Explore the top UK universities for Dentistry in 2026. These universities offer excellent clinical training, strong research, and supportive student environments.
Best Universities for Dentistry: Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | University of Birmingham | 91 | 78 |
| 2 Silver | University of Manchester | 90 | 74 |
| 3 Bronze | King’s College London | 89 | 76 |
| 4 | University of Glasgow | 87 | 79 |
| 5 | University of Leeds | 85 | 75 |
| 6 | University of Edinburgh | 84 | 77 |
| 7 | University of Newcastle | 83 | 74 |
| 8 | University of Sheffield | 82 | 70 |
| 9 | University of Bristol | 80 | 72 |
| 10 | University of Southampton | 79 | 73 |
1. University of Birmingham Gold
2. University of Manchester Silver
3. King’s College London Bronze
4. University of Glasgow
5. University of Leeds
6. University of Edinburgh
7. University of Newcastle
8. University of Sheffield
9. University of Bristol
10. University of Southampton
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Dentistry rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what really matters to students.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Dentistry Universities in the UK
The UK is home to some of the world’s most respected Dentistry schools, known for their clinical excellence, hands-on training, and graduate employability. Our 2025 rankings highlight the best universities for Dentistry in the UK, based on teaching quality, research standards, and student satisfaction.
University of Birmingham
Birmingham’s School of Dentistry is one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious, offering outstanding clinical training and modern facilities. Students gain early patient contact and hands-on experience in real dental hospitals, supported by excellent pastoral care and career development.
University of Manchester
Manchester provides a research-led Dentistry degree with an emphasis on practical skills and scientific understanding. Its state-of-the-art dental hospital and high student satisfaction scores make it a consistent top choice for future dental professionals.
University of Glasgow
Glasgow combines affordable living with world-class dental education. Its programme focuses on both clinical expertise and patient care, with a supportive community and strong links to the NHS. Graduates are highly employable across the UK and beyond.
King’s College London
King’s is one of the leading Dentistry universities in the world, offering cutting-edge facilities at Guy’s Hospital and unrivalled access to London’s clinical networks. The university’s global reputation and excellent employability outcomes make it ideal for ambitious dental students.
University of Leeds
Leeds delivers a balanced, patient-focused Dentistry degree that blends scientific study with clinical training. The university’s strong community feel, academic excellence, and supportive staff ensure an engaging learning environment.
University of Bristol
Bristol offers a research-driven and clinically intensive Dentistry course. Students benefit from excellent teaching, small-group learning, and access to one of the best-equipped dental schools in the UK. High satisfaction and employability scores reinforce its strong reputation.
Newcastle University
Newcastle’s School of Dental Sciences is renowned for its welcoming environment and hands-on teaching. With strong student wellbeing services and an emphasis on teamwork and clinical confidence, it’s a popular choice for aspiring dentists.
Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary’s Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry provides outstanding clinical exposure and industry links. Students benefit from London-based placements and cutting-edge research opportunities in oral health and dental technology.
University of Sheffield
Sheffield offers modern facilities and a student-centred approach to Dentistry. The degree includes practical experience, research skills, and a strong sense of community, supported by the city’s affordable living costs and excellent student life.
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh delivers a comprehensive and innovative Dentistry curriculum focusing on prevention, clinical excellence, and patient care. The university’s emphasis on research and holistic dental education prepares graduates for global opportunities in the profession.
Career Prospects After a Dentistry Degree
A Dentistry degree leads to rewarding careers in clinical practice, oral surgery, community healthcare, and research. Graduates often go on to work in the NHS, private practice, or academic settings. For related pathways, explore Medicine or Biomedical Science.
Entry Requirements for Dentistry Courses
Most universities require A-levels in Chemistry and Biology, with typical UCAS points above 128 (AAB or higher). Some schools may also consider relevant work experience or aptitude tests such as UCAT or BMAT. Visit our entry requirements guide for more details.
Most Affordable Cities for Dentistry Students
Glasgow and Newcastle offer excellent value for Dentistry students, combining low living costs with top-tier teaching and clinical opportunities.
Best Universities for Nightlife and Student Life
Manchester, Sheffield, and Leeds are known for vibrant nightlife and student-friendly communities, giving Dentistry students a great social balance alongside their studies.
Student Wellbeing and Academic Support
Universities such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow offer exceptional mental health and study support services. With dedicated tutors and wellbeing programmes, students can manage the demands of clinical study effectively.
Considering Alternatives to Dentistry?
If you’re interested in healthcare but not sure Dentistry is right for you, consider related degrees in Medicine, Biomedical Science, or Pharmacy.
Summary: Which Dentistry University Is Right for You?
When choosing where to study Dentistry, consider clinical training quality, student support, research excellence, and city lifestyle. King’s and Birmingham lead in clinical reputation, while Glasgow and Newcastle offer affordability and student satisfaction. Use this guide to compare universities and find the best fit for your ambitions.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Dentistry
Top UK universities for Dentistry include King’s College London, University of Glasgow, and University of Manchester. Our latest rankings reflect student satisfaction and clinical experience.
King’s College London often ranks highest for Dentistry, praised for excellent teaching, clinical placements, and research.
A Dentistry degree leads to a rewarding career with strong job prospects and high earning potential in the UK healthcare sector.
The UK offers some of the best Dentistry programs globally, but countries like Australia, Canada, and the USA also have strong clinical training options.
Typical A-levels include Chemistry and Biology, often with Maths or Physics recommended. Always check specific university requirements.
Dentistry graduates work as dentists, specialists, dental hygienists, and in research or academic roles.
Yes, there is consistent demand for qualified dentists in the UK, particularly in NHS and private practices.
Starting salaries for dentists typically range from £30,000 to £40,000, with specialists earning significantly more.
Dentistry is demanding due to the mix of science, practical skills, and patient care; expect intensive study and clinical placements.
Most work in NHS or private dental practices, hospitals, community health, or academia.
Yes, Dentistry is highly respected worldwide for its rigorous training and essential healthcare role.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked