The Best Cities To Study Dentistry In The UK!

Completing a dentistry degree provides so many opportunities for the future, as although the training can be intense, you can access a well-paid career with a strong work-life balance, as well as many different career paths to go down in terms of specialisation once you have your degree. There are so many fantastic dentistry schools all across the UK; however, we’re here to highlight five of them that are some of the best cities to study dentistry in the UK!

Liverpool (University of Liverpool)

First up, we have the original Red Brick University, which is the University of Liverpool. It’s a research-intensive university in the fantastic city of Liverpool, with state-of-the-art facilities, fantastic libraries and a wonderful team of staff who truly care about their students and their future. The strong focus on research is reflected in the learning environments, with the aim of creating dentists who fulfil both their professional and personal potential to provide fantastic, well-rounded dental care to patients. 

The course includes theory-based learning, as well as clinical experience throughout the degree, so a focus on clinical governance is encouraged from the very beginning of your degree. You require AAA to get into Liverpool to study dental surgery and the course is 5 years. In terms of the university itself, it’s a fantastic combination of both campus and city living, as there is a real campus feel and then you walk 10 minutes down Brownlow Hill and you’re in the heart of the city. So, if you want to experience city living while still having the comfort and community feel of a campus, then Liverpool could be for you! 

Belfast (Queen’s University)

Next, we have Queen’s University in Belfast, again with a requirement of AAA to complete the five-year degree. The dental degree at Queen’s was ranked first in the Sunday Times Good University Guide in 2024, so there are no questions about the quality of the degree you will be accessing if this is the university you choose. The course is run by internationally renowned experts and focusses on career development from the beginning, with opportunities for clinical practice from year 1. The facilities at the university are first-class, with the highest-spec equipment to push students to become the best possible dentists.

Queen’s is known for being friendly, affordable and safe, as well as being full of art and culture and, of course, a fantastic nightlife culture, which Ireland is famed for. If you want something a bit different from England, then head to Queen’s for a fantastic university experience and to come out of your degree as well-prepared as possible to enter a career in dentistry. 

Glasgow (University of Glasgow)

Ranked 2nd behind Queen’s University in the Sunday Times Good University Guide in 2024 for a dental surgery degree is the University of Glasgow. Located in the heart of the city, Glasgow University is renowned for its facilities, level of student clinical practice and overall standard of education. Across the 5 years of study, the support and industry connections are really good, providing great career prospects. With a combination of their theory-based learning, practical learning and also work in the community, your clinical skills in a range of disciplines, as well as your ability to treat patients with care and compassion, are strengthened. 

As with many universities, they do want to see work shadowing in a dental environment, although they acknowledge it’s getting increasingly difficult to access this. However, we’d highly recommend that you spend some time reaching out to your local dentists, whether that’s a dentist Leamington Spa, London or Liverpool-based, to push your application ahead of the rest. 

In terms of Glasgow as a university, the city is fantastic and so is the nightlife. The campus is lovely, not too big and has a great modern library. The cost of living in Glasgow is also cheaper compared to other Scottish counterparts like Edinburgh, so if you want to live student life in Scotland, then this could be a great option for you. 

Manchester (University of Manchester)

Another fantastic option for your dental degree is the University of Manchester, again pushing a combination of extensive clinical experience with theory-based learning from the first year of study. They also push the social element of life as a dentistry student at the University of Manchester, helping you to become a well-rounded person and dentist at the end of your degree. AAA, including biology and chemistry, is a typical offer at Manchester. It’s a highly respected university all across the world thanks to its standard of teaching. 

Much like Liverpool, Manchester can be described as a campus and city university, as you have a great campus feel and you’re in the heart of Manchester city centre, just a 10-minute walk away. The nightlife, food and music scene in Manchester is phenomenal, with independent bars, restaurants and music venues around every corner. On the campus itself, it also has the largest student union in the country, as well as over 400 societies run by students. 

As well as being a highly prestigious university that you will gain a very strong degree from, Manchester is one of the best cities in the UK to live as a student. 

London (King’s College)

Last but not least, we have King’s College in London. Early clinical experience is combined with the latest thinking in dentistry to result in innovative students who have diverse and in-depth knowledge to prepare them for their careers. The state-of-the-art clinical and simulation facilities are particularly exceptional and make this university stand out from others. Another world-renowned university, King’s College London, is a great choice for many students. 

If you want the ultimate city experience in the UK, then London is the place to be. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of living in London is, of course so much higher than elsewhere in the UK. For example, in Liverpool or Manchester, there are famous student areas that are affordable to live in and still help you to keep that community student feel. However, in London, after you’ve done your first year in halls, in order to be close to campus, you’ll have to live in some of the most expensive parts of the city, including Covent Garden, South Bank or Waterloo. Of course, you can live further out, but then you will need to do a daily commute. So, at King’s College London, you don’t get the same campus community feel; however, if a city experience is what you’re looking for, then this could be for you.