Recent trends in university entry for dentistry in the UK.

The pattern of university applications has been related to dental school application rates between 1985 to 1991. The academic standard of GCE 'A' level attainment acceptable to each school has also been related to the number of places available and number of places filled. Whilst the total number of university applications has increased over the period, dental applications have decreased, with a lower proportion of male applicants being noticeable. Some schools had lower application rates than others. There appeared to be a tendency for schools which had previously accepted slightly lower 'A' level standards for entry to receive a larger number of applicants. Some schools showed evidence of accepting lower 'A' level standards of entry presumably to meet the financial need to fill all available places.