Admission to the University of Aberdeen is entirely on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve. We operate an admissions policy which ensures equality of opportunity to all applicants. Applications are welcomed from students with excellent academic potential and the University recognises the importance of admitting applicants to a course suited to their ability and aspirations. The selection process therefore takes account of all aspects of an application and not just an applicant's academic profile.
We select applicants for Dentistry in line with the Guiding Principles for the Admission of Dental Schools.
- Equality and Diversity
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The University of Aberdeen has an equal opportunities policy to which the dental school adheres. An applicant's race, ethnicity, gender, marital or parental status, educational or social background will have no influence on how their application is assessed.
The University of Aberdeen believes a diverse student population is important from an educational and social perspective; enhancing the educational experience for all.
- Disabilities
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We welcome applications from students with disabilities. A disability need not be a bar to becoming a dentist if the student can fulfil the rigorous demands of professional fitness to practise. However, it is important that disabilities are declared so that appropriate adjustments to the course can be made in good time. Identification of these needs is the purpose of the Occupational Health Questionnaire described below. Note that dyslexia falls into the disability category and mistakes in prescribing can have serious results if dyslexia is not declared and if protective measures are not in place. Independent assessment of dyslexia is therefore important.
- Convictions
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All applicants to dentistry must declare criminal offences on the UCAS form. Any declaration will be further explored and further details will be required.
All entrants to dental schools in the UK must undergo a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) check, or equivalent police record check. Applicants who accept an offer of admission to dentistry in Aberdeen will be contacted prior to the start of term and guided through the process of application through Disclosure Scotland for this criminal records check. Non-UK domiciled entrants will be required to supply the university with equivalent certification from their home government. This documentation must be received as soon as possible to allow consideration of the individual circumstances by the University prior to the commencement of studies.
Not all convictions will result in being barred from the profession. Should potential applicants have uncertainty about a declaration, the Admissions Office will be able to offer advice about a future application for Dentistry to Aberdeen
Applicants with serious criminal convictions may be refused entry on grounds of Fitness to Practise. Failure to declare information, which directly relates to your Fitness to Practise will result in the termination of your dental school course.
- Age
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All applicants are judged on their merits and in particular, their potential benefit to the dental profession.
There is no fixed upper age limit.
- Transfers
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We do not allow transfer into the programme to students who have commenced other degree courses, nor can the School consider applicants who have commenced an alternate degree course with the intention of making an application whilst they are an undergraduate student of that course.
We are well aware of the difficulties faced by students who, for various reasons, do not wish to complete their course of studies and would prefer to enter the programme. While sympathy is felt for the plight of such students, we are inundated with requests for transfer.
Our usual advice in these circumstances is to complete the current degree to at least 2:1 Honours level and then apply as a graduate.