If you want to do dentistry, you will have to sit an admissions test called the UKCAT and you will have to have done some work experience and regular volunteering. Dentistry is more competitive.

I did work experience at an optician and I didn't really like the to find the right treatment, prescribe medications, knowing that the patient recovered. I guess you can be an optometrist elsewhere but yeah. I also found the job pretty boring and you perform the same test on your patients. There isn't that individuality whereas in dentistry, I guarantee you will see people with various problems so it may be more challenging and exciting