Applications to medicine and dentistry have reached their highest level since 2019 after rising by almost 12% in a year, new UCAS data shows.
The UCAS June deadline release shows there were 134,210 applications recorded for medicine and dentistry courses for 2026 entry, up from 119,990 in 2025. This represents an increase of 14,220 applications.
The data combines medicine and dentistry, meaning it does not show dental applications in isolation. However, the figures point to sustained demand for clinical degrees at a time when dentistry continues to face workforce shortages, limited undergraduate places and questions around overseas routes into UK practice.
Applications to medicine and dentistry are higher than at any point since 2019, overtaking the previous peak of 132,100 in 2022.
International applications increase
International interest also increased. Applications from outside the European Union rose by 14%, from 16,660 to 18,990, while applications from the European Union excluding the UK increased from 3,460 to 3,900. Combined, international applications to medicine and dentistry reached 22,890 in 2026.
Applications from England-domiciled students rose from 86,900 to 97,680, an increase of 12.4%. Applications from Scotland and Wales also increased, while Northern Ireland recorded a small fall.
Dr Jo Saxton, chief executive of UCAS, said: ‘It’s fantastic to see so many UK 18-year-olds holding an offer this year, putting them in a strong position as we head into the critical summer results period. It’s clear that young people remain as keen as ever to invest in their futures, and I’m delighted that UK universities and colleges are responding to that demand.’
She added that UCAS was ‘acutely aware’ of the financial challenges facing students and the extent to which the cost of living was shaping decisions.
Dental workforce questions
The UCAS figures come as UK dentistry faces growing questions over how future workforce demand will be met.
Recent General Dental Council (GDC) data showed that internationally qualified dentists outnumbered UK-qualified dentists joining the register for the first time in 2025, making up 53% of new dentist additions compared with 47% who qualified in the UK. The GDC has said this changing pattern is expected to continue in the short to medium term.
The GDC’s new ORE contract will also expand capacity, with 2,400 Part 1 places and 944 Part 2 places in the first year, rising further in later years. However, the regulator has acknowledged that demand is still expected to outstrip supply in the short term.
The figures add to wider debate over how the UK trains, recruits and retains the dental workforce. With demand for clinical degrees remaining high, questions remain over whether undergraduate training capacity can keep pace with future access and workforce pressures.
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