Main

On behalf of Dave Martin, (Summer 05, Let me climb the career ladder), I do not think it would be possible to bypass the required number of academic units for entry to a dental degree course, despite even exceptional practical skills. However, as a possibility I have extracted some useful information from the University of Wales website regarding their entry requirements. In view of Mr Martin's experience, I wondered whether this may be an appropriate way forward:

B.11 BTEC QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants taking the National Diploma Course in Science or Medical Laboratory Science would be considered for entry to the Foundation (six-year) Programme, A204. A typical offer would be for five Distinctions to be obtained in relevant Final Year Units, with Merit achieved in the remaining units.

B.3 PROGRAMME A204 – FOUNDATION YEAR DENTISTRY, (YEAR 0), (6-YEAR PROGRAMME)

The Foundation year is designed for applicants who have demonstrated a high academic potential but who have not been afforded the opportunity of meeting the subject requirements for direct entry to the five-year programme. The programme has a modular structure in which students pursue 12 modules. Studies centre on chemistry and biological sciences, or other subjects such as mathematics, selected according to the student's prior qualifications.

The standard is approximately equivalent to GCE Advanced Level, and is intended for applicants with non-science A Levels or a combination not including more than one of biology, chemistry or physics. The standard offer for entry will be for either ABB grades to be achieved or 320 points which should include an A and a B grade at A level. GCSE/O Levels will be taken into consideration and should include English language, plus two of chemistry, physics or biology at grade C or better. Double Award Science passes are also acceptable, although a minimum of BB grades will be required. GCSE grades achieved, particularly in science subjects, will be taken into consideration. Places are available for eight students each year.

I hope this is of some help.

SEND YOUR LETTERS to: the Editor, Vital Magazine, BDJ, Nature Publishing Group, 4-6 Crinan Street, London N1 9XW or email vitaleditorial@nature.com. Authors must sign the letter, which may be edited for reasons of space.

Our star letter writer will receive a collection of the latest Colgate Oral Health Professional products (£100 RRP) courtesy of Colgate.