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Posted March 25, 2026

Why so many dentists are returning to study: Exploring postgraduate dentistry degrees

The number of people studying dentistry is on the rise, with an almost 10% increase when comparing the confirmed total intake of dental students in the UK for 2024-25 and the initial intake at dental schools during the academic year 2025-26. As the home of some of the best dental schools in Europe and the rest of the world – including University College London (UCL), King’s College London, University of Manchester, University of Birmingham and University of Cambridge – it comes as no surprise that the UK is a top place to study dentistry.

It is also the perfect place to continue expanding your knowledge and expertise, with a long list of postgraduate dentistry degrees to choose from. While studying a postgraduate course in the field of dentistry isn’t an industry requirement, it can be particularly beneficial for those practising in the UK or overseas. Here’s how…

Specialise

One of the most common reasons why dentists return to study and pursue a postgraduate qualification is to gain specialist knowledge. There are several specialties in the UK, ranging from orthodontics, endodontics and periodontics to oral surgery and paediatric dentistry.

Prosthodontics – or restorative dentistry – is another innovative area of expertise, with a specialist career in this discipline embracing the latest and greatest technology. Here prosthodontist Amardip Kalsi explains what the future of restorative dentistry looks like for those thinking of specialising:

“The big thing will be artificial intelligence. We’ve already had CAD/CAM processes that are increasingly widely used, and coupled with AI will hopefully take some of the burden of clinical and technical work. We also have an aging population presenting with complex needs, while on the other hand, the younger generation needs less of the traditional types of dentistry.”

Earn

Whether looking to specialise or simply grow your dentistry skills with an advanced postgraduate qualification, your earning potential is certain to spike after the completion of your PG dentistry degree. Postgraduate dentists command higher private fees, attract more referral work and secure more senior roles in both the NHS and specialist-led clinics, and it’ll take your earnings far beyond those common in general practice.

Progress

As with any postgraduate qualification, a postgraduate dentistry degree can open doors to career progression. With a postgraduate degree, especially a qualification from a top UK dental institution, you’ll have access to clinical director roles, advisory positions, consultancy opportunities and policy jobs.

Postgraduate qualifications also pave the way to practice ownership, with the leadership skills, clinical knowledge and professional confidence gained through your studies proving invaluable.

Dentists looking to progress further in an academic or research capacity via an MSc, MClinDent or PhD can also access opportunities in university lecturing, clinical research, dental education or supervision.

Switch

Completing a postgraduate degree in dentistry is also an ideal way to change your career trajectory. Some dentists return to study to pivot into other areas, including dental public health, oral radiology, forensic odontology, oral medicine, dental law and ethics, and dental education.

These career paths are often overlooked when compared to full-time general practice, yet unlock countless benefits for those passionate about dentistry.

Expand

If you’ve been in general practice for a number of years, postgraduate education can make for a refreshing change and a rewarding step forward.

Renew your professional motivation, challenge yourself intellectually, expand your knowledge, enhance compliance, and access advanced technology and techniques by enrolling on one of these postgraduate dentistry courses today!

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