Dental Surgery
On our Bachelor in Dental Surgery (BDS) course you’ll be based in primary care where you’ll gain real-world experience from Year 1 and graduate well prepared for your foundation year.
Applications for 2024 entry are now closed.
Please note this course is primarily available to UK students with one place available on the graduate entry route for an international student. If you are an international student, you can view our Bachelor in Dental Surgery course for international students.
This course has a small cohort so it has a friendly, intimate feel and allows for more discursive, interactive learning. You will be based in our Dental Education Centres for the majority of the final three years - a very different model from a traditional dental school and one that we firmly believe prepares you better for life in practice.
In the first year of this graduate entry pathway, you will be based in our purpose-built Dental School in Preston developing clinical skills and supporting knowledge, as well as an understanding of how the human body works in health and disease. You will also spend Year 1 studying on campus, before relocating for three years of clinical training at one of four local community Dental Education Centres (DECs) in Accrington, Blackpool, Carlisle and Morecambe Bay, where you will treat, under supervision, patients who have problems and dental needs of the type that are seen in general dental practice.
This will help give you direct experience of what it is like to provide oral healthcare for patients in a practice setting. During your placements you will gain experience of secondary care Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics and Restorative Dentistry. This not only adds to your knowledge but gives you an understanding of the respective roles of Specialists and the Primary Care Practitioners. This is a course that strongly emphasises teamwork. In contrast to a hospital-based course, you will take care of the patient throughout their entire treatment journey, supported by experienced practitioners in primary care clinics.
Why study with us
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery is ranked first in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Good University Guide 2021 and National Student Survey 2022).
- Our Dentistry subject area ranked first in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2022).
- Since 2011, every student who has graduated from our BDS has gone on to secure their first job as a Dental Foundation Trainee.
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![Student working in our Phantom Head Training Area](/image-library/content/course-headers/dental-implantology-mclindent.x28c82e1b.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=740)
![Students working in our Phantom Head Training Area](/image-library/content/course-headers/dental-studies-bsc.xc3574a15.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=740)
![Close up of dentistry equipment](/image-library/content/course-galleries/dental-implantology-mclindent/dental-implantology-mclindent-gallery.xbd3d6fb7.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=740)
![Dental X-ray equipment](/image-library/content/course-galleries/dental-implantology-mclindent/dental-implantology-mclindent-gallery2.x15356ae4.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=740)
![Students working in our Phantom Head Training Area](/image-library/content/course-galleries/dental-therapy-bsc/dental-therapy-bsc-gallery1.x2180e282.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=740)
What you'll do
- Small class sizes allow for a close and friendly atmosphere with interactive learning opportunities.
- As a Dentistry student you will learn clinical skills in one of the most modern Phantom Head rooms in Europe, equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.
- We are delivering “a particularly innovative dental degree programme” with imaginative use of IT, e-learning and an emphasis on learning dentistry within the local community (General Dental Council).
Modules
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
Our module will provide you with an introduction into routine primary care where your theory can be applied to a practical setting. You will learn how to use dental equipment and materials to perform basic practices such as uncomplicated fillings and aliginate impressions of the mouth.
- Module code
- DG1001
On this module you'll develop the knowledge underpinning the foundational clinical skills. You'll be introduced to the science of dental caries, emphasising how this can be prevented. You'll also look at the theory of cavity preparation, the property and chemistry of dental materials and the concept of professionalism for the dental surgeon.
- Module code
- DG1002
This module focuses on teaching you about the development and anatomy of the oral, facial, and dental structures. Gain foundational understanding of clinical practice in the first year and scientific learning in Human Health and Disease modules throughout the first and second years.
- Module code
- DG2001
The aim of this module is to prepare you for the clinical environment and support you as you start to work with patients. Communication skills focus on relating to the patients and taking histories.
- Module code
- DG2002
The aim of this module is to provide the knowledge to support Year 1 Clinical Skill module (DG2002).
- Module code
- DG2003
Develop your understanding about the systems of the body and how they can go wrong via scenario based learning. This module covers oral physiology, oral microbiology, immunology, haematology and biochemistry as the foundation for understanding clinical practice. You'll also study the behavioural and social aspects of health and disease.
