Widening Participation Schemes to Study Dentistry
Universities understand that those from less privileged backgrounds should be given an equal opportunity to access higher education.
Learn more about the schemes that universities have introduced to help these individuals
These schemes have been established to provide individuals from less represented backgrounds, access to higher education opportunities.
Eligibility is often specific to ensure these schemes benefits those who are most in need. These factors may include the performance of the school or college you study at, your household income, progression of your geographical area and other factors related to your environment.
As such, it is extremely important to read through the exact criteria and contact the relevant university admission team for questions.
Universities offering this type of support for dentistry applicants include:
Newcastle University - ‘Partner’s Scheme’
University of Birmingham - Access to Birmingham (A2B) programme
University of Manchester - pre-dental course in Dentistry (contextual offer)
University of Leeds - Alternative Admissions
University Of Central Lancashire
Queens Belfast
Bristol Gateway To Dentistry
Peninsula Pathways to the Healthcare Professions
Cardiff -Contextual admissions
Kings College London Enhances Support Dentistry programme
Dundee -Reach
University of Liverpool - Destination Dentistry
University of Sheffield - Discover Dental Professions
Glasgow
QMUL- Widening participation
Aberdeen
It is critical to know that each university will have specific criteria for widening participation, as such it is strongly recommended you familiarise yourself with the most updated guidance for each university.
Realising Opportunities
Realising Opportunities is a nationwide widening participation scheme. The scheme is in partnership with 16 research intensive universities many of which offer Dentistry. The application criteria is similar to other widening participation schemes, with the application process beginning in autumn of year 12.
The program offers several advantages such as a ‘skills 4 uni’ module designed to grant you an insight into university life, a mentorship scheme and a student conference.
Most importantly, upon successful completion of the program you will be entitled to an alternative offer, this can be up to 2 A level grades lower than the typical offer. *
The partner universities will also give your application additional consideration. An advantage of this scheme is that you are not limited to a university and its individual widening participation scheme. It essentially enables you to receive additional consideration and alternative offers from several universities. *
*However, it is important to note that recognition of Realising Opportunities can vary depending on each University. Some select universities i.e Kings may not offer an alternative offer, but you will be eligible to apply for the enhanced support dentistry programme which does include a reduced offer. This varies from year to year so it is imperative that you read the annual recognition guide published by Realising Opportunities for more information.