Question 1

What is a good UCAT score for UK dental schools in 2026?

Accepted Answer

On the new /2700 scale (post-2025), a competitive UCAT score for UK dental schools is generally 1,900 or above. The national average in 2025 was approximately 1,891. High-threshold dental schools such as Bristol and Glasgow typically require scores of 2,000 or higher. Lower-threshold schools such as Central Lancashire and Aberdeen may consider applicants from around 1,700. Use the MediBrain UCAT Dental Predictor to see your exact position against each school.

Question 2

Does the SJT band affect dental school applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Situational Judgement Test (SJT) band affects shortlisting at several UK dental schools. SJT Band 4 is an automatic rejection at schools including Glasgow and Dundee. Some schools such as Cardiff do not heavily weight the SJT. The MediBrain UCAT Dental Predictor applies each school's specific SJT rules automatically based on the band you select.

Question 3

What A-levels do I need for UK dental schools?

Accepted Answer

Most UK dental schools require AAA at A-level including Chemistry and Biology (or Chemistry plus one other science). Some schools such as Queen's Belfast and Peninsula accept AAB. Chemistry is almost universally required. A small number of schools accept Biology as an alternative to Chemistry — always verify directly with each school.

Question 4

How does the UCAT /2700 scale work for dentistry?

Accepted Answer

From July 2025, the UCAT moved to a /2700 scale after Abstract Reasoning was removed. The remaining four cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and Situational Judgement) now give a total out of 2700. All dental schools using UCAT now assess candidates on this new scale. Scores on the old /3600 scale cannot be directly converted.

Question 5

Do widening participation (WP) applicants need a lower UCAT score for dentistry?

Accepted Answer

Several UK dental schools offer reduced UCAT thresholds or contextual consideration for widening participation (WP) applicants. For example, Bristol and Leeds have WP pathways that lower the effective score required. The MediBrain UCAT Dental Predictor applies WP thresholds automatically when you select Widening Participation or tick the contextual checkbox.

Question 6

Which UK dental schools have the highest UCAT thresholds?

Accepted Answer

Based on 2025 admissions data on the /2700 scale, the most competitive dental schools for UCAT scores are typically Bristol, Glasgow and King's College London, where applicants are expected to score above 2,000. Schools such as Dundee and Leeds combine UCAT with GCSE scores, meaning strong academics can partially offset a lower UCAT score.

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