Studying dentistry is a rewarding career path, but the application process can be competitive. In this student interview, current dentistry students at the University of Birmingham share practical advice for future applicants, covering work experience, preparation, and maintaining a healthy balance throughout the journey.

Gain as Much Work Experience as Possible

One of the strongest recommendations from the students is to secure as much dental work experience as you can before applying. Finding placements can be challenging because many dental practices are busy and may not accept students. However, speaking directly to your own dentist is often the best place to start. They may even recommend other practices where you can gain additional experience.

Work experience is valuable because it helps you understand whether dentistry is truly the right career for you before making a long-term commitment.

Be Proactive and Ask Questions

The students encourage applicants to be confident when looking for opportunities. Many practices may not respond immediately, so persistence is important. Contact different clinics, follow up politely, and don’t be discouraged by rejection. During placements, ask questions about treatments, daily responsibilities, and patient care to gain a better understanding of the profession.

They also recommend speaking with current dentistry students or recent applicants to learn from their experiences and better prepare for the application process.

Applying to dentistry requires time and organisation.

One student explained that they contacted around 50 dental practices before successfully arranging several placements. Starting early gives applicants enough time to find work experience, prepare their application, and build confidence before interviews.

Keep Your Academic Performance a Priority

Although work experience is essential, students stress that academic results remain the most important part of a successful application.

• Strong A-Level grades are required for admission, so applicants should avoid sacrificing their studies while searching for placements or preparing extracurricular activities.

Maintain a Healthy Balance

Dentistry is a demanding degree, but maintaining a balance between studying and personal life is equally important.

Current students recommend spending time with friends, enjoying hobbies, and taking breaks when needed. Looking after your wellbeing can help you stay motivated throughout both the application process and university life.

Applying to dentistry requires preparation, persistence, and determination. By gaining relevant experience, asking questions, preparing early, and balancing academic work with personal wellbeing, applicants can build a stronger application and make more informed decisions about their future career.

Watch the video to hear current University of Birmingham dentistry students share their personal experiences and advice for future applicants.

How StudyNet Can Help

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Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmz3nus2ewM