Dentistry Hot Topics
Hot Topics for Dentistry Applicants in the UK: Essential Information for 2025
Are you applying to dental school in the UK in 2025? Knowing the latest hot topics in dentistry is crucial for standing out in your personal statement and interview. Whether it’s NHS dentistry issues, advances in dental technology, or the latest in oral health trends, this guide will ensure you're well-prepared with the most relevant information. Here are the top hot topics every aspiring dentist should be aware of when applying to dental school in the UK.
1. The NHS Dentistry Crisis: Access and Challenges
Key Issues:
NHS dental care access issues: Limited availability of NHS dental appointments is a major concern, leading to increased waiting times for patients.
Dental funding and contracts: The outdated 2006 NHS dental contract continues to be a source of debate, with reforms being discussed to improve patient care.
Private dentistry growth: A significant number of dentists are shifting towards private practice due to financial pressures in the NHS system.
Why It Matters:
The NHS dental crisis is one of the biggest challenges facing UK dentistry today. Showing that you understand the impacts of funding issues, patient access, and potential reforms will demonstrate your readiness for a career in the field.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Dentistry: Transforming the Profession
Key Issues:
AI-driven tools: AI is increasingly being used in diagnosing dental conditions, analysing radiographs, and assisting with treatment plans.
AI and robotics: The potential for robots to assist in dental surgeries and routine procedures is on the rise.
Ethical concerns: There are important discussions around whether AI can replace human dentists and the privacy of patient data.
Why It Matters:
AI is set to revolutionise the dental field. Being able to discuss the benefits and challenges of AI in dentistry will show your understanding of the technological future of the profession.
3. Sugar Tax and Oral Health: A Public Health Debate
Key Issues:
The Soft Drinks Industry Levy (sugar tax) aims to curb sugar consumption, but its effectiveness in reducing tooth decay is still debated.
Dietary sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay, particularly in children, making it a significant issue for public health.
Should the sugar tax be expanded to other sugary products, or should further preventive measures like fluoride treatments be emphasised?
Why It Matters:
Preventive dentistry is a core component of modern dental care. Show your awareness of public health measuresaimed at improving oral health and your potential role in addressing such issues.
4. Cosmetic Dentistry: Ethical Considerations and Growth
Key Issues:
Cosmetic dentistry has gained popularity, with procedures like veneers, teeth whitening, and Invisalignbecoming more common.
The rise of unregulated cosmetic procedures (e.g., "Turkey teeth") and complications arising from such treatments.
The debate over whether cosmetic procedures should be part of NHS services or reserved for private practice.
Why It Matters:
Cosmetic dentistry is a booming sector, but it also raises important ethical and safety questions. Understanding the balance between cosmetic and essential care will demonstrate your readiness to tackle the profession’s complexities.
5. Sustainable Dentistry: Tackling Waste in the Industry
Key Issues:
Plastic waste: The dental industry contributes to significant waste, especially with disposable materials like PPE and single-use tools.
Eco-friendly dentistry practices: There’s growing momentum around using sustainable materials and promoting reusable alternatives in dental practices.
Carbon footprint: The environmental impact of dental procedures, including anaesthetic gases and energy usage, is becoming a major concern.
Why It Matters:
Sustainability is becoming a key priority in healthcare. Understanding how to implement green dentistry practiceswill set you apart as a forward-thinking applicant.
6. Water Fluoridation: The Debate on Public Health
Key Issues:
Expanding water fluoridation to combat tooth decay is a key initiative being debated at the governmental level.
Opposition to fluoridation based on concerns about freedom of choice and potential health risks.
Scientific evidence supporting water fluoridation as a means to reduce cavities, especially in underprivileged areas.
Why It Matters:
Fluoridation is a controversial topic in public health. By discussing its benefits and challenges, you’ll show your ability to evaluate public health policies critically.
7. Mental Health and Dentistry: Addressing Stress and Anxiety
Key Issues:
Dentists face high stress levels, with burnout becoming a significant problem in the profession.
Dental anxiety is a common issue among patients, which means dentists must be trained to manage fear and stress.
Importance of mental health support for dental professionals and their patients.
Why It Matters:
Mental health is a growing concern in healthcare. Demonstrating an understanding of work-life balance and patient care in the context of mental health will highlight your empathy and preparedness for the profession.
8. Brexit's Impact on the UK Dental Workforce
Key Issues:
The impact of Brexit on the UK dental workforce, with fewer EU dentists working in the country.
Issues surrounding recognition of EU dental qualifications post-Brexit.
Shortage of dental professionals in the UK and the government’s efforts to address recruitment challenges.
Why It Matters:
Brexit continues to impact the UK dental profession. Being aware of staffing shortages and possible solutions, such as international recruitment and training programmes, will demonstrate your understanding of workforce issues.
9. The Role of Dentists in Detecting Systemic Diseases
Key Issues:
Dentists are often the first healthcare providers to detect systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and oral cancer.
Early detection through regular dental check-ups can lead to better treatment outcomes.
Collaboration between dentists and medical professionals for holistic patient care.
Why It Matters:
The role of dentists in overall health is becoming increasingly recognised. Show your awareness of how dentistry can contribute to early diagnosis and preventive healthcare.
10. Future Trends in Dental Education and Training
Key Issues:
Restructuring dental training: There is ongoing debate about whether UK dental training should be shortened to increase the number of dentists.
Simulated training: The rise of virtual reality and 3D simulations in dental education.
Alternative pathways to becoming a dentist, such as apprenticeships and graduate entry schemes.
Why It Matters:
Future dental professionals must be adaptable. Understanding changes in dental education and training will help you navigate the evolving landscape of the profession.
11. The Regulation of DIY and At-Home Dentistry
Key Issues:
DIY dentistry is becoming more common, with procedures such as at-home braces and whitening kits promoted online.
Risks involved in unregulated cosmetic dentistry and the importance of patient safety.
The role of professional bodies like the General Dental Council (GDC) in protecting patients and regulating dental care.
Why It Matters:
As an aspiring dentist, understanding the risks of unregulated dentistry will prepare you to educate the public and advocate for safer practices.
Conclusion: Prepare for Your Dental School Application in the UK
Staying informed about the latest trends and issues in dentistry is crucial when applying for dental school in the UK. From the NHS dental crisis to artificial intelligence and sustainability in dentistry, admissions tutors expect you to be aware of the challenges facing the profession.
We discuss all these pressing dental topics and much more in our Dental School Interview Course.
Top Tips for Your Dental Application:
Stay updated on the latest industry news.
Be ready to discuss how current issues impact patient care.
Show that you can think critically about solutions for the future of dentistry.
By demonstrating an understanding of these hot topics, you’ll not only impress your interviewers but also set yourself up for a successful career in the field of dentistry.