Courses

BDS UNDERGRADUATE

Bachelor Of Dental Surgery

www.uclan.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/dental-surgery-bds

Interested? Click to find out more about how to apply

D U R ATION : 5 Years STA R T: Aug 2023 U C A S C OD E: A202 D ELIVER Y: Campus Taught

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.

There are only 29 places for UK students on this programme 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 1st in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Good University Guide 2021).

• Dentistry at the University ranked 1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2022).

• Our Bachelor of Dental Surgery is ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction. (National Student Survey 2022)
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.

The General Dental Council (GDC) states that 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.
Module Overview

Year 1

Compulsory Modules

DG1003: Body Cells and Structure

DG1004: Body Systems and Nutrition

DG1005: Body Locomotion and Control

DG1003: Body Cells And Structure

In this module, you'll examine the requirements of cellular life with the need for both cell growth and cell division. You'll study
the role of DNA and RNA in cell growth and division and the interaction between the genotype and phenotype.

DG1004: Body Systems And Nutrition

In this module, you'll examine the major body systems, such as cardiovascular, digestive, excretory and reproductive, to
understand anatomy organisation and physiological function. Topics during this module will look at systems and how they
interact to maintain homeostasis. It will examine the role of hormones and their action on body systems including the classic
examples of reproduction and digestion.

DG1005: Body Locomotion And Control

In this module, you'll outline the cellular organisation of tissues related to their function. The module will focus on the key
anatomical features of the musculoskeletal system; the structure and composition of bone, cartilage, and muscle; the actions
of muscles and their nervous control. You'll study how the musculoskeletal system is coordinated for gross and fine motor
movements.

Year 2

Compulsory Modules

DG1001: Foundation Clinical Skills

DG1002: Foundation Clinical Knowlege

DG2001: Oral Development and Anatomy

DG2002: Clinical Skills 1

 DG2003: Clinical Knowledge 1

DG2004: Human Health and Disease Part 1

DG2010: Professional Awareness 1

DG2012: Prosthetics Skills & Knowledge

DG1001: Foundation Clinical Skills

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.

DG1002: Foundation Clinical Knowlege

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.

DG2001: Oral Development And Anatomy

To provide students with understanding of oral, facial and dental development and anatomy. To provide key knowledge of oral
and dental structures to support clinical practice year one and the basis for the student's further scientific learning in the Human
Health and Disease modules in years one and two.

DG2002: Clinical Skills 1

The aim of this module is to prepare the student for the clinical environment and support them as they start to work on patients.
Communication skills focus on relating to the patients and taking histories.

DG2003: Clinical Knowledge 1

The aim of this module is to provide the knowledge to support Year 1 Clinical Skill module (DG2002).

DG2004: Human Health And Disease Part 1

The aim of this module is to develop, by way of scenario based learning, an understanding about the systems of the body and
how they can go wrong. This module covers oral physiology, oral microbiology, immunology, haematology and biochemistry as
the foundation for understanding clinical practice. The module builds on content from Oral Development and Anatomy (DG2001).
Within the scenarios students are expected to study the behavioural and social aspects of health and disease.

DG2010: Professional Awareness 1

This module runs throughout the first year of the course and introduces the student to the concept and practice of
professionalism within the dental profession. It aims to develop the students' understanding of the importance of communication
within a team and the practice and recording of reflective practice as part of a personal development plan.

DG2012: Prosthetics Skills & Knowledge

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.

Year 3

Compulsory Modules

DG2005: Clinical Skills 2

DG2006: Clinical Knowledge 2

DG2007: Health Promotion and Population Studies Part 1

DG2011: Professional Awareness 2

DG2017: Human Health and Disease 2 and Pharmacology

DG2005: Clinical Skills 2

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.

DG2006: Clinical Knowledge 2

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.
DG2007: Health Promotion And Population Studies Part 1

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.

DG2011: Professional Awareness 2

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.

DG2017: Human Health And Disease 2 And Pharmacology

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.

Year 4

Compulsory Modules

DG3002: Clinical Skills 3

DG3003: Clinical Knowledge 3

DG3004: Health Promotion and Population Studies Part 2

DG3005: Minor Oral Surgery Knowledge

DG3006: Oral Diseases

DG3007: Professional Awareness 3

DG3002: Clinical Skills 3

The aim of this year long module is to continue to develop primary care skills and begin the secondary care placement. The
secondary care attachments are in orthodontics, maxillo- facial surgery, medical assessment units and restorative dentistry.
The learning outcomes for these placements are to develop diagnostic as well as surgical skills. In the medical assessment
units students will see medically compromised patients. The module includes simulator courses on crowns, veneers, minor oral
surgery and medical emergencies. Students undertake a short introduction to orthodontics prior to their placements in
orthodontics clinics. During this module students will undertake dental treatment under Inhalation Sedation and extractions
under GA. Communication skills focus communicating unwanted or bad news.

