Have you missed the A level grades to study dentistry at university? Dakshita Goli explains your options, from resitting to other career paths in dentistry.
Results day can feel like the end of the world when things don’t go to plan, especially when you have high expectations for yourself. Missing your offer can be overwhelming and it is natural to feel defeated, but not getting into dental school on the first try does not mean your journey is over. In fact, many students including myself have taken an alternative route into the profession.
This article will guide you through the possible next steps to take if you’ve missed your grades – from considering gap years to exploring other pathways.
When I opened my results in August 2024, I remember feeling hopeless. I was staring at my screen trying to think of a way to tell my parents that I didn’t make it. It was a tough moment, filled with disappointment and regret, but after a lot of thinking I decided to resit my A-levels and reapply.
The year was challenging in a lot of ways. However, it allowed me to reflect, to build resilience and independence, and so much more. All qualities that are just as important for dentistry as grades on a page.
Resitting your A levels
Retaking your A levels can feel daunting. However, it is a decision that a countless number of students have taken – myself included. Before taking the decision I looked at both the pros and cons of resitting my A levels and so now I will outline a few main ones.
Taking a year out to resit can help develop studying techniques, solidify your knowledge and build your resilience over time. For me personally I saw resitting my A-levels as a slight advantage when it came to interviews. It allowed me to talk about how taking a gap year helped develop my determination and self discipline, both characteristics that are required as a dental professional.
Dentistry is a competitive course and universities value applicants who can show perseverance and a gap year was a great example to showcase my resilience. Speaking from experience I can confidently say that a lot of students may feel as though they are ‘falling behind’ and that it will be awkward being in a cohort with students who are younger than you.
However, you’ll be glad to hear that when you eventually make it to university nobody can actually tell if you are older. In my first week of university, not a single person noticed I was older unless I brought it up myself or they knew of me beforehand! And in reality one year is a small investment when you consider the long career ahead of you.
Regardless of whether you start dentistry at the age of 18 or 25, you will end up with the exact same qualification and the main aim is to have fun while achieving it rather than letting one year hold you back.
Dealing with FOMO
Another big issue I struggled with was coming to terms with all of my friends going to university and experiencing new things whilst I was at home revising for my UCAT, interviews etc. It can be challenging at first due to the change in routine.
Going from seeing my friends everyday to seeing them do fun things without me was hard but this feeling known as FOMO (fear of missing out) does eventually fade. Over time you will come to terms with your gap year and be more accepting of it. Personally I noticed myself coming to terms with it around interview season however this may vary person to person, but just know it will get better.
One main thing that helped me get through the FOMO was having a good support system and also looking after myself. It can be easy to get swept away in being sad but it is so important to look after yourself and indulge in self love.
During my gap year I started reading a book called Good vibes, Good life by Vex King. Long story short, this book taught me that nurturing yourself can help you achieve so much more than punishing yourself for something that didn’t go your way.
I am a strong believer in the phrase: ‘Everything happens for a reason.’ Yet for some reason when I opened my UCAS on results day I didn’t think so.
In the beginning of my gap year I beat myself up a lot about how I had disappointed not only myself but also those around me. But as time went on, I realised that maybe this was the universe giving me another chance to achieve my dreams. Instead of sitting in a pit of sadness, I should have been trying again – but this time, harder.
What are the other options?
Overall, retaking my A levels was the stepping stone I needed to get into dental school, but for others, there may be better alternatives. For example, other degrees or going straight into dental nursing.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Another undergraduate degree eg dental hygiene and therapy, biomedical sciences etc | You can always apply for dentistry after completing the other degree. You may still enjoy the course since it is healthcare related. | These degrees are usually around three years long so when you start dentistry you may feel behind. You may also incur extra student debt/tuition fees.
It must be noted there is no guaranteed entry into dentistry – postgraduate dentistry is usually a lot more competitive. |
| Dental nursing | You can become a GDC registered nurse through a much shorter course – you do not need a university degree. You can also train while being employed in a dental practice. |
Once qualified, you cannot diagnose, plan treatments or carry out most procedures. You will also interact less with patients. |
| Clearing | Clearing gives you the chance to start university straight away. You may find a new interest in a subject you never thought you would like. | You may regret not trying again or end up not enjoying the course you choose. |
Overall, missing grades doesn’t define your future. With determination, alternative routes or a gap year, you can still achieve your dream career.
