Bristol, UK•Est. 1828

Bristol Dental School — Entry Requirements & Interview Format

High-UCAT dental school in the South West with strong clinical training and creative pre-interview tasks.

Entry Requirements

What you need to apply to Bristol.

A-Level requirements

AAA including chemistry and one of biology/physics/maths/further maths. ABB contextual offer including A in chemistry and B in one of biology/physics/maths/further maths. Resit considered.

UCAT Requirement

Home

~2280+/2700

International

~2260+/2700

Notes

Personal statement and reference only used to distinguish borderline academic profiles. No SJT use.

SJT Band

No use of SJT in selection

Specialties offered

Dentistry (BDS)

Work experience

Encouraged but not required.

Interview Format

How Bristol interviews applicants.

Format

Structured panel-style interview (Zoom, remote)

Interview window

December – February

Decision date

March onwards

Post-interview chances

UK applicants: 89/169 = 53% (2025).

What to expect at a Bristol interview

30–45 minute structured interview with four assessors over Zoom. Bristol often sets unusual pre-interview tasks — e.g. building a 3-dimensional pasta model of an animal that represents your personality (then explaining why), or preparing a 5-minute presentation on a topic such as water fluoridation. Assesses manual dexterity and communication.

What makes Bristol different

Entirely UCAT-based shortlisting (work experience encouraged, not required). No SJT use. No significant personal-statement scoring — medical applicants often get offers with a medical statement.

Tutor insight

Bristol's interview is held remotely over Zoom in a 'structured interview format' with four assessors. They often give pre-interview tasks — e.g. a 3D pasta model of an animal that represents your personality. Manual dexterity and communication/explanation skills will continue to be assessed. Be prepared for questions on motivations for dentistry, teamwork and communication. — Raihanul, Bristol tutor