Dentistry Summer School

Dive into Dentistry: A Summer of Learning and Discovery

Explore the dynamic world of Dentistry this summer with Minds Underground's Dentistry Summer School, designed for Year 12 students and guided by inspiring Dentistry tutors.

Running from July to August, our online Dentistry Summer School features engaging 1.5-hour sessions each week, led by top Dentistry tutors. The Summer School will cover a diverse range of topics, including oral health, dental procedures, patient care, and the latest advancements in the field. Immerse yourself in discussions, case analyses, and critical examinations of key dental topics in an engaging learning environment.

Enrolling in our Dentistry summer course offers exposure to first-year university-level material, refining essential analytical skills, mastery of core concepts, and the ability to engage in insightful discourse. Tailored for those gearing up for top-tier UK dental school applications, our tutors will guide you in articulating your motivations and engaging in thoughtful discussions, preparing you for potential dental school interviews.

Location: Online

Student Age: 15 - 18

Duration: 8 Weeks

Hours: 12 hours (Weekly 1.5hr session)

Dates: July - August

Why Join the Minds Underground Dentistry Summer School for Top UK Dentistry University Applicants?

Expand Your Knowledge of Dentistry, Gaining Exposure to University Material

Discover a wealth of knowledge via exposure to a range of cutting edge topics within Dentistry, enriching your academic portfolio and setting yourself apart in university applications. The online Dentistry Summer School aims to give students exposure to first year university level material to enhance their applications.

Gain Exposure to the Latest Developments in Dentistry

Our Dentistry tutors prioritise discussions on contemporary and pertinent topics in dental medicine. These include crucial subjects such as oral health, advancements in dental technology, dental ethics, patient care, and emerging issues in the field.

Theory to Practice: Gain an Insight into the Practice of Dentistry

Although the Dentistry summer course is conducted online, it offers a unique opportunity to delve into the day-to-day dynamics of dental practice. Explore various dental case studies, putting yourself in the shoes of a dentist to analyse complex examples.

Hone Communication and Critical Discussion Skills For Potential Interviews

Enhance your communication and presentation skills through highly interactive classes, where you can confidently voice your ideas and engage with subject experts. Our Dentistry tutors frequently pose interview-style questions, ensuring prospective top Russell Group University Dentistry applicants are set up for natural success in their interviews.

Gain Original, High Level Content Ideas For Your Dentistry Personal Statement

We aim to provide students with high level, exciting ideas that they can mention in their university application's personal statement, showcasing their passion for Dentistry and the skills acquired during our Dentistry summer programme. For students also interested in 1-1 Dentistry personal statement preparation, we offer tutorial sessions.

Tailored Learning for Aspiring Dentistry Applicants

Designed primarily for Year 12 students (age 16-17), our Dentistry Summer Course offers a platform for high-performing, ambitious students to enhance their knowledge and skills for a successful application. The course is tailored to ensure high relevance to Dentistry courses at the top UK Universities such as King’s College London, University of Bristol and Newcastle University.

A promotional image of a tooth for our Dentistry Summer School

A Taster of Dentistry Summer Course Topics

Common Dental Conditions

The general public often refer to caries as ‘decay’ and periodontal disease as ‘gum disease’. It is important to be familiar with these dental terms in the interviews. We explore common dental conditions, causes and risk factors and also explore oral cancer, its prevalence and risk factors. We will go over: Caries, and the difference between the process of caries and a caries lesion, periodontal disease including gingivitis and periodontitis and BPE scoring, as well as dentine hypersensitivity.

The Importance of Human Biology

A common interview question is ‘Why dentistry, not medicine?’. Medicine is a similar profession, and prospective dental applicants need to have an understanding of other systems of the body in order to provide holistic care. Many systemic diseases will have oral manifestations, and dentists are expected to identify these if present and refer immediately if there are worrying signs. We will consider why medicine is important to dentistry and look at examples of common diseases and the oral manifestations of such diseases and their medications.

