Portsmouth is one of two brand new UK dental schools taking students for the first time in September 2027, with 25 funded home places. It is the first dental school in the South East. Shortlisting looks at your personal statement, UCAT and grades together, and there is no fixed UCAT cut-off.
Last reviewed: August 2026 by MedicHut's admissions team.
Portsmouth does not publish a fixed UCAT cut-off. Your score is used in context with the rest of your application, so a mid-range score is not automatically fatal here.
Portsmouth shortlists using a combined review of your personal statement, UCAT score and GCSE and A-level results. It says strong results in other areas can partly make up for a lower UCAT score. Shortlisted applicants are then interviewed.
Portsmouth has no fixed UCAT cut-off. Scores are judged against how that year's applicants performed. This is the first year of entry, so there is no past cut-off to compare against.
Portsmouth interviews using a panel interview. Expect stations or questions on motivation for dentistry, manual dexterity, ethics, teamwork, communication and your work experience.
Portsmouth does not publish a fixed UCAT cut-off. Your score is used in context with the rest of your application, so a mid-range score is not automatically fatal here. Portsmouth has no fixed UCAT cut-off. Scores are judged against how that year's applicants performed. This is the first year of entry, so there is no past cut-off to compare against.
AAA including A in Biology and A in one other science (Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology). At GCSE: English and Maths at grade 7 (A) or above, plus two sciences at grade 6 (B) or above, achieved before you apply.
Portsmouth uses a panel interview. Portsmouth shortlists using a combined review of your personal statement, UCAT score and GCSE and A-level results. It says strong results in other areas can partly make up for a lower UCAT score. Shortlisted applicants are then interviewed.
Portsmouth will consider A-level resits, usually with extenuating circumstances or a higher grade requirement. Check the current admissions statement before committing to a resit year.
English and Maths at grade 7 (A) or above, plus two sciences at grade 6 (B) or above, achieved before you apply. GCSEs carry real weight at Portsmouth, so a strong grade profile can offset a mid-range UCAT.
Yes. Portsmouth accepts gap-year applicants for dentistry. You will need to sit the UCAT again in the cycle you apply and show what you did with the year, ideally including dental work experience or patient-facing employment.
There is no magic number of hours. Portsmouth wants evidence that you understand the reality of clinical dentistry: time in a practice (general or specialist), any patient-facing or caring role, and reflection on manual dexterity, communication and long appointments. Quality of reflection beats quantity of placements.
UK dentistry is competitive everywhere, typically well over 10 applicants per place across the sector. At Portsmouth the deciding factor is your UCAT alongside a screened personal statement.
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