Studying dentistry abroad: what one UK student’s route says about dental school capacity 

When Eshaa Hafeez narrowly missed her dentistry offer, she began looking at other routes into the profession, eventually choosing to study dentistry in Bulgaria. Here, she reflects on the competitiveness of UK admissions, plus the benefits and challenges of studying abroad.

Studying dentistry in Bulgaria seemed like an alternative pathway into the profession. However, after moving here, I realised that this route is shared by many students because of the highly competitive nature of UK dental school admissions. 

Looking back, I can see how much this journey has benefited me, not only academically but also personally. 

When I went through the application process at 17, I already understood how competitive dentistry was. I was applying alongside students with outstanding University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) scores, mostly A* grades and near-perfect personal statements. 

Like many applicants, I spent months building a strong portfolio through extracurricular activities, additional academic experiences, volunteering and dental work experience. Despite all of this, there was still no guarantee of securing a place. 

Dentistry has become one of the most competitive university courses in the UK. In 2025, there were more than 9,900 applicants competing for only 1,630 places, meaning around 84% of applicants were unsuccessful. 

On results day, I narrowly missed my dentistry offer by just two marks because of high chemistry grade boundaries. It was incredibly disappointing, but I knew one setback was not going to stop me from pursuing my ambition of becoming a dentist. 

Choosing another route 

After receiving my results, I had to look at the different pathways available. Through conversations with family, current dental students and practising dentists, I identified three main options:

• Taking a gap year and reapplying
• Studying dentistry abroad in countries such as Bulgaria, Hungary or Spain
• Completing another degree and applying for graduate-entry dentistry.

Initially, I considered taking a gap year. However, this felt uncertain. I would have had to retake chemistry, sit the UCAT again, prepare for interviews and repeat the entire application process, with no guarantee of a place. 

I also researched studying abroad in countries including Poland, Latvia and Spain. While these are all respected destinations for dental education, Bulgaria stood out to me personally for several reasons. 

It is one of the most popular destinations for UK students studying dentistry, and I already had close friends and people I knew who studied there. I felt this would make the transition to living abroad much easier and help me settle into university life. 

Another deciding factor was the emphasis on clinical experience. Bulgarian dental schools are well known for providing extensive hands-on clinical training during the later years of the course. Students in the upper years carry out a large number of clinical hours and practical procedures. This practical focus was something I valued when comparing different pathways. 

Life as a dental student in Bulgaria 

Having now completed my first year in Bulgaria, I can say that moving abroad has helped me develop as a person. Living independently in another country has significantly increased my confidence and resilience. 

One of the biggest challenges has been communicating with locals. Learning and speaking Bulgarian is difficult, particularly in shops, on transport or in the street. As a result, I have developed stronger non-verbal communication skills by relying on body language, facial expressions, gestures and visual cues. 

I believe these are essential skills for an aspiring dentist, as effective communication does not depend only on language. It also relies on empathy, patience and understanding. 

Being away from family and friends has also been difficult at times, particularly during the first few months. The course also leads to a master’s-level qualification, which means we study additional compulsory subjects compared with some UK dentistry courses. Attendance at lectures and practical sessions is also compulsory.  

Despite staying in Bulgaria, I have been fortunate to study with a diverse cohort. Around 40% of students at my university are from the UK, which creates a familiar environment while still allowing us to experience a completely different culture. Within my English-speaking dental cohort, I also have friends from the UK, Ireland, Greece, Italy and Turkey. 

Returning to practise in the UK 

Another consideration I had when studying abroad was what happens after graduation. Post-Brexit, the process of returning to practise dentistry in the UK has become more uncertain. 

As of now, dentists with recognised European Economic Area qualifications can still apply to join the General Dental Council (GDC) register through the near-automatic recognition route. However, the government’s standstill arrangements have only been extended until June 2028, and the GDC has said it does not know what arrangements will apply after that. 

There have been rumours and speculation that these arrangements could be extended, but no final decision has been announced. The GDC has also been working to increase Overseas Registration Examination capacity, although demand remains high. 

This uncertainty is something students like me have to consider carefully. Studying abroad can offer valuable academic, clinical and personal experience, but it also means thinking ahead about registration, workforce requirements and how to return to practise safely and confidently in the UK. 

What this says about UK dental education 

Having completed my first year in Bulgaria, I have realised that my experience is far from unusual. Every year, around 84% of applicants to UK dental schools are unsuccessful. This highlights how restricted access to dental education has become within the UK. 

I understand that maintaining high academic thresholds is essential to ensure patient safety. However, many students with excellent portfolios are still rejected because there are too few places available. 

For many of us, this is incredibly frustrating. Years of preparation, work experience, volunteering and commitment can end in rejection despite meeting the standard expected of future dentists. Rejection does not necessarily reflect a lack of ability or dedication. Often, it reflects the limited capacity of UK dental schools. 

Many aspiring dentists are forced to explore alternative pathways, such as studying abroad or taking multiple gap years. 

Studying dentistry abroad: alternative or opportunity?

I no longer see studying dentistry in Bulgaria as simply an alternative route into the profession. Instead, I see it as an opportunity that has allowed me to grow academically, professionally and personally. 

It has challenged me to become more independent, adaptable and resilient, while giving me valuable clinical and life experiences I may not otherwise have gained. Although my journey has been different from the one I originally imagined, it has reinforced my determination to become a dentist, regardless of where it began.  

One final message I would like to highlight to UK policymakers and dental school admissions officers is to think about the future and plan for the next generation of the dental workforce, as decisions that are made today directly affect us and the quality of care the patients will receive. Every year, thousands of capable applicants are turned away and not because they lack the ability to become excellent dentists but simply because there are not enough places available.  

Educating the dental workforce is where the start of our journey begins and aligning it with the future of UK’s long-term healthcare is an investment that will allow us to continue to meet patients’ needs, provide optimal oral care and strengthen the profession. 

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