Jonathan BensonChoosing the right dental school is a major decision for aspiring dentists. London, the UK’s capital, is home to some of the world’s most prestigious dental programmes. These schools offer top-tier clinical training, innovative research opportunities, and global recognition.
Whether you’re seeking an undergraduate Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or a postgraduate programme, London provides options that suit a range of academic goals. In this post, we explore the top 10 dental schools in London, outline their fees, course details, and highlight what makes each unique.
Top 10 Dental Schools In London And Fees
1. King’s College London Dental Institute
King’s College London (KCL) consistently ranks as one of the top dental schools in the world. The BDS programme combines strong academic foundations with early clinical exposure, preparing students for modern dentistry.
Key Details:
- Location: London, England
- Course: Dentistry BDS
- Duration: 5 years
- Fees: £9,535/year (UK) | £58,200/year (International)
- Highlights: Access to major hospitals like Guy’s and St Thomas’, strong research programs, top rankings in UK and global dentistry.
King’s College is ideal for students looking for rigorous clinical training paired with world-class academic support.
2. Queen Mary University of London – Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry
Queen Mary’s dental school provides a well-rounded programme, combining clinical experience with research opportunities. Students benefit from diverse patient cases and NHS partnerships.
Key Details:
- Location: London, England
- Course: Dentistry BDS
- Duration: 5 years
- Fees: £9,535/year (UK) | £49,950–£53,950/year (International)
- Highlights: Strong NHS integration, diverse clinical placements, focus on community outreach.
This school is perfect for students seeking real-world exposure early in their dental career.
3. UCL Eastman Dental Institute – University College London
UCL Eastman Dental Institute is Europe’s largest postgraduate dental school. It focuses on specialist clinical training, research, and advanced dentistry degrees such as MSc and PhD programmes.
Key Details:
- Location: London, England
- Courses: Postgraduate (MSc, MPhil, PhD)
- Fees: Starting around £47,100/year (international postgraduate clinical programmes)
- Highlights: Strong research focus, access to Eastman Dental Hospital, opportunities for specialist training.
Eastman is ideal for students pursuing advanced clinical skills or research-based dental careers.
4. London Dental Institute
The London Dental Institute specializes in postgraduate courses for practicing dentists. Courses range from orthodontics to restorative dentistry, offering flexible learning for career development.
Key Details:
- Location: London, England
- Courses: PG Certificates, Diplomas, Short Courses
- Fees: Approx. £9,995+ per course
- Highlights: Practical focus, online learning options, professional upskilling.
This institute suits dentists looking to expand their expertise without enrolling in a full degree programme.
5. Barts and The London – Specialised Dental Programmes
While part of Queen Mary University, Barts & The London is often noted separately for its specialist postgraduate programmes. Areas of focus include oral surgery, dental public health, and orthodontics.
Key Details:
- Location: London
- Courses: Postgraduate specialist diplomas
- Fees: £20,000+ depending on course
- Highlights: Deep clinical training with NHS collaboration, tailored to specialists.
Ideal for dental professionals seeking advanced clinical training.
6. King’s College London – Graduate Entry Dentistry
For students with previous science degrees, KCL offers a 3-year graduate entry BDS programme. It fast-tracks graduates into dentistry without repeating undergraduate studies.
Key Details:
- Location: London
- Course: Graduate Entry BDS
- Duration: 3 years
- Fees: £26,700/year
- Highlights: Designed for science graduates, intensive clinical and academic training.
Perfect for career changers looking to enter dentistry quickly.
7. UCL Advanced Dentistry MSc Programmes
UCL Eastman Dental Institute offers specialised MSc courses such as Conservative Dentistry and Restorative Dentistry. These programmes are ideal for dentists wanting advanced clinical expertise.
Key Details:
- Location: London
- Course: MSc Advanced Dentistry
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Fees: Approx. £61,800
- Highlights: Focus on cutting-edge techniques, strong clinical supervision, research integration.
These courses suit dentists seeking leadership in specialised dental fields.
8. Combined Dental Training Options in London
Several London universities and NHS trusts offer collaborative programmes, allowing students to combine dentistry with research, management, or academic qualifications.
Highlights:
- BDS + MSc dual degree options
- Exposure to innovative research projects
- Opportunities for NHS clinical placements
Ideal for ambitious students seeking a multidisciplinary approach to dentistry.
9. UCL Dental Research Programmes (PhD / MPhil)
For those interested in dental research, UCL Eastman offers PhD and MPhil programmes in dentistry. These degrees prepare students for academic, scientific, and clinical leadership roles.
Key Details:
- Location: London
- Courses: PhD / MPhil Dentistry
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Fees: £6,400/year (UK) | ~£49,500/year (International)
- Highlights: World-class research facilities, global collaborations, academic career preparation.
Perfect for students aiming to combine clinical practice with research expertise.
10. Specialty and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Courses
London also hosts numerous CPD and specialty courses for practising dentists. These courses provide skills in areas such as endodontics, periodontology, and restorative dentistry.
Highlights:
- Duration: Weeks to months
- Fees: £1,000+
- Focus on practical skills, hands-on workshops, and professional growth
Ideal for professionals looking to update or specialise their dental practice.
Comparison Table of Top London Dental Schools & Fees
| School / Programme | Location | Degree / Focus | Duration | Approx. Fees (UK/International) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King’s College London Dental Institute | London | BDS (UG) | 5 years | £9,535 / £58,200 |
| Queen Mary University (Barts & London) | London | BDS (UG) | 5 years | £9,535 / £49,950–£53,950 |
| UCL Eastman Dental Institute | London | MSc / MPhil / PhD | Varies | £47,100+ |
| London Dental Institute | London | PG / Diplomas | Varies | £9,995+ |
| King’s Graduate Entry Dentistry | London | BDS (Grad) | 3 years | £26,700 |
| UCL Advanced Dentistry MSc | London | MSc | 1–2 yrs | £61,800 |
| UCL Dental Research (PhD/MPhil) | London | Research | 3–4 yrs | £6,400 / £49,500 |
| Barts & London Specialities | London | PG / Specialist | Varies | £20,000+ |
| Combined Dentistry Training | London | BDS / Dual Degrees | Varies | Variable |
| Specialty CPD Courses | London | CPD / Skills | Weeks–Months | £1,000+ |
How to Choose the Right Dental School in London
- Curriculum & Clinical Exposure: Look for early and diverse patient interactions.
- Tuition & Financial Planning: London living costs are high; factor these into your budget.
- Specialisation Opportunities: Consider if you want to pursue postgraduate or specialist training.
- Reputation & Accreditation: Ensure the programme is accredited by the UK General Dental Council (GDC).
Conclusion
London is an outstanding destination for dental education. From undergraduate programmes at King’s College London and Queen Mary University to postgraduate and research-focused courses at UCL Eastman, there are opportunities for students at all stages of their dental careers.
Choosing the right school depends on your background, career goals, and finances. With world-class training, diverse clinical experiences, and a global reputation, London’s dental schools provide a strong foundation for a successful career in dentistry.