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

How to use this table:
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

Academic: 91
Social: 78

2. University of Manchester Silver

Academic: 90
Social: 74

3. King’s College London Bronze

Academic: 89
Social: 76

4. University of Glasgow

Academic: 87
Social: 79

5. University of Leeds

Academic: 85
Social: 75

6. University of Edinburgh

Academic: 84
Social: 77

7. University of Newcastle

Academic: 83
Social: 74

8. University of Sheffield

Academic: 82
Social: 70

9. University of Bristol

Academic: 80
Social: 72

10. University of Southampton

Academic: 79
Social: 73

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.
✅ Verified by Unifresher Editorial Team | Last updated:

Top-Ranked Dentistry Universities Explained

University of Birmingham

Highly respected for clinical excellence and hands-on training.

University of Manchester

Strong focus on research and student satisfaction.

University of Glasgow

Affordable city with great student support and community.

King’s College London

World-class facilities and outstanding graduate employability.

University of Leeds

Balanced approach to practical skills and academic study.

University of Bristol

Excellent research output and teaching quality.

Newcastle University

Known for its supportive learning environment and student wellbeing.

Queen Mary University of London

Strong industry links and clinical exposure.

University of Sheffield

Modern facilities and vibrant student life.

University of Edinburgh

Robust academic curriculum with a focus on innovation.

Career Prospects After a Dentistry Degree

Dentistry graduates have strong career prospects in clinical practice, research, and public health. For related fields, consider Medicine or Oral Health Sciences.

Dentistry Course Requirements & Entry Standards

Entry requirements often include A-levels in Chemistry and Biology, with UCAS points typically above 128. Check each university’s course page for specific criteria.

Cheapest Cities to Study Dentistry in the UK

Cities like Glasgow and Newcastle offer better cost of living while maintaining excellent course quality.

Best Dentistry Unis for Nightlife & Social Life

Manchester, Sheffield, and Leeds provide lively student scenes alongside their dentistry programs.

Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support

Look for universities with strong support services like Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow to help you balance study and wellbeing.

Not Sure About Dentistry? Consider These Alternatives

Explore Medicine, Biomedical Science, or Pharmacy.

Summary: Which Dentistry Uni is Right for You?

Focus on clinical training quality, student support, and location when choosing. Bookmark and compare multiple options to find your best fit.

Aminah Barnes
Aminah Barnes – Manchester Metropolitan University
Topic expertise: University & Degree choice, Applications, Travel and Student life

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

Unifresher Team

Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.

Student Panel

Student Writers

Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.

Expert Panel

Expert Panel

We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.

How are the Unifresher Awards judged?+

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
By students, for students.
See full methodology →

Author

  • Connor is a seasoned content expert at Unifresher, specialising in publishing engaging and insightful student-focused content. With over four years of experience in data analysis and content strategy, Connor has a proven track record of supporting publishing teams with high-quality resources. A graduate of the University of Sussex with a BSc in Accounting and Finance, he combines his academic background with his passion for creating content that resonates with students across the UK. Outside of work, Connor enjoys staying active at his local gym and walking his miniature dachshunds.

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