Only two London universities offer a dentistry degree recognised by the General Dental Council: King’s College London and Queen Mary, University of London. Both prepare students to become licensed dental professionals through a curriculum covering anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology and dental materials science, alongside supervised clinical training treating real patients in dental clinics.
Demand for dental services continues to grow, making dentistry a promising career choice for students who want to combine healthcare with hands-on, practical work. London puts you at two of the best-connected dental schools in the world, with world-class teaching hospitals on your doorstep. Key skills for success in dentistry include strong communication, manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.
Learn more about courses, entry requirements and international fees at both London dental schools below, ranked using the Guardian University Guide 2026, or see our full guide to the Top 10 UK Universities for Dentistry 2026 if you’re considering dental schools beyond London.
Best Dentist Schools in London
The Dentistry BDS course at King’s College London combines the latest thinking in dental education with early clinical experience. It is the largest dental school in the UK, graduating approximately 150 dentists annually, with partnerships across prestigious hospitals including Guy’s, King’s College and St Thomas’.
Students access state-of-the-art clinical, simulation and technical facilities, including low-fidelity phantom heads and high-fidelity augmented reality haptic simulations. The course emphasises whole-patient care, considering both dental and medical needs, and is structured in three parts: biomedical sciences, the oral and dental aspects of the biological sciences, and the clinical and technical aspects of dentistry.
- Course in focus: BDS Dentistry
- Broad entry requirements: International Baccalaureate: 38 points overall (or an aggregate of 19 from three Higher Level subjects), including grade 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry or Biology, plus grade 6 at Higher Level in a further science. A Level: grade A in Biology or Chemistry, plus grade A in one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology.
- International fees: Around £54,300 a year. Fees rise annually, so confirm the current rate directly with StudyIn before applying.
- Dentistry ranking: King’s does not fall inside the Guardian’s top 10 UK dentistry table, but ranks 5th in the world for dentistry in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, the highest of any UK dental school.
- KCL accommodation: King’s Residences offer a safe, collaborative living environment across the city. The accommodation guarantee applies to specific groups, including new first-year undergraduates, Foundation students, care-experienced students, and students under 18 on move-in day.
The Institute of Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London offers a five-year degree combining an innovative curriculum with world-class facilities and access to London’s diverse population. Year one focuses on the scientific basis of clinical practice, introducing basic biological principles and essential study skills across clinical skills, dental materials, oral biology and the effects of illness on patients and their families.
From years two to four, students apply their knowledge to body systems in health and disease, spending significant time working with patients alongside seminars, laboratory work, tutorials and library research. The course also takes a holistic approach, drawing on human sciences, sociology and psychology to help students understand patients’ attitudes towards oral healthcare.
- Course in focus: Dentistry (BDS)
- Broad entry requirements: International Baccalaureate: 37 points overall with 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level, including Biology or Chemistry plus a second science subject or Mathematics. A Level: A*AA, achieved in one sitting over a study period of no longer than two years, including Biology or Chemistry and a second science.
- International fees: Estimated at around £53,950 a year, broadly in line with Queen Mary’s Medicine fee. Confirm the exact Dentistry rate directly with the university before applying.
- Dentistry ranking: Ranked 9th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2026, with a Guardian score of 73.8/100.
- Queen Mary accommodation: Over 2,250 rooms are available in self-catering residences on or near the Mile End campus, with 360 rooms specifically allocated for Medicine and Dentistry students in Whitechapel and the City of London. The university also offers 26 adapted rooms for students with mobility impairments or hearing difficulties, while postgraduates can live in Aspire Point, a new development in Stratford.
Dentistry Scholarships in London
Various scholarships and funding opportunities are available to support international dentistry students in the UK, helping to alleviate the financial burden of dental education.
- British Dental Association (BDA) Benevolent Fund Scholarships: Offer means-tested financial support to dental students facing financial difficulties.
- Dentistry Awards Scholarships: Awarded based on academic merit and financial need.
- Dentistry Show Scholarship: Supports outstanding individuals pursuing dentistry through a competitive application process.
- Dental Schools Council (DSC) Scholarship Fund: Provides financial aid based on academic excellence, covering tuition fees or living expenses.
- Association of Dental Groups (ADG) Scholarship Scheme: Assists students with education expenses based on academic achievement.
Cost of Living in London
Alongside tuition, budget for London’s higher cost of living, typically £1,300 to £1,500 a month for accommodation, food, transport and study materials, more than most other UK student cities.
King’s and Queen Mary both offer dedicated Medicine and Dentistry accommodation to help ease this, and international students should also factor in the Immigration Health Surcharge and visa costs when planning their overall budget.
Career Prospects and Expected Salary
Dentistry graduates go on to complete Dental Foundation Training before registering with the General Dental Council to practise. Newly qualified dentists in the UK typically start on a salary of around £31,000, rising significantly with experience, specialisation, or a move into private practice.
Career paths include general practice, hospital dentistry, academia, public health and specialisms such as orthodontics or oral surgery.
Study Dentistry in London
With the 15th October UCAS deadline fast approaching and places at both King’s and Queen Mary extremely limited, getting expert guidance now makes a real difference.
Arrange your free consultation with StudyIn today, and our UK university application experts will help you find where places are genuinely still available, and make sure your application is ready and submitted without error.
FAQs
Which universities in London offer dentistry?
Only two London universities offer a General Dental Council recognised dentistry degree: King’s College London and Queen Mary, University of London. Both run a five-year BDS course leading to registration as a dentist in the UK.
What are the entry requirements for dentistry in London?
King’s College London asks for 38 points in the International Baccalaureate, including grade 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry or Biology plus a further Higher Level science, or A*AA at A Level. Queen Mary asks for 37 IB points with 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level, or A*AA at A Level, including Biology or Chemistry and a second science.
How much does it cost to study dentistry in London as an international student?
International fees are around £54,300 a year at King’s College London and an estimated £53,950 a year at Queen Mary, though both rise annually, so confirm the current rate with each university before applying.
Which is the best dental school in London?
Queen Mary ranks 9th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2026 for dentistry. King’s does not appear in the Guardian’s top 10 dentistry table but ranks 5th in the world for dentistry in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, so the better fit depends on whether you weight UK-specific teaching metrics or global research reputation more heavily.
Can international students study dentistry in London?
Yes. Both King’s College London and Queen Mary accept international applicants for dentistry, though places are extremely limited and highly competitive, so a strong UCAT score, grades and personal statement all matter.
