Dental Surgery (BDS)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

Teaching on the BDS programme is integrated, so you will learn the scientific and pathological processes underlying oral and dental disease at the same time as you acquire the necessary skills to manage patients effectively.  In year one you will spend one day a week at the Dental School, with the remainder of teaching at the School of Biosciences situated on the Cathays Park campus.

In years two to five you will be based in the School of Dentistry. As you become more experienced in your fourth and fifth year, you will spend time away from the Dental School in primary care settings for a period of around five weeks.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

Year one
During year one, you will spend much of your time pursuing your studies in the School of Biosciences. Here you will learn about the human body in health and disease as well as disease of the teeth and the supporting tissues. You will spend every Friday in the School of Dentistry, where you will be introduced to aspects of clinical dentistry. As you progress through the course, you’ll learn more advanced skills in patient management, the importance of whole patient care, and their long-term management – just as if you were a qualified dental surgeon.

Year two
In year two onwards you will be based in the School of Dentistry. Initially in year two you will develop your clinical skills and knowledge through a variety of lectures, seminars and simulated clinical activities. Under close supervision you will see your first patient and from then on you will have patients allocated to you to manage and treat.

To underpin this you will need to understand the basics of disease including those that affect the dento-facial area, their management and prevention along with the diagnostic tools required for clinical practice. Fundamental to clinical practice is the requirement to work professionally and ethically and be able to communicate effectively to patients and staff. These essential skills are explored in detail at many points during the course through innovative and exciting interactive sessions.

Year three
In year three you will continue to develop your clinical skills and knowledge through a variety of lectures, seminars and simulated clinical activities. In addition, you will further enhance your ability to manage and treat patients.

You will continue to understand the basics of disease including those that affect the dento-facial area, their management and prevention along with the diagnostic tools required for clinical practice.

The requirement to work professionally and ethically and be able to communicate effectively to patients and staff will remain important elements of your teaching. These essential skills are explored in detail at many points during the course through innovative and exciting interactive sessions.

Year four
In year four the emphasis is on developing clinical skills in a variety of environments including the School of Dentistry, community dental clinics, district general hospitals and dedicated outreach teaching facilities in and around Cardiff. A deeper understanding of the treatment planning process, the management options, including preventive orientated patient care, are developed giving our students a very broad based education to prepare them for their exciting careers.

Year five
In year five there is continued emphasis on developing clinical skills in a variety of environments including the School of Dentistry, community dental clinics, district general hospitals and dedicated outreach teaching facilities in and around Cardiff. A deeper understanding of the treatment planning process, the management options, including preventive orientated patient care, are developed giving our students a very broad based education to prepare them for their exciting careers.

A level
AAA. Must include Biology and Chemistry. You will need to pass the science practical element of the A-level if this is part of your programme of study.

If you’re a graduate applicant, you must have completed your degree or be in the final year of your current degree. You’ll be expected to have, or achieve, at least a 2:1 and meet the minimum entry requirements for Level 2 and 3 (GCSE and A-level or equivalent). 

International Baccalaureate
36 overall or 666 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Biology and Chemistry.

If you’re a graduate applicant, you must have completed your degree or be in the final year of your current degree. You’ll be expected to have, or achieve, at least a 2:1 and meet the minimum entry requirements for Level 2 and 3 (GCSE and A-level or equivalent). 

GCSE
Applicants with grade B/6 in English Language will be considered, but preference will be given to applicants who hold a grade A.

IELTS (academic)
At least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 7.0 in speaking and a minimum of 6.5 in all other subskills.

TOEFL iBT
At least 100 overall with a minimum of 24 in speaking and 22 in all other subskills.

PTE Academic
At least 70 overall with a minimum of 76 in speaking and a minimum of 69 in all other communicative skills.

Trinity ISE II/III
III: at least a Merit in all components

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

Fees for overseas status

• £23,450

Once you have qualified there are a number of different careers open to you. Everybody needs to undergo a period of vocational training whatever branch of dentistry they initially take up. Advice to help you make the appropriate choice is available from your tutor as well as other members of staff.

In 2017 100% of our BDS students secured a Dental Foundation Training (DFT) placement, ensuring that we have one of the strongest BDS employability records among our competitor dental schools in the UK.

Graduate careers

• Specialist Dental Practice
• Community Dental Practice
• Medical Research Posts