UCAT for Dentistry: What Score Do You Need in 2025?

If you’re planning to apply to dental school in the UK in 2025, you’ve likely come across the UCAT, the University Clinical Aptitude Test. This exam plays a crucial role in the admissions process for most UK dental schools, and your score can significantly impact your chances of getting shortlisted for an interview. In this article, we’ll break down what UCAT score you need for dentistry in 2025, how to interpret your score, which dental schools use the UCAT, and tips on how to prepare for the test effectively. Whether you’re aiming for King’s College London, Sheffield, or Plymouth, this guide should help.

What is the UCAT?

The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a two-hour computer-based test used by many UK medical and dental schools as part of their selection process. It assesses a range of mental abilities and attributes considered important for healthcare professionals.

The UCAT is made up of four sections:

1. Verbal Reasoning
2. Decision Making
3. Quantitative Reasoning
4. Situational Judgement

The first four sections are scored between, giving a total cognitive score between and. The Situational Judgement section is scored in bands from 1 (highest) to 4 (lowest).

What’s changing in the UCAT 2025?

In 2025, Abstract Reasoning will be removed, and the test will comprise:

Cognitive Subtests:

1. Verbal Reasoning – 44 questions, 22 minutes
2. Decision Making – 35 questions, 37 minutes
3. Quantitative Reasoning – 36 questions, 26 minutes

Each section is scored from 300 to 900, giving a total score range of 900 to 2700.

Situational Judgement Test (SJT)

• 69 questions, 26 minutes
• Scored in Bands 1 (highest) to 4 (lowest)

The full exam lasts just under 2 hours (excluding warm-up/introduction screens).

Is the UCAT Required for Dentistry?

Yes, the UCAT is required for most dental schools in the UK. If you’re applying to dentistry courses at universities like King’s College London, Bristol, Manchester, or Newcastle, you’ll need to sit the UCAT in the summer before applying.

There are a few exceptions; some schools offering graduate-entry dentistry may not require UCAT.

What Is a Good UCAT Score for Dentistry in 2025?

While there’s no official “pass mark,” competitive UCAT scores vary depending on the dental school and the competitiveness of the application cycle. Based on data from previous years and current UCAT trends, here’s a rough guide for 2025 entry:

UCAT Score Range	Competitiveness
2250+	Excellent – Competitive for all UCAT dental schools
2150–2240	Strong – Competitive for many schools
1950–2140	Moderate – May be competitive for some, depending on other factors
Below 1950	Less competitive – Consider UCAT-free schools or strengthening other parts of your application

Keep in mind: Dental schools often weigh the UCAT differently. Some use it as a strict cut-off, others combine it with GCSEs and predicted grades in a holistic scoring system.

UCAT Cut-Off Scores by Dental School (Based on Recent Data)

Here’s a snapshot of UCAT requirements from key UK dental schools (based on recent admission cycles):

• King’s College London: No official cut-off; typically >2550 and Band 1–2
• Bristol: Strong emphasis on UCAT; historical cut-offs ~2650 (2024) → ~2000–2100 (2025 est.)
• Manchester: Combines UCAT with academics; recent cut-offs ~2500 (2024) → ~1900 (2025 est.)
• Newcastle: High UCAT emphasis; cut-offs often >2700 (2024) → ~2100+ (2025 est.)

• Plymouth: Generally accepts >2400 (2024) → ~1800 (2025 est.)

• Sheffield: Historically around 2500 (2024) → ~1850 (2025 est.)

Always check individual university websites and admissions policies, as criteria can change each year.

How Do Dental Schools Use the UCAT?

Dental schools use the UCAT in several ways:

1. Minimum Cut-off: Some universities reject applicants below a certain UCAT score.
2. Ranking Tool: Others rank applicants based on UCAT scores and shortlist the top percentage.
3. Holistic Use: A few universities consider the UCAT alongside academic grades, personal statements, and references.
4. Situational Judgement Banding: Band 4 is often a red flag. Many schools won’t consider applicants who score in this band.
   

What Was the Average UCAT Score in 2024?

To help you interpret your own score, here are some statistics from the 2024 UCAT cycle:

• Average Score: ~2510
• Top 10%: 2850+
• Top 20%: 2750+
• Band 1 SJT: ~19%
• Band 2 SJT: ~40%
  

These statistics give a useful benchmark, but note that averages can shift slightly each year.

Tips to Boost Your UCAT Score for Dentistry

Preparing well for the UCAT can drastically improve your score. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Start Early

Begin preparation at least 3–4 months in advance. Cramming last-minute is not effective for UCAT.

2. Focus on Weak Areas

Identify your weakest sections using a diagnostic test and dedicate more time to those.

3. Use High-Quality UCAT Resources

Use trusted UCAT preparation platforms like:

• Official UCAT practice tests
• MedicHut UCAT Tutoring – 1-to-1 tutoring and masterclasses
• Time-bound mocks to build speed and accuracy
  

4. Practice Under Time Pressure

The UCAT is a speed test. Simulate exam conditions often.

5. Review Your Mistakes

Don’t just do questions, go back and learn from your errors to avoid repeating them.

What if I Don’t Get a High Score?

If your UCAT score isn’t as high as you’d hoped:

• Consider applying to dental schools with a lower emphasis on the UCAT (like Plymouth or Manchester)
• Strengthen other parts of your application (GCSEs, personal statement, interview prep)
• Take a gap year and resit the UCAT next year
  

Key UCAT 2025 Dates

• Registration Opens: May 2025
• Testing Begins: July 2025
• UCAT Deadline: Late September 2025
• UCAS Application Deadline: 15 October 2025
  

Don’t leave booking your test until the last minute; popular dates fill up quickly.

UCAT Preparation & Support

Scoring well on the UCAT is essential for getting into most UK dental schools. In 2025, a competitive score will likely be above 2200, giving you a strong edge for top-tier schools. That said, it’s just one part of your application.

At MedicHut, we’re here to help you every step of the way, from UCAT prep to interview training. If you’re serious about pursuing dentistry, consider joining one of our UCAT courses or booking a 1-to-1 tutor to maximise your score.