Dentistry
A postgraduate dentistry degree allows students to advance their clinical expertise, specialise in specific areas of dental practice, and contribute to research and innovation in oral health. It provides a strong foundation in advanced dental sciences while offering opportunities to focus on fields such as orthodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontology, oral surgery, and restorative dentistry.
The programme offers the opportunity to study core subjects including advanced oral pathology, biomaterials in dentistry, dental implantology, clinical governance, and patient management. Many courses also integrate supervised clinical practice, laboratory research, and case-based learning, enabling students to refine technical skills while developing critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making.
Why study Postgraduate Degree in Dentistry ?
Studying dentistry at postgraduate level is a chance to combine clinical practice with academic advancement, preparing graduates for specialist roles in hospital and private practice, dental education, and oral health research. It also provides a pathway to doctoral study, professional fellowships, or leadership positions within dental healthcare systems.
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Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
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A Master’s degree (Merit or Distinction) in Dentistry, Dental Science, Oral Health, Biomedical Science, or a closely related field.
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Applicants must also hold a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or an equivalent qualification that is recognised by the UK General Dental Council (GDC).
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Candidates from non-dental disciplines (e.g. Biomedical Science, Oral Biology, Public Health) may be considered if their research proposal aligns with dental or oral health fields.
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International qualifications must be equivalent to UK standards, verified through UK ENIC if required.
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Top UK dental schools (e.g. King’s College London, University of Manchester, University of Birmingham, University of Sheffield) typically expect excellent academic standing and research experience at postgraduate level.
Work Experience Requirements
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While clinical or professional work experience is not always mandatory, it is strongly preferred for PhD applicants in Dentistry.
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Applicants with experience in dental research, clinical practice, public health dentistry, or biomedical laboratories are at a significant advantage.
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Many candidates are qualified dentists with years of professional practice who wish to pursue academic or research careers.
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For research-focused tracks (e.g. Oral Biology or Biomaterials), applicants with laboratory-based experience are encouraged to apply.
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For clinical PhD programmes, GDC registration and appropriate clinical experience may be required.
English Language Requirements
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IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 7.0, with no component below 6.5.
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TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 95–100, with minimum section scores around 23.
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PTE Academic: Overall score of 68–70, with no skill below 62.
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Applicants who have completed prior degrees in English or in a majority-English-speaking country may be exempt from language testing.
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Certain programmes with patient contact (e.g. clinical or oral surgery research) may require higher scores to meet GDC communication standards.
Additional Application Documents
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Official academic transcripts and degree certificates from all completed qualifications (with certified English translations if applicable).
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Detailed research proposal (1,500–3,000 words) outlining the research topic, objectives, methodology, and potential impact on dental science or public health.
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Personal statement highlighting academic interests, professional experience, and motivation for pursuing doctoral research in Dentistry.
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Curriculum vitae (CV) listing education, clinical experience, research involvement, publications, and any professional registrations (e.g., GDC number if applicable).
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Two or three academic or professional references, including one from a supervisor or senior clinician.
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Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
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Some universities may request a sample of academic writing or published research paper to assess analytical and writing skills.
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Applicants for clinical PhD routes must provide evidence of professional registration and licence to practise.