- Module code
- DG2004
This module will introduce you to the concept and practice of professionalism within the dental profession. It aims to develop your understanding of the importance of communication within a team.
- Module code
- DG2010
The aim of this module is to develop the knowledge underpinning the provision of removable dentures for dentate and edentulous patients. It will introduce the rationale for replacing missing teeth, methods of fabrication and provision of various tooth and tissue borne dentures.
- Module code
- DG2012
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
This module aims to continue to develop your clinical skills as a primary care dental practitioner, including routine restorations, simple periodontal treatment, endodontic treatment of single-rooted teeth, provision and management of dentures, and management of paediatric patients. It includes several simulator courses to widen clinical skills and will focus on explaining a staged treatment plan to patients and developing skills to manage nervous patients.
- Module code
- DG2005
This modules aims to develop your knowledge in key principles of surgery in dentistry. You will be building your experience on previous content in the Basic and Applied Clinical Knowledge modules and the skills gained in Basic and Applied Clinical Skills.
- Module code
- DG2006
Our module will aim to develop your skills to apply an evidenced-based approach to learning, practice, clinical judgement and decision making. You will have an understanding of professionalism within a dental team and your responsibility for minimising health inequalities.
- Module code
- DG2007
This module will give you the opportunity to practice primary care environment of the dental education centre. Your aim will be to develop then demonstrate your communication skills within a team.
- Module code
- DG2011
The aim of this module is for your knowledge and understanding of drugs (both prescribed by a dentist and relevant drugs prescribed by medical practitioners) ensures sound and safe dental practice. You will gain knowledge of drug categories along with an understanding of principles that integrate around physiology, microbiology, pathology, immunology, clinical medicine, and dental surgery/therapeutics.
- Module code
- DG2017
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
Develop your primary care skills in your secondary care placement. The secondary care attachments are in orthodontics, maxillo- facial surgery, medical assessment units and restorative dentistry. You'll also undertake a short introduction to orthodontics before your placement. You'll also undertake dental treatment under inhalation sedation and extractions under GA.
- Module code
- DG3002
The aim of this module is to provide the supporting knowledge for the Year 3 Clinical Skills module. It progresses knowledge in endodontic, periodontal disease, occlusion and denture design including the theory of implant retained dentures. You'll commence your secondary care attachments in orthodontics, maxillo-facial surgery, medical assessment units and restorative dentistry. This module covers the theory and pharmacology of sedation and general anaesthesia and the management of the special care patient.
- Module code
- DG3003
This module will further develop your knowledge in dental public health. You will examine the risks along with preventative strategies in dentistry, and you will learn why dentists have responsibilities for dealing with patients with psychological and other mental well-being problems.
- Module code
- DG3004
The aim of this module is to develop the knowledge required to assess and extract teeth, together with the management of complications. It revisits the control of pain with an emphasis on sever post operative pain.
- Module code
- DG3005
The aim of this module is to develop the understanding of oral disease and its management by medicine or surgery. It covers the presentation and histopathology of soft tissue and bony lesions together with their management. While on secondary care placement you'll learn about the management of trauma and facial trauma, as well as the protocols for in-patient care.
- Module code
- DG3006
To enable you to apply the concept and practice of professionalism within the extended dental team and other healthcare professions in the primary and secondary care environments. It aims to develop the your understanding of the importance of communication within the extended health care team and other sectors. It enables you to further develop the skills needed to accurately assess their capabilities and limitation in the interest of high quality patient care and to utilise the provision and receipt of feedback to further develop these abilities.
- Module code
- DG3007
Compulsory modules
These modules are set and you have to study these as part of your course.
This module integrates the clinical skills developed throughout the duration of the programme and is complemented by the knowledge module Integrated Clinical Knowledge (DG4002). It includes advances restorative dentistry and management of the dental team during a medical emergency. Communication skills focus on dealing with complaints and communicating sensitive information.
- Module code
- DG4001
The final clinical knowledge module focuses on the multidiscipline approach to dental problems and consolidating knowledge gained throughout the course. This module is designed to complement the skills developed in module DG4001.
