New figures from the Universities and Colleges Application System (UCAS) in the UK show a significant increase in applications from Ireland for dentistry courses, sparking a fear that some of the nation's brightest students might leave the country to pursue their chosen career.

For 2010 entry, 110 Irish applicants applied to dentistry course in the UK, compared to just 62 in 2009.

The first release of data on the number of applicants applying for full-time higher education courses that start in 2010 shows that, overall, the number of people applying is up 11.6% from 64,438 at this point last year to 71,883. The number of applicants from outside the UK is up 16.6%, with Ireland (43.0%) showing significant increases.

Acting Chief Executive, Virginia Isaac, said: ‘While it is pleasing to see the continued rise in applications, it is too early in the cycle to tell whether this significant increase will be sustained throughout 2010 entry. It does indicate, however, that in certain areas, once again, prospective students will be facing strong competition for places.'

Virginia continued: ‘Medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine and science… are very competitive and this year is no different.'