How to become a dentist

Study an undergraduate degree in Dentistry

You will need to complete an undergraduate degree in Dentistry. This normally takes 4-5 years. The University of Central Lancashire is one of only a handful of universities to have an accredited Dental School.

Our Dental Surgery BDS degree is a four year course. We put an emphasis on practical, real-word experience. During your first year, you will be based in our Dental School. You will develop your clinical skills and knowledge, as well as an understanding of how the human body works.

You will spend the rest of your degree in one of our local community Dental Education Centres. You will treat patients under the supervision of one of our experts. This includes secondary care oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and restorative dentistry. You'll also be able to supervise patients throughout their whole treatment journey. This will give you the practical experience and clinical skills you need for success.

This course is accredited by the General Dental Council.

Register with the General Dental Council (GDC).

This is the regulatory body for dentists in the UK. The GDC is responsible for setting standards and ensuring dentists are fit to practice.

To register with the GDC, you must pass an exam and demonstrate you have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice as a dentist.

To be eligible for GDC registration you will:

• Meet certain criteria set by the General Dental Council
• Have completed an approved dental degree program and hold a recognised qualification
• Have completed the required hours of clinical practice
• Will be of good character and health (background checks and a health declaration form will form part of your application).

Undertake supervised practice

Once you have registered with the GDC, you will need to complete one or two years of supervised practice. During this time, you will be able to gain experience in treating patients and developing your skills as a dentist.

Fully registered

After completing your supervised practice, you will be able to apply for full registration with the GDC.

Further study

You may choose to specialise in a particular area of dentistry, such as prosthodontics or endodontics.

Our MSc Prosthodontics course will allow you to offer prosthodontics in your practice. This can increase your earning potential. Most of the learning is delivered online, so you can fit studying around work. You'll gain 20 days of clinical practice, supervised by our experts.

Our MSc Endodontology will allow you to offer endodontics. This course combines home study with supervised clinical practice. You will attend 20 days of practice, where you'll learn to assess, undertake and lead clinical treatment.

Continuing professional development

To maintain your membership of the GDC you will need to submit records of your continuing professional development (CPD).

CPD is a vital part of the regulatory system that protects the public and patients. CPD courses can be studied to meet your personal development plan and are often supported by your employer.