Young Dentist Summer Experience

Immersive Dental Experiences

• Experience the daily routine of real dentists in a simulated dental clinic.
• Drill, suture and take impressions on phantom heads under the guidance of experienced dentists.
• Take patient histories and provide diagnoses, stepping into the role of a consultant dentist.
• Explore specialisms such as orthodontics, oral surgery and dental public health.
• Analyse x-rays, discuss diagnoses and propose treatment plans.

Gain a Qualification and UCAS Points

• Gain practical dental experience to strengthen your university application and show your dedication to the profession.
• Have your work assessed to receive a Level 3 Award in Work Experience and Career Planning, worth 8 UCAS points.
• Complete the online assessment after the programme to receive a personalised certificate and industry reference letter.

Meet Senior Dentists

• Be coached through practical sessions by dentists from a range of specialisms.
• Ask questions to dentists and dental students during an interactive panel Q&A session.

Dental School Admission Coaching

• Receive expert guidance from dentists on how to excel in every stage of the dental school admissions process.
• Develop your personal statement writing skills with tips tailored to dental applications.
• Prepare for the UCAT exam with advice and strategies for success.
• Practise your interview skills in a simulated Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) circuit.

World-Class Universities and World-Class People

• Experience life at University College London (UCL), one of the world’s leading universities.
• Meet ambitious students from around the world and build a valuable global network.

Design Your Own Summer Experience

• Choose from the following programme options:
  • First Week Only (taster experience)
  • Two-Week Experience (full programme)
  • Two-Week Premium Experience (both weeks plus enhanced benefits)
• Choose residential or non-residential attendance.
• Residential students stay at UCL student halls in central London, with meals, guardianship and evening/weekend social activities included.
• Optional airport transfers are available at checkout.

Week 1

The World of a Dentist

• Develop dexterity by carving teeth and practising precision work
• Learn how to conduct patient consultations and support oral care
• Work through complex patient case studies and choose appropriate treatments

Enter the Dental Practice

• Experience a simulated dental clinic: procedures, equipment and live demonstrations
• Conduct dental X-rays, discuss treatment plans and learn how to diagnose issues
• Take part in dental training challenges including ethics, empathy and impression casting

Oral Health Diagnostics

• Learn to read and interpret dental X-rays
• Engage in diagnostic challenges and case discussions
• Review complex patient scenarios to refine diagnostic reasoning

Excelling in Your Dental School Application

• Build a strong application and craft an outstanding personal statement
• Practise interview and MMI stations including manual dexterity tasks
• Receive coaching from dentists experienced in admissions and interviews

The Consultation Clinic

• Conduct patient consultations using professional structures and techniques
• Discuss diagnoses, create pain management plans and address patient expectations
• Receive feedback from dentists and simulated patients

Week 2

Clinical Skills

• Cast dental impressions in a prosthetics lab and work with phantom heads
• Treat dental decay, perform suturing and manage dental trauma
• Recommend post-treatment care and follow-up procedures

Dentistry Beyond the Practice

• Explore oral surgery, orthodontics and public dental health planning
• Learn common orthodontic procedures and create a dental health strategy
• Discover dental research and the testing of new treatments and diagnostics

Pain Management and Dentistry Ethics

• Understand patient anxiety and learn pain management and sedation techniques
• Debate ethical dilemmas in dentistry with peers and professionals
• Take part in a Q&A session with dentists and dental students

Graduation & Certification

• Celebrate your achievements at the closing ceremony
• Receive an industry reference letter signed by professionals

2-Week Premium

Overview

• Includes all Week 1 and Week 2 experiences plus 15 extra hours with professionals
• Develop a professional portfolio and earn UCAS points with a Level 3 Award
• Attend a private Gala dinner on the penultimate evening

Highlights

• Masterclasses in CV writing, LinkedIn, personal branding and Oxbridge/Ivy League applications
• Psychometric testing to understand your strengths and motivations
• Team strategy challenge and networking at a Gala dinner in London

Dates
27th July 2026

Venues
The programme is based at UCL and the surrounding University of London campus. Certain days take place in other key industry locations in London

Accommodation location
Students live on university campus in central London and are allocated to halls of residence used by University of London students, including those from UCL and LSE. We typically occupy a range of halls, including Garden Halls, College Hall, International Hall and Frances Gardner House.

All rooms are single and en-suite.