Assessing Mental Capacity to Make a Decision
Does the patient have mental capacity to make this decision?
Likely follow-up · What are the four components of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 test?
Photo: Sarah Cossom · CC BY-SA 3.0 · cropped
Photo: TubularWorld · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: TubularWorld · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: TubularWorld · CC BY-SA 3.0
Step-by-step: entry requirements, UCAT prep, personal statement, interview format and the key deadlines.
Open the guide →Format breakdown, school-specific sample questions, FAQs and prep tips from tutors who interviewed here.
Read the guide →Integrated, 5 years, placements across Newcastle and the north east.
See the course →Newcastle-based dental school with a panel interview, generous contextual partners scheme, and a strong work-experience expectation.
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).
Case-based curriculum. Five-year BDS with case-based learning. Clinical placements at Newcastle Dental Hospital and North-East community sites.
Newcastle is strong in these research areas:
Optional intercalated BSc.
Format: Online semi-structured panel interview with two selectors (~20 min)
Online interview conducted via Zoom in February-March. Six domains assessed: preparation and motivation for dental school, communication, problem solving, professionalism, teamwork and reflection.
~85 home + ~15 international places per year for BDS Dentistry.
Founded in 1834. Based in Newcastle.
Programmes offered:
What is TrueScore?
A data-driven estimate of the UCAT score you'll likely need to be invited to interview at Newcastle for 2027 entry entry — based on its published cut-offs and recent admissions data. Treat it as a target to aim past, not a guarantee.
Newcastle's TrueScore is 2080. Build a week-by-week UCAT plan that works back from your test date — free for the first two weeks.
No use of SJT in selection
All applicants must sit the UCAT in the year of application. Newcastle explicitly does NOT publish its dental UCAT threshold - it varies by cycle with the applicant pool, so no cut-off should be inferred.
Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for Newcastle’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.
Does the patient have mental capacity to make this decision?
Likely follow-up · What are the four components of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 test?
What shows your commitment and dedication to dentistry?
Likely follow-up · How have you sustained your interest in dentistry over time?
We've helped students into Newcastle and other UK dentistry schools — get tailored support for each stage of the application.
Hit the UCAT cut-off for Newcastle with one-to-one tutoring from top scorers.
Learn morePractise the Panel interview format with students who interviewed at Newcastle.
Learn moreGet your personal statement reviewed by successful applicants.
Learn moreChecked field-by-field against Newcastle University School of Dental Sciences's official course page on 14 August 2026.
We've helped students turn their UCAT, personal statement and interview prep into offers from Newcastle and other UK dentistry schools.