A-Level and academic profile
Aston Dental School requires A*AA at A-level including Chemistry and Biology. Leeds requires AAA including chemistry and biology. One resit attempt accepted (full A-levels), unless mitigating circumstances. If re-sitting Level 3 qualifications, extenuating circumstances should be highlighted in the reference.. Aston Dental School is the stricter A-Level offer; Leeds is slightly more forgiving. If your predicted grades are borderline, Leeds carries the lower academic-rejection risk pre-interview.
Interview formats
Both Aston Dental School and Leeds use MMI interviews, so the underlying prep approach is the same — practise ethics frameworks, NHS hot-topic answers and (for MMI) structured station responses against a timer. That said, the specifics differ slightly: Aston Dental School runs multiple mini interviews (mmi); Leeds runs five-station mmi (online). Mock practice tailored to each school's exact format is the highest-leverage prep. Interview windows: Aston Dental School interviews in December - February; Leeds in December – February.
What makes each distinctive
Aston Dental School: One of the newest UK dental schools, with a small cohort and a distinctive dexterity-reflection station rare among UK BDS interviews. UCAT cognitive subtests primary shortlisting tool. Leeds: Total score combines UCAT, academic record (achieved/predicted A-levels + GCSEs) and personal statement. Personal statement is also scored, so it is worth tailoring specifically for Leeds.
