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Newcastle

Dentistry at University of Newcastle Dental School (A200 BDS)

Overview of Newcastle Dental School

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This degree is professionally accredited by the General Dental Council. It entitles graduates to practice anywhere in the UK and in many other countries.


At Newcastle, our work has a worldwide impact. You'll be taught by some of the top academics and internationally renowned experts in their field.


You'll study and practice in world-class facilities including our hi-tech Clinical Simulation Unit. You'll also attend lectures and clinics in purpose-built facilities at one of the largest integrated teaching and hospital complexes in the country.

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Newcastle University Dentistry Course Structure

You will see patients in clinics in the Dental Hospital while shadowing a senior student.

Towards the end of Year 2, you'll start learning procedures such as simple fillings and root treatments, using phantom heads with natural teeth, in preparation for taking responsibility for your own patients early in Year 3.


In Year 3, courses in pathology and microbiology will give you an initial grounding in disease processes. You'll also have lectures and further practical courses in areas such as: radiology; preventive dentistry and public health; periodontology; crown and bridgework; advanced endodontics; gerodontology; and oral medicine.


In years 4 and 5 you'll be exposed to advanced techniques such as orthodontics, dental implants, and intravenous sedation. Your clinical commitments will occupy much of your time, especially in the later years, but the teaching of important theoretical aspects of dentistry continues.

Newcastle Dental School Entry Requirements

GCSE

GCSEs or equivalent qualifications are reviewed as part of the initial application process.


GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) required at grade 4/C or above.

A Levels

AAA including Chemistry and Biology. 


For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A Levels, we require a pass in the practical element. 


General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

IB

36 points


A minimum of 36 points with Chemistry and Biology at Grade 6 or above at Higher level.

Scottish Higher

AAAAA at Higher Grade normally including Chemistry and Biology                                                   Candidates offering only one out of Higher Chemistry and Biology will be required to take the other in their final year along with Advanced Higher in the first, and achieve A grades in both the Advanced Higher and the Higher. English and Mathematics required at grade 2 Standard Grade (or Intermediate 2 equivalent).  Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

Scottish Advanced

Two Advanced Highers also normally required (minimum A/B) to include Biology and/or Chemistry. If only one out of Biology and Chemistry is offered at Advanced Higher, a grade A is required in that science

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Newcastle University Dentistry Admission Tests

UCAT

UCAT at the University of Newcastle Dental School (BDS)


There is a UCAT cut-off score at Newcastle University Dental School, which is considered with the academics holistically (2024 Entry).


Newcastle will look at:

  • UCAT score

  • Predicted Grades

  • Personal Statement/Work Experience


👉🏼 LOWEST UCAT score INVITED to interview (cut-off) - UCAT Cut-off scores for BDS Dentistry at Newcastle [non-WP]:

  • 2024 Entry: 2680 (non-WP), 2600 (Widening Participation/Partners)

  • 2023 Entry - 2790 (non-WP), 2690 (Widening Participation/Partners)

  • 2022 Entry - 2610  (non-WP), 2600 (Widening Participation/Partners)

  • 2021 Entry - 2740

  • 2020 Entry - 2560

  • 2019 Entry – 2548

  • 2018 Entry – 2568

  • 2017 Entry – 2573


👉🏼 AVERAGE UCAT score INVITED to Interview at Newcastle Dentistry BDS [non-WP]:

  • 2023 Entry: 2914

  • 2022 Entry: 2844

  • 2021 Entry: 2691

  • 2020 Entry: 2495 


👉🏼 AVERAGE UCAT score INVITED to Interview at Newcastle Dentistry BDS [Widening Participation - Partners Programme]:

  • 2023 Entry: 2825

  • 2022 Entry: 2740


🏆 Other important notes in their selection

  • SJT is not looked at at all (2024 Entry) "We do not consider the UCAT situational judgement test."

  • GCSEs not looked at all in the process

  • When our Selectors are shortlisting, they firstly look at the UCAT, which is ranked from highest- to lowest score.  The top 300 applicants are looked at in the first instance.  They then look at achieved or predicted grades and then the personal statement (for evidence of work experience and volunteering). 


✅ Newcastle BDS Admission Statistics

  • 2024 Entry: 343 Interviews, 71 Places

  • 2023 Entry: 803 Applications, 231 Interviews, 126 Offers

  • 2022 Entry: 843 applications, 267 Interviews, 104 Offers

  • 2021 Entry: 837 applications, 202 Interviews, 95 Offers

  • 2020 Entry: 748 applications, 272 Interviews, 129 Offers

  • 2019 Entry: 703 applications, 146 Offers


71 places on the dental course


📝 PS - Have your PS checked - 5⭐ Rated

🎙️ Interviews - 1-1 Dentistry Interview (Panel & MMI) Tutoring & Mocks Online tailored to Newcastle - 5⭐ Rated

BMAT

No

GAMSAT

No

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Course Information

Graduate Entry

Yes

Intercalation

Yes

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Newcastle Dental School Work Experience

Work experience in a dental setting will help you learn more about being a dentist. Up to two weeks is recommended. 


We usually look for a minimum of 10 days of relevant work experience.


A combination of NHS and private experience can be beneficial. 


Look for shadowing opportunities within:  

  • NHS and private practices

  • Community general practices

  • Dental schools

  • Dental hospitals

  • Orthodontists maxillofacial departments

  • Dental laboratories

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Newcastle University Dentistry UK Personal Statement

Yes - The personal statement is considered as part of the overall admissions process.


"In the personal statement they are looking for details of any work experience or any voluntary work the student may have."


The personal statement is considered as part of the overall admissions process.  Some dental schools will use your personal statement as the basis of your interview. Others put less emphasis on its importance. 


However, it is likely to be used to assess your suitability for the course at some stage.  In addition to your academic capability, it gives you the opportunity to reflect on what you’ve learned from work experience. It demonstrates you have the personal skills required for dentistry. 


Focus on your reasons for applying how your work experience has prepared you for the course and career supporting information, like extra-curricular activities.

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Does This Medical School Have A Gateway or Foundation Year?

Website

Description

Through our PARTNERS programme, you could receive an offer up to three grades lower than the typical requirements, and get support throughout the application process. To apply through PARTNERS, you must be based in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria. There are also other schemes through which reduced offers may be available. See website for details.

Criteria

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Newcastle University Dentistry Interview Questions 2024

Key Details

  • Panel

  • 2 members of staff on the panel

  • Traditional style

  • Online Interview

  • Interviewers will have a copy of your personal statement

  • Our students will be scored out of 30 points for their interview.

Important Dates

The Newcastle BDS Interviews take place from December - February every year

Key Topics

Applicants are assessed on:

  • Preparation and motivation for dental school

  • Effective learning skills

  • Team working 

  • Personal qualities 

  • Resilience 

  • Interpersonal and communication skills 

  • Empathy, integrity & professionalism

🏆 Elite 1-1 Interview Coaching

Intense interview tutoring - Panel & MMI & Mock Interviews

The Ultimate Online Interview Guide 2024 - 200+ Q&A by qualified dentists
Create model answers - work on content to stand out

Perfect your delivery - build confidence and enthusiasm in responses

1-1 Mock Interviews - tailored to each university.

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Contact Details

School of Dental Sciences
Framlington Place
University of Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4BW
Tel: 0191 208 8245

Web: ncl.ac.uk/dental

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Contact one of our qualified admissions team today for free advice on your application

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