Dental Surgery University of Portsmouth

Overview

Graduates of this course will go on to have a meaningful impact on society, contributing to better health and reducing long-term healthcare costs.

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) combines biomedical and behavioural sciences, dental public health, clinical skills, and patient-centred care, preparing you for a future career in dentistry. You'll get hands-on training in our state-of-the-art teaching facilities and take part in live clinical sessions with patients. You'll also develop your communication skills and deliver outreach activities, securing your place as a valuable and key member of the community.

Studying in our Dental Academy, you’ll develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours you need to be ready to apply for registration with the General Dental Council (GDC), which is essential for practicing as a dentist in the UK.

Course Highlights

• Develop and refine clinical skills in our modern phantom head and haptics labs, using high-fidelity haptic simulators in a team-based environment
• Early patient contact in our dedicated primary care clinical facilities at the Dental Academy
• Community based dental care and community healthcare projects, involving outreach placements which develop the skills needed to prepare dentists to tackle the oral health needs of local communities
• Team-based education, working alongside dental hygiene, dental therapy and dental nursing students to replicate real-world general dental practice
• Secondary care placements in hospital settings to gain experience in specialised areas such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, special care dentistry and restorative dentistry

Entry requirements

144 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including 48 points in Biology and 48 points in one other science subject (Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology). For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application. A levels in General Studies, Critical Thinking and Vocational/Applied A levels are not accepted.

All applicants will be required to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in year of application

All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview, either an individual online interview or an on campus interview, which will be used alongside your application to determine your suitability for this course.

Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course.

The Department of Health requires all new Exposure Prone Procedures (EPP) workers, including students, are tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. The consent, test and managed process of results will be carried out by our Occupational Health Department.