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Widening participation in dentistry: An opportunity to make a difference

BDJ Student volume 28, page 22 (2021)Cite this article

By Jack Johnson, University of Birmingham

It is no surprise that, with several applicants competing for every place available, gaining admission to study dentistry at university in the UK is highly competitive. The application process can seem arduous; with admissions tests such as the UCAT and BMAT to be sat, work experience gained and interviews attended, on top of the highest grades and a standout personal statement being required. All this can prove intimidating to the best of students and generate an additional access barrier to those coming from underrepresented backgrounds.

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References

  1. UCAS: End of Cycle Report 2019.. Chapter 6, Widening participation and access. Cheltenham: UCAS, 2020, Publication no. MD-5922.

  2. Dental Schools Council: Evidence for the Panel on Fair Access to the professions. 2009. Available online at: www.dentalschoolscouncil.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DentistryFairAccesstotheProfessionsMarch2009_001.pdf (Accessed March 2021).

  3. Apama A, Kibacki A, Ojha U, Xiang J. Challenges In Widening Participation Outreach: Is Enough Being Done To Tackle The Under-Representation Of Low-Income Students In Medicine? Adv Med Educ Pract 2019; 10: 917-923.

  4. Health Education England: Widening Participation It Matters! Strategy and Initial Action Plan. 2014. Available online at: www.hee.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Widening%20Participation%20it%20Matters_0.pdf (Accessed March 2021).

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  1. University of Birmingham, 6 Mill Pool Way, B5 7EG, Birmingham, UK

    Jack Johnson

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Correspondence to Jack Johnson.

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Johnson, J. Widening participation in dentistry: An opportunity to make a difference. BDJ Student 28, 22 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41406-021-0214-6

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