There are several reasons why students may not get into dentistry in the UK. One of the main reasons is high competition for places. Dental schools in the UK are highly competitive, and there are often many more applicants than available places. Other reasons may include a lack of preparation for the application process, low grades or test scores, insufficient insight into the career, and a weak personal statement or interview performance. Another common reason is not seeking enough help and support during the application process. Applying to dental school can be a daunting and complex process, and it’s important for students to seek guidance and support from experienced professionals such as Chief Mentors, to maximise their chances of success. At Dental Mentor, you can start by joining our free virtual Get into Dentistry conference, to help students improve their applications and succeed in their Dental school goals. Our team of experienced dentists and dental educators can provide expert advice, personalised support, and valuable resources to help you achieve your dreams of becoming a dentist.

At the Get into Dentistry Conference, students and parents can expect an immersive and interactive experience. After registering using the free registration link, they will receive a Zoom link to the virtual conference two days before the event. The timings of the conference vary depending on the day it is held and whether it is a morning or afternoon session, but generally, registration starts at 9:30 am, and the conference starts at 10:00 am, finishing at 3:30 pm. During the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to meet dentists and dental students, ask questions, and gain a unique insight into the application process and life as a dental student. Multiple 10-minute breaks throughout the conference give students and parents the chance to speak to the mentors directly. The conference covers all agenda topics, and students can take notes throughout the session. Upon completion of the conference, students will receive a certificate of attendance with their name and a serial number for identification. This conference is a valuable addition to any UCAS application, and we encourage all aspiring dental students to attend.

This conference is specifically designed for students in the 10/S3/Northern Irish 11 year groups and above who are interested in applying to dental school but have not yet applied. It provides a comprehensive overview of the application process and an opportunity to ask questions to current dentists and dental students. However, if you have already applied to dental school and received four rejections, we recommend attending the Re-application Get into Dentistry conference instead. Parents are encouraged to attend as they play a crucial role in supporting their child’s aspirations. It is essential that parents are present to gain all the necessary information and ask questions alongside their children. To adhere to our safeguarding requirements, it is compulsory for students to be present with a guardian. Overall, this conference is the perfect opportunity for aspiring dental students and their parents to learn about the application process and gain insight into the dental profession.

At Dental Mentor, we take safeguarding very seriously and ensure that it is a top priority at all of our events, including those that are held online. In order to attend the conference, all delegates must be present with a parent or guardian. We encourage everyone to have their cameras switched on during the sessions (they can be turned off during the breaks) and microphones connected so that they can ask questions and interact with the doctors and dental students directly. Remember, speaking to dentist is a compulsory requirement of the application process, so the conference is not just about providing information but also about creating a safe opportunity for students to speak to dentists. It is crucial that attendees are able to meet these requirements to participate in the conference. If you are unable to access a working camera or do not have a parent or guardian present with you for the duration of the conference, our safeguarding team will remove you from the conference and suggest alternative dates for you to attend. These conferences take place every month, so you will have plenty of opportunities to find a convenient time and fix any technological issues that you may have. If you are finding it impossible to access a camera or a guardian, you can watch the E-learning version of the conference instead. However, we strongly encourage students to attend the live event so that they can benefit from the incredible networking opportunity to speak to dentists for their UCAS applications.

Preparing for the conference is crucial to ensure that you get the best experience possible. First, make sure that your technology is set up properly. Check that the link in your email is working and that you have a Zoom account. Download the latest version of Zoom so that you can access all of the interactive features that you need. Test that your camera and microphone work, and that you have given Zoom permission to access your microphone and camera on your computer’s system and preferences. Join us from a desktop, laptop, or tablet to get the best experience and access all of the Zoom features that you need, such as downloading links and files from the chat-box. Remember, you will be unable to do this from a phone. Also, ensure that you have a parent or guardian who is free for the duration of the conference to adhere to our safeguarding requirements. Bring someone who knows you well and will support you on your application journey. Make a list of questions that you would like to ask the dentists and dental students in advance. Finally, have a think about what extracurricular activities you have completed, such as competitions, leadership positions, hobbies, volunteering, work experience, and interests that you have, as you may want to mention them during the conference.

We understand that some students or parents may feel uncomfortable turning on their cameras during the conference. However, having a working camera is a requirement to participate and interact with other attendees. The conference is designed to provide an interactive experience, where attendees can practice speaking to dentists and develop confidence in using virtual platforms, which is important for dental school interviews. It is not just about delivering information, but also about providing students with the opportunity to develop their transferable skills and the important qualities needed to become a dentist. If you only want access to information at this point, you can use the e-learning version of the conference or start with the information pages about applying to medicine. However, attending the conference and interacting with cameras turned on provides a real-life experience and a comprehensive overview of the application process. If you need more support and practice with technology and virtual platforms, you can attend the Chief Mentor drop-in clinics, which take place in the evenings. Eventually, if you decide that becoming a dental professional is something that you wish to pursue, attending this conference is a crucial first step towards that path.  Conferences and virtual meetings such as these are now commonplace for dentists and dental students and something that we are expected to be proficient with. We encourage you to take advantage of this networking opportunity and gain valuable experience that will benefit you in your future dental career.