DG3003: Clinical Knowledge 3

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. Students
commence their 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.

DG3004: Health Promotion And Population Studies Part 2

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.

DG3005: Minor Oral Surgery Knowledge

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.

DG3006: Oral Diseases

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 students learn about the management of trauma and facial trauma, as well as the protocols for in-patient care.

DG3007: Professional Awareness 3

To enable the student 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 students' understanding of the
importance of communication within the extended health care team and other sectors. It enables the student 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.

Year 5
Compulsory Modules

DG4001: Integrated Clinical Care

DG4002: Integrated Clinical Knowledge

DG4003: Health and Professionalism

DG4001: Integrated Clinical Care

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.

DG4002: Integrated Clinical Knowledge

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.

DG4003: Health And Professionalism

The module continues to develop the discriminative approach to dental literature and professional responsibilities towards staff.
It also includes the Governance and Legislation of a dental practice including legislation relating to Health and Safety, Equality
and Diversity, Employment, Confidentiality and Medical Ethics. It encompasses a population based project that brings together
the knowledge gained from modules DG2002 and DG3004. It encourages students to look at patients within the context of their
own lives and environments, exploring factors that may impact on their oral health.

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.
Accreditations

This course has been provisionally accepted by the GDC Registrar. The GDC is the UK-wide statutory

General regulator of the dental profession. They register qualified dental professionals, work to ensure the quality of

Dental dental education, and protect patient safety.

Council
(GDC)

Future Careers

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.

Entry Requirements

This course is only available to UK students. Applications must be made by the October UCAS deadline.

This is a 5-year course but applicants who meet the entry criteria and are successful at interview will be eligible for direct entry
to Year 2.

• 2:1 Degree in a Biomedical discipline, plus 3 A Levels at Grade C or above at least 2 must be from Biology or Physics or
Chemistry or Mathematics. General Studies is not counted towards A Level entry.

• BTEC Extended Diploma: Not accepted

• IELTS: 7.0 only with no score lower than 7.0

 • GCSEs: English and Maths at Grade B

• Applicants will be asked to attend an interview

Application And Interview Process

1. Selection Procedure

Applicants who meet all the academic requirements and the first 5 points of the non-academic requirements within their UCAS
form and who have submitted a fully completed Verification of Prior Learning document will be invited to attend an entrance
assessment exam.

2. Entrance Assessment Exam

This multiple choice exam to be held on Wednesday 24 November 2021 (no other date will be available) is designed to ensure
that all applicants have the necessary level of knowledge in order to allow them to enter Year 2 of the 5-year programme. The
exam will cover all topics listed in the Verification of Prior Learning document. Confirmation on the place the exam is to be held
will be updated soon.

3. Interview Format

Applicants who perform well at the entrance assessment exam, who have demonstrated that their degree has contained the
necessary relevant subjects, will be invited for interview between 13 to 17 December 2021 (no other interview dates will be
available).

The interview format uses a series of Multi Mini Interviews and will include topics such as communication skills, knowledge of
dentistry, ethics and professionalism and team working. We will confirm at a later date whether the interviews will be held online
or at the Preston Campus.

Verification of Prior Learning

Applicants must complete and submit the Verification of Prior Learning document at the same time as the UCAS submission.

You will need to identify the title of the module that was studied in your previous degree which covered the content of each
learning outcome listed in the form.
Fees And Funding

2021/22

UK

Full time £9250 per year

Course Specific Optional Costs

As part of your course, there may be additional optional costs to consider that are not included within your tuition fees. You can
find out more by following the links below:

UK Students

EU and International Students

Scholarships And Bursaries

Financial Bursary

If you are from a low income household our Financial Bursary may be able to help.

Carers Bursary

If you need extra support because you have unpaid caring responsibilities alongside your studies.

Care Leavers And Estranged Student Bursary

For students who need extra support because they have been in care or are estranged from their parents.

Learning And Assessment

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.

Industry Links

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.

Further Information

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 Dentistry located in the Faculty of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences

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

For more information on studying with the University of Central Lancashire, or for advice and guidance on how to apply visit
uclan.ac.uk/study or call our course enquiries team on 01772 892400

Date of publish: 07 01 2022

Course Disclaimer: https://www.uclan.ac.uk/legal/course-disclaimer