The UK government has lifted the cap on dentistry places at universities amidst the A Level results chaos.
In the face of the pandemic, the Department for Education scrapped the cap on dental student places.
Additionally, it has also been lifted on medicine, veterinary science and teaching courses.
Extra funding will be given to help universities handle an increase in student capacity. This will apply to dentistry, medical, nursing, STEM and other high-cost subjects, which are deemed crucial to the country’s social needs and economy.
‘This pandemic has highlighted more than ever the importance of our fantastic healthcare services and the need to invest in them,’ said universities minister Michelle Donelan.
‘So I am pleased we are removing the cap on these courses and providing additional funding. More students can take up their places now and become our future doctors and healthcare professionals.
‘Additionally, we’re working closely with universities to support them, helping them to be flexible for students.’
U-turn
In a U-turn earlier this week, the government confirmed that teacher predictions can be used to finalise students’ grades.
All students who achieved the required grades will be offered a place at their first choice university.
A government statement reads: ‘This year many more students have been successful in meeting the required grades to study medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science. The government has removed the caps to ensure a supply of students to these courses. These are especially important during the global pandemic.
‘Lifting the domestic cap on these subjects means if students have met their offer to study at a medical school they should be able to take up that place this year where there is capacity. Or be offered a deferred place at their chosen university or higher education provider and course.’
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