A-level results day: dental school acceptances hit all-time high

Around 12,550 candidates have been accepted onto dentistry and medicine courses this A-level results day (13 August), a 28% increase since 2019.

Today’s A-level results release saw more students than ever receive top A* grades, outside of the COVID-19 pandemic when predicted grades were used.

The combined figure for students accepted into competitive dental and medical schools rose by 2.2% on the previous cohort.

Jo Saxton, UCAS chief executive, said: ‘Today’s school leavers were just starting secondary school when the pandemic interrupted their education. Given the significant disruption they faced at such a formative stage of their learning, it is wonderful to see so many young people getting a place at university or college. I’m delighted to see them backing themselves and choosing to invest in their education.’

Can dentistry be accessed through clearing?

Many students who did not achieve the grades to progress onto the courses they had applied to will now be going through the clearing process to search for a university place elsewhere.

Jo continued: ‘For those who haven’t got the grades they need, are reconsidering their plans, or haven’t applied yet but are thinking of doing so, I’d encourage them to explore the wide range of choices on offer in clearing – with over 26,000 courses available there are plenty of options.’

While it is unusual for dentistry courses to be accessed through clearing, the University of Liverpool has announced that places on its BDS are available via its clearing process. Multiple courses in related disciplines such as dental nursing and dental technology are also available for applications on the UCAS clearing site.

Dental school applications soar

In June, UCAS data revealed that applications to medicine and dentistry courses had risen by 12% since the previous year. There were 134,210 applications recorded for 2026 entry, the highest level since 2019.

International interest also increased. Applications from outside the European Union rose by 14%, from 16,660 to 18,990, while applications from the European Union excluding the UK increased from 3,460 to 3,900. Combined, international applications to medicine and dentistry reached 22,890 in 2026.

Jo said: ‘It’s fantastic to see so many UK 18-year-olds holding an offer this year, putting them in a strong position as we head into the critical summer results period.

‘It’s clear that young people remain as keen as ever to invest in their futures, and I’m delighted that UK universities and colleges are responding to that demand.’

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