UK Dental School Work Experience Requirements: A Guide for Future Dentists

If you're planning to apply to dental school in the UK, you're probably wondering how much work experience you truly need — and where to acquire it. While some universities require hands-on dental placements, others are more flexible and focus more on your understanding of the profession than the number of hours you've spent in a clinic.

In this article, we’ll explain the work experience requirements for each UK dental school. Whether you’re in Year 12, on a gap year, or preparing for a graduate application, this guide will help you plan your next steps with clarity and confidence.

Why Work Experience Matters in Dentistry

Dentistry is a demanding and highly practical profession. Admissions tutors want to see that you understand what the career involves — not just the technical skills, but also patient care, emotional resilience, and ethical challenges. Work experience helps you:

• Gain realistic insight into the dental profession

• Reflect on the skills and values needed in healthcare

• Strengthen your personal statement and interview answers

• Show initiative, maturity, and commitment to your career path

Even if a university does not require work experience, demonstrating understanding and enthusiasm is still vital.

Dental School Work Experience Requirements 2025 Entry

Here is a breakdown of what each UK dental school expects in terms of work experience. Always check with the dental school for the latest requirements before making an application decision.

University of Aberdeen – Graduate Entry

• Requirement: Work experience is used during interview selection and will be discussed during the interview.

• Tip: Prepare to reflect thoughtfully on your experiences and connect them to core values in dentistry.

University of Birmingham – Standard Entry

• Requirement: It is not essential to have healthcare experience.

• What They Want Instead: A strong understanding of the dental profession and the pressures faced by healthcare professionals.

• How to Show It: Through reading, virtual work experience, or shadowing healthcare staff if possible.

University of Bristol – Standard Entry

• Requirement: Work experience is not a strict requirement.

• Recommendation: At least two weeks of experience, preferably involving the public (e.g. retail, care homes, or healthcare).

Bristol – Gateway Year

• Requirement: At least five days in a dental or clinical setting is recommended.

Cardiff University – Standard Entry

• Requirement: Evidence of work experience or understanding of dentistry is assessed in the personal statement.

• Tip: Focus on how your experiences have shaped your motivation and understanding of the career.

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) – Graduate Entry

• Requirement: Not required.

• Tip: If you do have relevant experience, include it in your UCAS personal statement as it will strengthen your application.

University of Dundee – Standard Entry

• Requirement: Up to two weeks of shadowing or work experience is encouraged.

• Interview Tip: Be ready to discuss what you learned and how it influenced your decision to pursue dentistry.

University of Glasgow – Standard Entry

• Requirement: No formal work experience needed.

• Alternative: Engage in public-facing roles like volunteering, customer service, or community service to develop interpersonal skills.

King’s College London – All Entry Routes (Standard, Graduate, Gateway)

• Requirement: Ideally, experience in both a healthcare and a dental setting.

• Flexibility: If unable to access dental settings, public-facing environments such as pharmacies, shops, or care homes are also accepted.

University of Leeds – All Entry Routes

• Requirement: No formal requirement for work experience.

University of Liverpool – Standard Entry and Gateway Year

• Requirement: Experience in a dental setting is desirable.

• Note: If you do not have this experience, contact the admissions team before applying.

University of Manchester – Standard and Preliminary Year

• Requirement: Work experience should include time in a dental setting and may be paid or voluntary.

• Flexibility: Other healthcare experiences are also valid; no minimum duration is specified.

Newcastle University – Standard and Graduate Entry

• Requirement: At least ten days of dental work experience is expected.

• Alternative: If you have limited experience, explain how you’ve gained insight through other means (e.g. reading, virtual placements).

University of Plymouth – Standard Entry and Gateway Year

• Requirement: No formal work experience needed.

Queen Mary University of London – Standard Entry

• Requirement: Some dental experience required.

• Tip: You must be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the career and its demands.

Queen’s University Belfast – Standard Entry

• Requirement: Not required.

• What They Expect: Applicants should still demonstrate genuine insight and enthusiasm for dentistry.

University of Sheffield – Standard Entry

• Requirement: Ideally, some healthcare experience, especially in general dental practice.

• Focus: You must be able to explain your motivation for choosing dentistry and your understanding of the profession.

What If You Can’t Get Work Experience?

If you struggle to arrange traditional dental work experience, don’t panic. Here are ways to demonstrate insight:

• Take part in virtual dentistry programmes such as those offered by Observe GP or Dental Mentor

• Volunteer in a care setting, food bank, pharmacy or charity shop — any role involving responsibility and communication

• Attend dental school open days and speak to students or tutors

• Read the NHS and GDC publications about professional standards in dentistry

• Watch YouTube and podcast interviews with practising dentists to understand their journey and challenges

Final Tips for Sixth Form Students

• Start early: Don’t leave it too late to find experience or arrange virtual alternatives

• Reflect, don’t just describe: Always ask yourself what you learned and how it relates to dentistry

• Use your UCAS personal statement: Show how your experiences have shaped your decision to apply

• Stay up to date: University requirements can change — always double-check on their official websites

Conclusion

Work experience isn’t always essential, but understanding what being a dentist truly involves is crucial. Whether you’ve shadowed a dentist, volunteered in your community, or completed a virtual placement, what counts is how effectively you can demonstrate your motivation, insight, and suitability for the profession.