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EduSCOT
Healthcare

How to Become a Dentist in Scotland

Provide dental care — diagnosis, prevention and treatment — in NHS or private practice.

AAAAB + Advanced Highers (Glasgow)

Only 2 Scottish dental schools

UCAT required

5-year BDS degree

Highers You Need

Typical entry: AAAAB at Higher. You also need English (B) at National 5.

Required Highers

  • Chemistry— grade A required
  • Biology or Human Biology— grade A required
  • Maths or Physics— grade B required

Route to Qualification

Degree: BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) (5 years at university).

1

BDS (5 years)

5 years

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • University of Glasgow
  • University of Dundee

Professional Registration

To practise as a Dentist in Scotland, you must register with the General Dental Council (GDC). Registration is required by law and must be maintained through continuing professional development.

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

~£39,603

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

£55,000–£80,000

5–10 years experience

Dental Vocational Training (DVT) stipend ~£39,603 (2024–25) — all newly qualified dentists in Scotland must complete DVT before independent NHS practice. After DVT, community dentist posts start at ~£52,035. Self-employed and private earnings vary significantly.

EduSCOT note

Glasgow BDS uniquely requires Advanced Higher Biology and Chemistry in S6 — pupils must plan this from S4.

Subject choice guide

Planning your S3 or S5 Highers with Dentist in mind? Read the detailed guide.

Subject choices for Dentist

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Dentist in Scotland?▾
To become a Dentist in Scotland, you typically need Higher Chemistry, Biology or Human Biology, Maths or Physics. The typical grade offer is AAAAB. You also need English (B) at National 5 level.
Which Scottish universities offer BDS?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Dentist careers: University of Glasgow, University of Dundee. Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Dentist in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 5 years. After completing the degree, registration with General Dental Council (GDC) is required before you can practise.
What is the salary for a Dentist in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Dentist in Scotland is typically ~£39,603. Mid-career salary is typically £55,000–£80,000. Dental Vocational Training (DVT) stipend ~£39,603 (2024–25) — all newly qualified dentists in Scotland must complete DVT before independent NHS practice. After DVT, community dentist posts start at ~£52,035. Self-employed and private earnings vary significantly.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Dentist in Scotland?▾
There is currently no Graduate Apprenticeship route for Dentist in Scotland. The standard route is the BDS (5 years).
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Dentist degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying BDS at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 5-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.