- Module code
- DG4002
The module continues to develop the discriminative approach to dental literature and professional responsibilities towards patients, staff and the general public. It aims to provide depth of understanding of the Governance and Legislation of a dental practice including legislation relating to Consent, Record Keeping, Health and Safety, Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, Employment, Confidentiality and Medical Ethics.
- Module code
- DG4004
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
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Your teaching team
Julie a Clinical Senior Lecturer teaches on the BDS International Programme and is Module Lead for Clinical Knowledge, Management of Oral Disease and Minor Oral Surgery. Julie has been involved in clinical dental education for more than 25 years and has particular interests in o…
![Photo of Kathryn Taylor](/image-library/content/staff/ktaylor.xec7e6253.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=80&h=80&fit=crop)
Kate is the Postgraduate Lead for Dental Programmes and teaches all aspects of undergraduate and postgraduate oral surgery and oral diseases. Kate completed her academic oral and maxillofacial surgery (AACOMS) in the Yorkshire region in 2013 and has expertise in all aspects of or…
![Victoria Buller in a pale pink satin top](/image-library/content/staff/vbuller.x66ddf334.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=80&h=80&fit=crop)
Vicky began her career working in General Dental Practice before developing her interest in dental education. She has worked in a variety of educational settings including Health Education North West, Further and Higher Education. She joined us in 2012 following her role as Educ…
![Peter Dyer in a tweed suit smiling](/image-library/content/staff/pdyer.xeb172bab.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=80&h=80&fit=crop)
Peter is a Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with a special interest in facial trauma, orthognathic surgery and oral medicine. He lectures on Oral Diseases and Oral Surgery to undergraduates and postgraduates. He is also a Responsible Officer overseeing the appraisal and …
![Shalini Kanagasingam](/image-library/content/staff/skanagasingam.xb8219953.png?f=webp&q=75&w=80&h=80&fit=crop)
Shalini is a Specialist Endodontist registered with the General Dental Council (UK), having completed her training at Guy's Hospital in 2009. She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students. She is a Course Lead for the part-time MSc Endodontology programme and the full time …
Flavio is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Periodontology and Programme Lead for MSc/MClinDent in Clinical Periodontology. Flavio has long experience in PG and UG Periodontology teaching in different universities in Italy and in the UK.
![Photo of Kathryn Taylor](/image-library/content/staff/ktaylor.xec7e6253.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=80&h=80&fit=crop)
Kate is the Postgraduate Lead for Dental Programmes and teaches all aspects of undergraduate and postgraduate oral surgery and oral diseases. Kate completed her academic oral and maxillofacial surgery (AACOMS) in the Yorkshire region in 2013 and has expertise in all aspects of or…
![ncook2](/image-library/content/staff/ncook2.x90b6c1d3.png?f=webp&q=75&w=80&h=80&fit=crop)
Neil teaches research methods, critical appraisal and public health across a number of our dental courses as well as supervising Master's dissertations. He has extensive experience a wide range of research projects covering quantitative, qualitative and systematic review methodol…
Anna is a qualified dentist with 26 years' experience from working in primary and secondary care in the Lancashire region. Anna is a Senior Clinical Teacher here and is the course lead for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme and the innovative BDS - international route…
![Paul smiling in blue scrubs](/image-library/content/staff/pnknott.x90cd75d4.png?f=webp&q=75&w=80&h=80&fit=crop)
Paul teaches clinical skills to BDS students based at the Dental Education Centre in Blackpool.
![academic member of staff headshot stood in student centre wearing colourful spotty top](/image-library/content/staff/cwillmot.x5df67396.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=80&h=80&fit=crop)
Charlotte teaches clinical skills to Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Dental Therapy (DT) students based at the Dental Education Centre in Blackpool.
![Pedro Moreira in a suit and glasses](/image-library/content/staff/pmoreira.x39008f69.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=80&h=80&fit=crop)
Pedro has more than 20 years of experience. He started as a General Dental Practitioner in Portugal and achieved a post-graduation in Advanced Oral Surgery and Implants. When moving to the UK, he worked within NHS organizations as a Senior Dental Officer and Clinical Assistant. H…
Rachel teaches clinical skills to BDS students based at the Dental Education Centre in Morecambe Bay.
