Admissions Tests for Dental School
Most UK dental schools require you to sit an admissions test. Find out how to best prepare.
Admissions tests
You normally need to register and complete your admissions test by a specific date. Universities often request that you complete the test within the year of application. We would recommend checking with individual dental schools.
Admission tests used by dental schools are normally one of the following:
- University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) - used in the selection process by the majority of UK dental schools
- The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) – used by the University of Leeds
- The University of Central Lancashire (graduate entry only) do not use external admissions tests during any part of the admission process.
For the most up to date information check with each individual dental school which test they use.
Revising for admissions tests
The tests are designed so you can’t revise for them. You can do practice tests online, so you know what to expect.
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) has tips and practice material to help you prepare.
This includes an official guide, which has vital information. There are also key dates and more than 100 test items.
Their YouTube channel has advice from past candidates. There is also a playlist of admissions videos from a variety of universities.
You can practice general aptitude tests for free on our Recruitment Tests page. This might help for certain sections of the admissions test.
Bursaries for admissions tests
Check with individual courses, but financial support for completing the tests is unlikely. The UCAT offers bursaries, but eligibility criteria apply.
UCAT scores and shortlisting
Many universities don’t reveal the UCAT threshold. The thresholds can change every year. This is because the overall performance of the applying cohort changes each year.
The UCAT score can be a main criteria for shortlisting for interview. However, it is not normally the only criteria. Your personal statement and qualifications are also important.
The UCAT is not negatively marked (where marks are deducted for incorrect answers).