DENTISTRY
Dentistry is a branch of medicine that is focused on the teeth, gums, and mouth. A dentistry degree will combine both theoretical and practical knowledge of oral health conditions. This will include practical skills such as dental materials and implements as well as their application, and a holistic understanding of oral biology and the factors that can impact dental hygiene.
SOME INFORMATION:
Competitions
The Minds Underground™ STEM Essay Competition is aimed at students in Year 12 (though we welcome younger applicants). We have split the Sciences into numerous scientific fields and will select a winner from each: Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science. The competition provides students with an opportunity to attempt university-level research, hone their scientific writing & argumentative skills and prepare for university interviews. Entrants must choose 1 question to answer from their category.
The 2025 Minds Underground Essay Competition results are now live — view the full results on our Results Page. 2026 questions will be released in November 2025.
2025 Dentistry Essay Questions:
To what extent is cosmetic dentistry ethical?
Discuss the ethics of cosmetic procedures in dentistry, such as veneers, teeth whitening, and orthodontics, in terms of patient consent, societal pressures, and long-term health impacts.
How can dentistry contribute to tackling public health challenges, such as sugar consumption and oral cancer?
Examine the role of dentists in preventative healthcare, patient education, and broader public health campaigns.
What is the future of dental care in a world of increasing antibiotic resistance?
Explore how dentists might respond to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant infections and the potential innovations in treatments and preventive care.
Books
- Smile Stealers
- Teeth: A Very Short Introduction
- Teeth: The Story of Beauty, Inequality, and the Struggle for Oral Health in America
- Confessions of a GP
- An Introduction to Modern Mobile and Teledentistry
- Blabber Mouth
Lectures and talks
University of Birmingham – Dental Surgery Taster Lecture
University of Birmingham – Dental Hygiene and Therapy Taster. This looks at the difference practical elements that you will be expected to oversee
- Basic Dental Terminology
Podcasts
Dentistry Talks: Podcast · Dentistry · This is Dentistry Talks, a podcast where we speak with exciting voices on topics outside of the profession to bring you fresh perspectives on dentistry. Whether it’s a successful entrepreneur or a record-breaking athlete, our guests share experiences that have important connections to the world of dentistry. We hope their stories and advice can help you to reshape the way you approach dentistry – be it in business, personal development or providing the best patient care.
The Dentist: Podcast · The Dentist · The podcast for NHS and private dentists
Websites
https://www.the-dentist.co.uk
https://www.bda.org/
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED...
UCAS – “Anthropology” subject guide
Royal Anthropological Institute
American Anthropological Association
According to UCAS, the average offer for an Anthropology course at UK universities is BBB – HOWEVER – this will differ depending on the university you apply to.