![Headshot of Yvonne Halliwell](/image-library/content/staff/yhalliwell1.xc5cfb0a7.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=80&h=80&fit=crop)
Yvonne is a Senior Clinical Teacher based at Carlisle Dental Education Centre. Her background in community dentistry, paediatric dentistry, sedation and special care dentistry fits well into the dental team in Carlisle and our wider team. She is 4th BDS Year Lead and Year Tutor.
Nargis is a Clinical Lecturer undertaking teaching at UCLan Preston Campus and the Dental Education Centres.
![Nadia Shah in a black hijab smiling](/image-library/content/staff/nnshah1.xbe6edf77.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=80&h=80&fit=crop)
Nadia teaches across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with expertise in pharmacology and medical sciences. Nadia is a member of The British Pharmacological Society, The Physiological Society, and the Association of Basic Science Teachers in Dentistry. She is a…
![Aimee Batt in a white blouse with shoulder-length brown hair](/image-library/content/staff/abatt1.xc9d76568.jpg?f=webp&q=75&w=80&h=80&fit=crop)
Aimee teaches and supervises clinical dentistry across simulation and student clinics.
Accreditations
- This course has been accepted by the GDC Registrar. The GDC is the UK-wide statutory regulator of the dental profession. They register qualified dental professionals, work to ensure the quality of dental education, and protect patient safety.
Awards
- We’re proud to say that our Dental Surgery, BDS course has been awarded 4 QS Stars (Very Good) for programme strength (2022). With access to state-of-the-art facilities such as our Dental Education Centres and our on-campus Dental Clinic, we enable trainee dentists to develop advanced clinical skills and treat real patients under expert supervision. Our 4 QS Stars reflects our outstanding teaching, high student satisfaction and the success of our graduates.
Future careers in dentistry
Graduation from the BDS course leads to a first job 100% success rate as a Dental Foundation Trainee (DF1), where you are responsible for the treatment of patients. Since 2011, every student who has graduated from our Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree has gone on to secure their first job as a Dental Foundation Trainee. This is impressive, as places are limited and awarded following a national competitive selection process.
The majority of dentists work in a high street practice or community dental clinics. If you want to work in a hospital environment and specialise, you can undergo further specialist training in orthodontics, paediatric dentistry, restorative dentistry and surgical dentistry.
When you qualify it’s the end of the beginning. It’s like passing your driving test – you can get around safely but you need to gain more experience to become proficient and, eventually, an expert. Dentistry changes all the time and postgraduate education is the only way to keep up with these developments and ensure that you maintain and develop the skills of your chosen profession.
Home Transfers
Dental Schools do not accept transfers of students from other schools. This is because the requirements for graduation defined by the GDC are not taught and assessed in a similar order. Government capped places would also be disrupted by student transfers.
Schools may consider transfers for students in unforeseen exceptional circumstances with approval of both the sending and receiving programmes. In most cases the student would need to re-start from year one for the reasons described previously.
DSC encourages prospective students to consider the intensity of oral healthcare courses and their potential geographical distance from their support networks, when applying for dental school.
International transfers
Students from a dental school outside the UK are unable to transfer into a programme in a UK dental school. This is because international programmes follow their local regulatory requirements which are likely to differ from those in the UK.
Selection procedure
Applicants must hold either:
- A good honours degree (1st or 2:1) in a medical science or health related degree from a UK university; or
- Have an acceptable equivalent international degree
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree is a five year programme in the UK.
Applicants to our four year graduate entry pathway must demonstrate that their prior formal qualifications have covered relevant biomedical subjects. This will allow for direct entry into year 2.
All applicants will be required to complete a Verification of Prior Learning document.
All applicants for 2024 entry onwards are required to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) before you apply. Your UCAT score will be utilised to rank your application prior to interview. The highest scoring applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
Interview format
Interviews will be held between 18 to 20 December 2023. No other other interview dates will be available.
The interview format uses a series of Multi Mini Interviews (MMI) and will include topics such as communication skills, knowledge of dentistry, ethics, professionalism and team working. We will confirm at a later date whether the interviews will be held online or at the Preston Campus.
Fees and funding
As part of your course there may be additional costs to consider that are not included in your tuition fees. Most of these will be optional, but some courses have essential additional costs. Find out more about additional costs.