The 9 GDC Principles

These are professional standards expected by the GDC. There are some which you should be familiar with in more detail than others, as they deal with important principles such as consent, continuous professional development and complaints procedures, which are of interest to interviewers. In this session, we will discuss informed consent: what it is, how to obtain it, different types of consent (e.g. implied, written, verbal) and continuous professional development e.g. the importance of life-long learning in dentistry due to advancements in dental material science etc.

The Big Amalgam Debate

In previous generations, amalgam was the gold-standard filling material for posterior teeth, so a large amount of the population is currently walking around with a mercury-containing silver alloy in their mouth. In the past few decades, there has been a considerable amount of debate around the use of amalgam, with many members of the public led to believe that amalgam fillings are unsafe. In this session, we will discuss what amalgam is, why amalgam has been the gold-standard for restorations, the myths surrounding it and why amalgam is now being phased out.

Mastering the Ethical Principles

Most dental schools will have at least one question where you will be given a scenario and scored on your response. It is important to consider the four principles of medical ethics when responding. We will go over some examples of scenarios and how to structure your answer to standout in your Dentistry interviews.

The Future of Dentistry & Mastering the Interview

Good infection control to avoid the risk of disease transmission has always been an expectation in dentistry and is one of the first things you are taught in dental school, from effective hand-washing to zoning, to the order in which you don and doff PPE. In light of the Covid outbreak, infection control has never been more important, and there are many procedures the dental field has had to adapt in order to be compliant. This session will explore infection control procedures, as well as other key advances and questions in Dentistry, to prepare for future Dentistry interviews.

Learn From Inspiring Top Russell Group University Dentistry Tutors

Tutor Headshot

Example Dentistry tutor: Zahra

Zahra is currently in her final year studying Dentistry at King’s College London. She achieved distinctions in BDS1 and BDS2, as well as a ‘Gold Star Award’ in her 5000-word Student Selected Topic, which is awarded to the top 10% of essays. During her own application process, Zahra was given interviews and offers from all 4 universities she applied to. Zahra has strong knowledge of the dentistry application process, is up-to-date on the changes to interview styles at the top universities in the UK and regularly provides personal statement and mock interview support for Dentistry applicants.

Zahra was recently part of a team of student medics and dentists who organised and ran a mock MMI day following the traditional style of KCL interviews, with 7-minute stations and 90 seconds orientation time. Zahra has also co-hosted an interview webinar for 50 students, with Q&A segments covering general tips for interviews to build a rapport with interviewers, common interview questions & tips for answering, different interview formats and types of questions (e.g. Panel, MMI, ethical scenario, role-play, describing a picture etc.) and 'Hot Topics in Dentistry' (e.g. basic knowledge regarding dental decay, gum disease, and silver fillings, NHS banding, infection control etc.). She is looking forward to sharing such expertise during the Summer School.

Booking the Dentistry Summer School

Book now to ensure your spot in the Summer School. Our booking page includes 2024 dates and pricing. We limit class sizes to facilitate group discussion, tailored support and individual feedback.

Are You Looking For Further Support For Your Dentistry University Application?

  • The Summer School is designed to provide exciting talking points for your personal statement. If you are looking for some one-to-one tuition tailored to your specific application, contact us to arrange sessions with a top Dentistry tutor!

  • We offer specialised preparation for Dentistry Admissions Tests. Most Dentistry applicants will have to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test or UCAT (formerly UKCAT). Visit our Admissions Test page on the U2 Tuition website to learn more.

  • Are you preparing for future interviews at top universities such as KCL? Our top UK Dentistry tutors prepare students for all formats of interview questions, hosting preparatory sessions and mock interviews. Learn more here.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ – Dentistry Summer School

  • The Minds Underground Dentistry Summer School is an enriching online educational programme designed for students passionate about Dentistry. Led by top Dentistry tutors, the summer school delves into a diverse range of topics, providing an in-depth exploration of various debates and hot topics in Dentistry.

