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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

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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
Check your Highers against this career

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 was ~£39,603 in 2024–25, the most recently published rate — 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.

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 was ~£39,603 in 2024–25, the most recently published rate — 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.