Scholarships and bursaries
We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.
Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.
NHS Learning Support Fund
If you are thinking of studying for a health-related undergraduate or postgraduate degree, take a look at what financial support is available.
Find out more about NHS Learning Support FundCare Leaver Bursary
Our Care Leaver Bursary is for students who need extra support because they have been in care or are estranged from their parents.
Find out more about Care Leaver BursaryEstranged student support
Estranged Student Support Bursary is for students who need extra support because they are estranged from their parents.
Find out more about Estranged student supportDependants Bursary
Students with financially dependent children may be eligible for our Dependants Bursary as part of our financial support package.
Find out more about Dependants Bursary
Independent study is an important aspect of your degree course. The exact combination of study time will be detailed within your module descriptors, and will depend on your option choices.
We employ a number of teaching methods to teach you the various aspects of dentistry. There is a great emphasis on clinical experience to develop clinical skills, initially by working on simulators in phantom head. Working with actors assists in the development of communication skills. Knowledge is developed by traditional lectures and tutorials as well as Problem-Based Learning (PBL) where you work together to develop an integrated knowledge of how the body functions in Health and Disease. We use a variety of methods for assessment such as short answer, single best item and short note questions.
Human Anatomy and Resource Learning Centre (HARLC)
An understanding of anatomy is essential for any surgical discipline. HARLC is the focus for you to learn about the workings of the human body, particularly the head and neck region. The resources in the centre include anatomical models, guides and videos of professional dissections. You will have access to the centre from 7.30am until 8.00pm. You will be taught by dedicated anatomy staff. By using the resources in the HARLC, we aim to give you the ability to learn anatomy, which you can apply to your clinical practice.
Information Technology
Within the School, there is a wireless networking facility for you to access DVD and computer-based learning resources. You will have access to online dental e-resources through the Library and our e-learning platform (Blackboard). Chair-side computers in the phantom head room at the University and the DECs support clinical teaching, allowing procedures to be viewed and revisited.
Academic knowledge is assessed by formal exams at the end of Years 2, 3 and 4 BDS, and in the final exam at the end of Year 5 BDS. The development of clinical skill is assessed by a continuous record of grades for work, together with a reflective logbook.
During your three-year placement at our local community Dental Education Centres (DECs), you’ll gain experience of secondary care maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and advanced restorative dentistry. The DECs are clinical training centres where you will treat patients, under supervision, and gain first-hand experience within the communities you are most likely to serve after graduation.
The four local DECs have been equipped with brand new surgeries, tutorial and study facilities dedicated for student teaching. The University and the DECs are linked via IT for learning and teaching, with individual student access to the relevant intranets.
By placing you at the heart of community dental services within Cumbria and Lancashire, we aim not only to attract local candidates, but also foster long-standing relationships with those communities, leading ultimately to an increase in the numbers of newly qualified dentists who will remain in the area to continue their professional career.
In the first year of the graduate entry pathway (2nd BDS) students are based in the Dental School at Preston. The course focuses on developing clinical skills and supporting knowledge as well as an understanding of how the human body works in health and disease.
In Years 2, 3 & 4 (3rd, 4th & 5th BDS) students are based within our Dental Education Centres; located in Accrington, Blackpool, Carlisle and Morecambe Bay. Here they put their skills into practice by treating patients, returning to Preston for short courses to learn more complex procedures. In the third year (4th BDS) students start to attend clinics in the local hospitals to understand the various specialities in dentistry. In their final years, students work in enhanced training practices where they have their own surgery and nurse.
Entering Year 2 (2nd BDS) of the course, you will practice routine clinical procedures in the phantom head room and learn about the clinical and technical procedures involved in making dentures. During this time you will begin to expand your biomedical knowledge to embrace the principles of disease and medical knowledge that must underpin dental practice. In subsequent years you will learn the knowledge and practice of specific branches of dentistry.
During your three-year placement within the local community Dental Education Centres (DECs), you will gain experience of secondary care maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and advanced restorative dentistry. The DECs are clinical training centres where you will treat patients, under supervision, and gain first-hand experience within the communities you are most likely to serve after graduation.
This course is based in the School of Medicine and Dentistry
For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page