Gateway to Dentistry

Gateway to Dentistry is aimed at students who have the potential to become dentists but do not meet the academic entry criteria to apply directly to our five-year undergraduate BDS Dentistry course. Our Gateway courses are widening participation initiatives for UK students who fulfil specific criteria and wish to apply for a clinical course in dentistry, medicine or veterinary science.

During the Gateway year, students will learn alongside each other, benefiting from shared interprofessional insight and the unique community of Bristol's medical, dental and veterinary schools. Students will be taught by academic teachers who are scientists and clinicians.

The Gateway course builds on core basic sciences underpinning clinical subjects (chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, anatomy and physiology). It encourages reflection and places emphasis on personal and professional development; strengthens practical, numeracy, research and library skills; and considers attributes and behaviours that enable a successful transition to university study. Successful completion of the Gateway year allows automatic progression onto BDS Dentistry.

Eligibility
This course is open to applicants from specific schools and colleges in the UK only, those who have spent three months or more in care and/or those who have been eligible for free school meals. For further information and lists of eligible schools and colleges, visit the Gateway courses eligibility webpage: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/entry-requirements-qualifications/gateway-eligibility/

International students may be eligible for the International Foundation Programme for Dentistry: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2026/international-foundation-programme/international-foundation-programme-for-dentistry/

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is required for admission to this course. You may be eligible for a UCAT bursary to cover the cost of taking the test; please visit www.ucat.ac.uk for more information.

Health and Disclosure and Barring Service check
Certain health conditions may be incompatible with careers in dentistry. Before starting your degree you will need to complete a health assessment questionnaire and pre-course screening for blood-borne viruses; find out more about pre-course occupational health information.

In accordance with General Dental Council guidelines on fitness to practice, all dental students are required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, in line with other health-related courses in the UK.

Please note that as part of your training, you will come into contact with human and animal cadaveric material.