  • Participating in the online Dentistry Summer School can significantly enhance the university application of prospective Dentistrystudents. Beyond traditional classroom learning, you will engage with stimulating debates and develop crucial skills in critical thinking and analytical discussion. This experience showcases your genuine passion for Dentistry, providing a valuable addition to your university application.

  • Yes, the Dentistry Summer School is designed to accommodate students at various stages of their academic journey in Dentistry. Whether you're a Year 12 student looking to enhance your university application or a passionate younger student aiming to broaden your understanding of the Architecture, this programme offers a diverse and enriching learning experience.

  • Absolutely. The Dentistry Summer course covers a range of thought-provoking topics, such as the Amalgam Debate and Current Dental Healthcare in the UK. These discussions not only enrich your Dentistry knowledge but also enhance your analytical skills and deep interest in the subject, crucial for prospective Dentistry university applications.

  • Registration details and enrolment information can be found on the Summer School booking page. Complete the registration process and we will send you logistical details a month or so before the course commences.

  • The Dentistry online Summer School sessions take place weekly, with each session lasting 1.5 hours. The course runs from July to September, providing a flexible and comprehensive learning experience.

  • Participants who successfully complete the programme are able to request a certificate of participation, which can be a valuable addition to your academic achievements and university applications.

  • Absolutely. Our Year 12 Dentistry online Summer School is designed to provide personal guidance and support. We keep class sizes small to ensure lots of interaction and individual attention. You'll have the opportunity to interact with our team of experts, ask questions, and receive assistance with your academic and university preparation needs.

  • Yes, we understand that scheduling conflicts can arise. We offer an offline programme option where students unable to attend live sessions can receive full session recordings and materials. This allows you to engage with the content at your own pace and convenience.

    How does the offline programme work, and what materials will I receive?

    Students opting for the offline programme will receive access to recorded sessions, lecture materials, assignments, and resources related to each session. You can review the content at your own convenience, ensuring you don't miss out on any valuable information.

    Can I still interact with instructors and ask questions if I choose the offline option?

    While the offline Summer School doesn't provide real-time interaction with instructors, we encourage participants to reach out with questions through email. Our team is committed to providing support and addressing queries to enhance your learning experience.

    Are there specific deadlines or timelines to follow for the offline programme?

    The offline programme is designed to be flexible, allowing you to set your own pace within the programme's overall duration. However, we recommend staying on track with the programme schedule to ensure you have ample time for completion and any potential follow-up questions.

    How do I enrol in the offline programme, and is there a separate registration process?

    To enrol in the offline programme, simply follow the same registration process as for the live sessions on our website. During registration, you can indicate your preference for the offline option. You will receive access to the programme materials upon completion of each session.

    Is there a difference in the cost between the live and offline programme options?

    The cost for both the live and offline programme options remains the same. We aim to provide a flexible learning experience that accommodates different needs and schedules without additional cost considerations.

    Can I switch from the live programme to the offline programme (or vice versa) if my circumstances change?

    Yes, you can switch between the live and offline programme options based on your circumstances. Please contact our team to discuss any changes or transitions in your programme participation.

    How do I access the recorded sessions and materials for the offline programme?

    After registering for the offline programme, you will receive instructions on how to access the recorded sessions and materials through our online platform. This information will be provided to you before the start of the programme.

  • The summer school primarily focuses on immersive learning and skill development rather than formal assessments. The emphasis is on exploring advanced topics, critical discussion and debate, as well as honing essential skills for future academic pursuits.

  • All you have to do is cultivate an inquisitive mindset for advanced curriculum engagement. Come prepared to actively participate, ask questions, and collaborate with peers to make the most of the learning experience.

  • If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact us through the contact form on our website or send an email to enquiries@mindsunderground.com, quoting your contact number in case your email ends up in our Spam folder! Our team will be happy to assist you with any queries.