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We've put together these slides to learn all about using the UCAT exam for dentistry. From which universities provide undergraduate dental pathways and which require a UCAT score, to the UCAT cutoffs for Dentistry programs that you should aim for to be accepted into an undergraduate dental program in Australia.<br>
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Which Universities Accept UCAT® Dentistry Scores? Like medicine, dentistry is a highly competitive career option - Dentists are able to make significant improvements in the wellbeing of their patients, and the profession offers a stable and rewarding lifelong career that is attractive to many students. It’s no wonder then that, like medicine, many undergraduate dentistry programs require an entry exam, i.e. the UCAT®exam, to help differentiate between the many applicants. • What UCAT® Score is Needed for Dentistry in Australia? – For the 2022 admissions cycle, the lowest UCAT® score cutoff for entry into a dentistry program was the 78th percentile for Griffith University. However, to realistically achieve an admissions place for dentistry in 2023, a much higher UCAT®score is needed, often in the 90th+ percentile range. • What is the Average UCAT® Score for Dentistry? – The UCAT ® cutoff scores for undergraduate dentistry programs in Australia typically range from 85th to 95th percentile, influenced by factors like rurality, home state location, and offer preferencing. These scores are equally competitive compared to medicine.
UCAT® Dentistry: Is It Required? Out of the 9 dentistry schools across Australia, 5 require you to undertake the UCAT®exam to apply and potentially receive an interview offer. • What is Considered a Dental Program? – A dental program is an undergraduate or graduate degree following which you will graduate as a dentist with a licensed registration, much like studying medicine. You will be accredited with the RACDS (Royal Australian College of Dental Surgeons) once you receive your registration and complete further training programs post-graduation. It is important to note that oral health therapy degrees are a completely different profession, and should not be confused with dentistry. • Undergraduate Dental Programs in Australia – It is important to note that the following table only serves as a guide, and is not representative of actual UCAT® dentistry cut off scores nor university guidelines, as most admission processes are confidential. Few, if any, universities will provide exact cut-off scores, and as such, many of the details below are derived from self-reported student data.
Low UCAT®Dentistry Score: Can You Still Get Into Dentistry? Receiving a low UCAT® score does not mean you lose your chance to get into dentistry entirely. There are several pathways to get into dentistry, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. • Option 1: Universities without UCAT® – Out of the 9 universities in Australia which offer dentistry programs, 4 of them do not require the UCAT® exam. These universities include JCU, USYD, Griffith and LaTrobe University Dentistry. • Option 2: Non-standard entry – Resiting the UCAT® exam during the first year of a different undergraduate degree and reapplying to dentistry is a common pathway due to the competitive admissions process and no age restrictions. In Australia, 6 out of 9 universities accept non-standard applicants, offering flexibility and a backup plan for other industries.
Low UCAT®Dentistry Score: Can You Still Get Into Dentistry? • Option 3: Gap Year – This option is often chosen by high achievers in high school. Those with a very high ATAR such as 99.5+ would benefit from this option, as you can take a gap year and your ATAR score will remain valid. Students can take a year off and solely focus on resitting the UCAT® exam. • Option 4: Graduate degrees – Resiting the UCAT® exam during the first year of a different undergraduate degree and reapplying to dentistry is a common pathway due to the competitive admissions process and no age restrictions. In Australia, 6 out of 9 universities accept non-standard applicants, offering flexibility and a backup plan for other industries.
Guide to UCAT® for Dentistry • Advice: Applying for Dentistry with the UCAT® – Studying dentistry requires reflection on motivations, including benefits like pay, work-life balance, and prestige. However, disadvantages like difficult entrance into programs and passing the UCAT® exam should not be the main driving factors. Reflecting on one's future career goals and why they prefer dentistry can aid in interview selection. Despite setbacks, the time between leaving school and starting a dentistry degree is often trivial, as everyone in the field ends up as a medical/dental specialist. • Receiving a High UCAT® Dentistry Score: What Do I Do Now? – A high UCAT® score is a crucial step towards a dentistry offer, but it doesn't guarantee a job. The interview selection process is similar to medicine and competitive, with overlap between stations. It's essential to practice early, either with peers or GradReady'sInterviewReady courses.
Further Materials • Australian Medical Schools: General Overview • Australian Graduate Medical Schools - Admission Requirements • Medical Pathways in Australia • Free GAMSAT Practice Questions and Materials • GAMSAT Results: The Definitive Guide • Don’t forget to tune in to our GAMSAT® To Med School Podcast! Listen as our experienced GAMSAT® tutors explore diverse topics about everything from the GAMSAT® exam to their journeys through medical school: https://gradready.com.au/gamsat-podcast
