Newcastle, UK•Est. 1834

Newcastle Dental School — Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Newcastle-based dental school with a panel interview, generous contextual partners scheme, and a strong work-experience expectation.

Entry Requirements

What you need to apply to Newcastle.

A-Level requirements

AAA including chemistry and biology. Two-grade reduction (ABB offer) for partners programme (BBB prediction). Resit accepted only from candidates who previously applied to Newcastle dentistry; max two exam sittings; one grade higher than the offer they would otherwise have received.

UCAT Requirement

Home

~2080+/2700

Contextual: Partners: ~2050+/2700

Notes

No use of SJT in selection.

SJT Band

No use of SJT in selection

Specialties offered

Dentistry (BDS)

Work experience

Minimum 10 days relevant work experience expected for 2026 entry — appropriate to the course, looking for evidence of work experience within dentistry, evidence of teamwork/leadership, personal achievements, paid or voluntary work and/or mentoring. Newcastle accepts reasonable alternatives (e.g. Discover Dentistry-style online courses).

Interview Format

How Newcastle interviews applicants.

Format

Online semi-structured panel interview with two selectors (~20 min)

Interview window

February – March

Decision date

Spring

Post-interview chances

2025: ~126/328 = 38%. Partners (2024): 59/164 = 36%. Home non-partners (2024): 47/179 = 26%. International (2024): 9/10 = 90%.

What to expect at a Newcastle interview

Conducted via Zoom, February–March. Six domains assessed: (1) preparation and motivation for dental school, (2) effective learning skills, (3) team working, (4) personal qualities and resilience, (5) interpersonal and communication skills, (6) empathy, sensitivity, integrity, and professionalism.

What makes Newcastle different

No use of SJT. Partners (contextual) programme accepts ethnic-minority and private-school students (recently expanded eligibility). 2026 admissions policy expects a minimum of 10 days relevant work experience — but reasonable alternatives accepted (e.g. free online courses).

Tutor insight

Newcastle's interview is a 20-minute online semi-structured panel with two selectors. Aim to link back to GDC principles and key qualities of a dentist when answering. Six domains assessed (preparation, learning, teamwork, personal qualities, communication, professionalism). Be confident in what you're saying, take your time, and talk through your thoughts. Showing reflection and clear articulation goes a long way. — Hasan, Newcastle tutor