30,000 international.
Strengths: Clinical exposure, high satisfaction, excellent NHS placements.
Entry Requirements: AAA.
3. University of Manchester School of Dentistry
Manchester is known for its strong dental technology, research culture, and focus on preventive dentistry.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£31,000 international.
Strengths: Digital dentistry, research, largest UK dental school.
Entry Requirements: AAA.
4. Queen Mary University of London (Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry)
QMUL offers top-tier dental training with some of the UK’s best clinical resources. Students gain exposure to diverse patient groups across East London.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£45,000 international.
Strengths: Oral diseases research, diverse clinical exposure.
Entry Requirements: AAA–A*AA.
5. University of Glasgow Dental School
One of Scotland’s best. Glasgow offers a fully integrated curriculum that blends biomedical science with clinical practice.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£47,000 international.
Strengths: Strong UK ranking, supportive environment.
Entry Requirements: AAA or AAAB (Scottish Highers).
6. University of Sheffield School of Clinical Dentistry
Known for having one of the friendliest student environments, Sheffield provides excellent clinical facilities and high-quality teaching.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£39,000 international.
Strengths: Student satisfaction, research, strong clinical training.
Entry Requirements: AAA.
7. University of Leeds School of Dentistry
Leeds offers excellent digital dentistry modules and expert-led clinical sessions across one of the UK’s largest teaching hospitals.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£34,000 international.
Strengths: Digital dentistry leadership, patient volume.
Entry Requirements: AAA.
8. University of Bristol Dental School
Bristol is known for its fast-paced clinical learning model with hands-on patient care from year one.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£36,000 international.
Strengths: Practical learning, modern labs.
Entry Requirements: AAA.
9. Cardiff University School of Dentistry
Wales’ only dental school, offering a balanced mix of research and practical dental training.
Fees: £9,000 UK; ~£39,950 international.
Strengths: Holistic approach, wide NHS partnerships.
Entry Requirements: AAA.
10. University of Liverpool School of Dentistry
Liverpool dental school is known for its excellent student-patient ratio, making clinical exposure much stronger than average.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£39,000 international.
Strengths: Clinical exposure, friendly teaching culture.
Entry Requirements: AAA.
11. University of Dundee Dental School
One of the most efficient dental programs in Scotland with a strong research and practical blend.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£41,000 international.
Strengths: Great reputation, safe student city.
Entry Requirements: AAA.
12. University of Aberdeen Dental School
Aberdeen provides early patient contact and strong support for international students.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£46,000 international.
Strengths: Innovative teaching, simulation labs.
Entry Requirements: AAA.
13. University of Plymouth Peninsula Dental School
A modern dental school with strong community-led clinical programs.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£34,000 international.
Strengths: Community care, modern facilities.
Entry Requirements: AAA.
14. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) School of Dentistry
Known for its graduate-entry dentistry program, one of the few in the UK.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£48,000 international.
Strengths: Small class sizes, personalised support.
Entry Requirements: Prior degree + science background.
15. Queen’s University Belfast School of Dentistry
A strong dental program located in Northern Ireland’s premier university.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£35,000 international.
Strengths: Job placement, research.
Entry Requirements: AAA.
16. University of Portsmouth Dental Academy
Portsmouth focuses on dental hygiene, therapy, and clinical dental care degrees.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£25,000 international.
Strengths: Hands-on training, specialist facilities.
Entry Requirements: AAB–BBB depending on program.
17. University of Essex School of Oral Health Science
Offers top-quality dental therapy and hygiene programs.
Fees: £9,250 UK; ~£22,000 international.
Strengths: Practical learning, modern simulation clinics.
Entry Requirements: BBB.
18. University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Dentistry Programs
UHI is known for its dental therapy and clinical care qualifications.
Strengths: Rural patient access, practical learning.
Requirements: Varies.
19. Teesside University Dental Department
Popular for dental hygiene and therapy degrees.
Strengths: Employability, modern labs.
Requirements: BBB.
20. University of Suffolk Dental Therapy Program
A growing institution offering top-tier hygiene and therapy programs.
Requirements: BBC–BBB.
21. Edge Hill University Dental Health Programs
Strength in dental health, oral sciences, and clinical support programs.
22. University of Bolton Dental Technology
Bolton is known for its dental technology and orthodontic appliance courses.
23. Cardiff Metropolitan University Dental Health
A respected school focusing on oral health science.
24. University of Chester Dental Therapy
Known for strong NHS collaborations.
25. University of Bedfordshire Dental Technology
Focuses on applied dental technology and prosthetics.
26. University of Greenwich Dental Programs
Offers oral health promotion and dental practice management courses.
27. University of Westminster Dental Clinical Skills
Popular for clinical dental assistant programs.
28. University of Huddersfield Dental Care
Known for hygiene, therapy, and clinical support studies.
29. University of Derby Dental Sciences
Offers growing dental assistant and hygiene programs.
30. Birmingham City University Dental Technology
Strong in dental materials, prosthetics, and digital modelling.
31. London South Bank University Oral Health
Focused on community-based dental education.
32. University of Wolverhampton Dental Health Sciences
Offers oral health and dental science qualifications.
33. University of Kent Dental Care Programs
Popular for dental nursing courses.
34. University of Northampton Dental Technology
Known for 3D dental modelling and prosthetics.
35. University of Sunderland Dental Sciences
Offers entry-level dental science and health programs.
36. University of Bradford Dental Technology
Strong focus on dental manufacturing and prosthetic design.
37. University of Salford Dental Care
Well-known for clinical practice support training.
38. University of Cumbria Dental Health
Offers dental nursing and oral health courses.
39. Liverpool John Moores University Dental Science
Provides strong oral health promotion training.
40. University of Worcester Dental Therapy Programs
Hands-on community-based programs.
41. University of Lincoln Dental Nursing
Known for a high employability rate.
42. University of Brighton Dental Health
Focuses on oral health science and community dentistry.
43. University of South Wales Dental Care
Offers dental hygiene and dental nursing options.
44. Kingston University Dental Science Studies
Strong for foundation-level dental science.
45. University of Roehampton Oral Health
Offers dental health and related courses.
46. University of Bath Dental Materials Research
Known for advanced dental biomaterials research tracks.
47. University of Surrey Oral Health Science
Provides dental research pathways and clinical assistant routes.
48. University of York Dental Public Health
Focuses heavily on dental public health and research.
49. University of Warwick Dental Research
Strong postgraduate dental science programs.
50. University of Oxford (Dental Research Pathways Only)
Oxford does not offer clinical dentistry but is a global leader in dental biomedical research, oral microbiology, and craniofacial research.
Conclusion
The UK is home to some of the strongest dental schools in the world. From highly competitive clinical dentistry programs like King’s, Birmingham, and Glasgow to specialised oral health and dental technology programs across other universities, students have an incredible range of options depending on career goals, budget, and academic strengths.