Read on to discover the JAMB and WAEC subject combinations for Dentistry & Dental Surgery.

In addition to that, we’ll provide answers to some of the questions aspiring dentists ask.

Dentistry and Dental Surgery is a field of Health Science. In some Nigerian Universities, it is also referred to as dental medicine or oral medicine.

Dentistry and Dental Surgery is a branch of medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity.

If you intend to become a dentist, one of the first steps to take is to know the basic requirements you must satisfy.

Basically, the O’level (WAEC, NECO, etc.) and JAMB UTME requirements for Dentistry are similar for most Nigerian universities.

Dentistry and Dental Surgery requirements

‘O’ level subject combination (WAEC, NECO, etc.)

To be eligible for admission to study Dentistry and Dental Surgery, you must score at least 5 SSCE credit passes, which must include Mathematics, Chemistry, English Language, Biology, and Physics.

To put it differently, the ‘O’ level (NABTEB, NECO or WAEC) subject combination for Dentistry & Dental Surgery is English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.

Moreover, your overall grade must not be below five credits in at most 2 sittings combined.

Read special consideration to know whether your intended school offers waivers.

See also: full list of all the Nigerian Universities that offer Dentistry and Dental Surgery.

Special considerations for the O’level requirements

UNN requires candidates in addition to minimum entry requirements the entrance candidates are expected to have credit passes in English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics in SSCE at the O’ level in not more than one sitting.

JAMB UTME subject combination

In addition to the compulsory Use Of English, the JAMB subject combination for Dentistry and Dental Surgery is Chemistry, Biology, and one other science subject (physics preferably).

Special consideration for JAMB UTME subject combination

• The University of Jos, UNICAL, UNIPORT, UNN, UNIBEN, UNILAG and OAU require Physics as the other science subject.
• UNIBADAN – The requirements for Dentistry and Dental Surgery is the same with Medicine and Surgery.

Direct Entry Requirement

Candidates who want to apply for Direct Entry admission into Dentistry and Dental Surgery must have three ‘A’ level passes, including Chemistry, Biology/Zoology and Physics.

Special considerations and waivers for Direct Entry Students

• UNN requires
  • Direct entry candidates in addition to satisfying the UTME requirements should also have 3 Advanced Level papers in Biology or Zoology, Chemistry and Physics in London GCE in one sitting.
  • The Faculty accepts B.Sc degree in a related field of study for admission into the five-year standard programme.
  • Holders of MBBS may be admitted into the three-year clinical course in Dentistry
• The University of Ibadan: the same as in Medicine and Surgery.
• DELSU accepts B.Sc. Degree First Class/Second Class Upper in Medical related fields. Also accepts Three ‘A’ level papers.
• The University of Port Harcourt – No Direct Entry.
• The University of Benin accepts B.Sc Biochemistry (Second Class Lower) Microbiology, Zoology, Botany, Anatomy, Physiology, Nursing, B.Sc or OD Optometry, B.Pham or Doctor of Pharmacy.
• OAU accepts .Sc. with a minimum of Second Class Honours in a relevant discipline (Sciences).
• The University of Jos accepts passes in IJMB, GCE Advanced Level or Higher School Certificate (HSC) all in Physics, Chemistry and Zoology or Biology. Such candidates must also have obtained five credits at Ordinary level in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Zoology, English Language and Mathematics.
• The University of Lagos accepts very good passes in three JUPEB/A-LEVEL subjects: Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

JAMB cut off mark for Dentistry and Dental Surgery

Generally, Nigerian Universities allow students to partake in their Post UTME for Dentistry and Dental Surgery if they score at least 180 in the JAMB UTME.

However, it is important to score way higher than that since the course is highly competitive.

Read also: Jamb cut off mark for Polytechnics, Universities & Colleges of Education

Frequently asked questions

Final note

We advise you to check the latest JAMB brochure for more information, as the Universities reserve the right to alter their requirements for studying Dentistry and Dental Surgery.