Background

I wanted to get into dental school because I love working with my hands, I enjoy interacting with the public and it gave me the possibility to merge Science and Art in such a uniquely beautiful way that could have such an impact on people’s lives! In this article I will outline my experience of getting into dental school and life as a student.

I hope this will inform and inspire all you future dental students as you begin your dental journey!

The A-Level years

My decision to study dentistry wasn’t whimsical – it was the result of months of research, speaking to current students and work experience.

I really wanted to make sure I was making the right decision – it is our future career after all – so I got work experience at GP surgeries, an opticians, an events management company and even a theatre sound and lighting company on top of my work experience at dental practices. After reflecting on my experiences and communicating with my family and close friends, I could decide with surety that dentistry was the path for me!

If you are thinking of studying dentistry – or any other career path – I’d really recommend getting work experience/jobs at a wide variety of places and fields that catch your eye, so you can really make an informed choice on what suits you. You’ll learn a lot too!

The A-Levels I took were Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Drama and Theatre Studies (plot twist! You were expecting Maths weren’t you?). All dental schools will likely ask that you take Biology and Chemistry, and some may ask for Physics, but my choice to study Drama was simply because I loved it just as much as the Sciences. It also gave me the opportunity to get creative and let off some steam after a day of tough science learning! 

If you’re at the stage of choosing subjects to take to A-Level, check some university UCAS pages for the course(s) you’re thinking of and see what subjects they want you taking. Also, try and select subjects you genuinely enjoy learning about! You are much, much more likely to do well in a subject you’re passionate about, because you’ll be actively engaged in your learning!

Applying to dental schools

Now I had decided on Dentistry, the next question was which schools should I apply for? I decided my policy with this should basically be the same as when I was deciding what to study; meticulous research! I attended as many open days as I could and was sending emails left and right to current and past students to listen to their experiences. I was also lucky enough to have an older brother studying Dentistry at Newcastle at the time, so I got plenty of advice from him too. 

After writing, editing, checking, and re-checking my personal statement I decided to apply to Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield and of course Barts and the London. I had visited all of them and loved the look of their universities and the energy of the city.

But there was something about Barts that especially sold me. The state-of-the art modern teaching facilities (we are based in a new dental hospital - opened in 2014 and the first dental school to be opened in the UK for over 40 years!) and the allure of spending 5 years in London – a substantial change to my countryside childhood – proved so tempting for me. That’s why after interviewing and being one of the privileged few to get an offer from Barts, I accepted it immediately without hesitation. And I don’t regret my decision!

Life as a student

Having been studying at Barts for four years now I can tell you – it’s excellent! Teaching is done primarily through lectures, lab sessions and clinical experience but we also have small-group seminars, e-modules and Problem Based Learning assignments dotted throughout the year. There are approximately 70 students in each year, which is quite small compared to other universities. I think this is a huge plus because not only is there a stronger sense of community in your year and between other years, but your tutors can get to know you better and address your specific learning needs.

I feel that teaching is balanced brilliantly as you advance through the course – as a first year there is more of a focus on lectures but as you progress there is more and more emphasis on clinical practice. You’ll start seeing your own patients at the latter end of your 2nd year, but rest assured you’ll get plenty of practical experience beforehand, through lab teaching and practicing on each other in clinics!

Now that I’m in fourth year, I’m on clinics pretty much every day but Wednesdays, where we have a half-day of lectures. One of my senior tutors said that this is the year where all of the things you’ve learnt previously begin to “click together”, and after a few months I could really understand what she meant! 

In my opinion, the best part of fourth year is being able to see patients in our Outreach Clinics in Southend-on-Sea. I’ve got so much clinical experience there, and the views on the journey there are beautiful!

Challenges

Naturally, there are some challenges of being a dental student – as I’m sure you know it’s a demanding course! I think the main challenge is that sometimes there’s a topic or lecture that just doesn’t go in for you. But there’s always a solution – for me, having a study group has worked wonders. Learning off each other is far more efficient for me and I’ve developed some fantastic friends in the process. The tutors are also brilliant and have promptly answered any queries I’ve had if I’m really struggling. If you’re struggling with A-Level revision, there’s no harm in trying to form a study group with some friends! 

Aside from dentistry London has been everything I’ve hoped for. I can’t even begin list off all of the amazing things to do here, or the fantastic university societies to join (it’d take forever), but whatever your interests are, there’s something for everyone here! I’ve also discovered some incredible pasta places here, which is naturally a top priority for me.

I’ve gained so much personally living here. Having total independence for the first time in a new city takes a little getting used to, but once you get into the swing of things “adulting” becomes rather enjoyable! University is what you make of it – so work your socks off, throw yourself into it and try something new – and it can be the best years of your life!