All dentists must undertake a 5 year course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). The first year is primarily about the study of biochemistry, anatomy, physiology and oral anatomy. It is important to possess a detailed knowledge of the body in order to appreciate the nature of disease and the means of treating and preventing it.
From the second year onwards, teaching begins to concentrate on the clinical dental subjects and their related medical disciplines – starting with the common afflictions of teeth and their supporting tissues, together with the properties of dental materials and how they are used. Extracted teeth set in model heads enable you to learn a wide variety of operative procedures, but, under close supervision, you will soon begin to treat patients yourself.
Gradually, as your experience increases, you will be taught more complex and specialised methods of treatment and will be expected to maintain continuity of care for your patients similar to that of a qualified dental surgeon. These clinical skills are learnt by first-hand experience in the Dental Hospital, in parallel with teaching on the causes and nature of diseases affecting the mouth.
Towards the end of the course there is increasing emphasis on the inter-relationship between the different dental specialities, and concentration on the development of skills in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Throughout the whole period of clinical study you will learn how to apply preventive measures, adopt procedures to reduce the likelihood of further disease, and motivate patients to maintain a high standard of oral health. In addition to working within the various hospitals and clinical departments, you will spend a two-week period in residence at a District General Hospital.
Typical University Entry Requirements
For the majority of UK dental degree courses, the minimum entry requirements are generally similar, though where a course is competitive for places, conditional offers may be set higher than the minimum. It is normal for a variety of qualifications to be accepted, but for final assurance, it is worth contacting the respective university admissions manager or consulting the relevant course prospectus
In England and Wales school leavers are normally required to have three A levels at grade A-C (one should be a biological science) and a minimum of five GCSEs at grade A-C. These GCSEs should include maths, English language and a selection of science subjects
In Scotland a typical student profile is 5 Scottish Highers at grades AABBB taken at one sitting (minimum of two science subjects)
Alternative qualifications
There are a number of alternatives to the usual requirements, but prospective students are strongly advised to contact the institution they intend to apply to for their specific requirements. These alternative qualifications include
- BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies (Science) with distinctions/merits in all units
- Advanced GNVQ/GSVQ in Health and Social Care or Science (Additionally most institutions require a biological science A level)
- HND
- International Baccalaureate
- Access Courses (contact individual institutions for the access courses they recognise)
- An Appropriate Foundation course
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