Clinical requirements

We have a series of clinical requirements for students on clinical courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Before accepting an offer of a place, you must confirm that you will comply with these requirements.

On

Health clearance

All new students must obtain occupational health clearance, which may require an individual assessment. This is to ensure that you meet the fitness to practice standards detailed on the Higher Education Occupational Practitioners (HEOPS) guidance. You will need to achieve the competencies required to complete the course.

We offer support to students with additional needs, for example through the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service or Student Support Services. You can find out more about the network of support services we provide. A very small number of conditions might, on health and safety grounds, affect your registration with the appropriate regulatory body and your ability to practise in certain clinical situations.

If you're offered a place, you'll need to comply with the Department of Health and Social Care mandatory immunisation requirements.


Dress codes

As a clinical student working in a clinical environment, you will need to comply with local Trust policies, which include the need to be "bare below the elbow". Follow the links below for the full policy details on hand hygiene policy and dress code.

Hand hygiene policy

Dress code policy


Clinical student entry agreement

All clinical students, who study for a University degree, are exposed to all aspects of the clinical environment and will have access to patient records and confidential and sensitive information.

It is therefore essential that Dental Students, Hygiene and Therapy Students and postgraduates undergoing clinical training must be aware of and fulfil the requirements of the General Dental Council, as published in Standards for Dental Professionals, which explains the standards of behaviour and professionalism expected of all dental professionals including students.

Before accepting the offer of a place to study at the University of Sheffield, we wish you to be aware of these GDC guidelines and to have read the School's expectations below with regards to professionalism and fitness to practise.

We ask you to agree to the following, as derived from the GDC requirements to guide you as you follow your clinical programme. If you have difficulty with any aspects of the following statements, then the Dental School will discuss with you how best to resolve the matter.

Read the entry agreement in full


Professionalism and fitness to practice

As a clinical student you will need to maintain appropriate levels of professionalism and behaviour in relation to your interactions with colleagues, staff and patients.

For more information on the standards expected of a dental professional, refer to the General Dental Council documents linked below.

Standards for the Dental Team

Student Fitness to Practise

Our patients are treated as part of an NHS service.  As such, all students must adhere to the principles and values contained within the NHS Constitution.


Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks

Depending on your chosen course of study, if you are a UK resident, places may be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If you are an overseas applicant, your application may be subject to a satisfactory check from your local police station (sometimes referred to as a Certificate of Good Conduct) along with the DBS check. We will advise you further when you apply.

Four students laughing while sat at a bench, outside the Students' Union

International Merit Scholarships

We offer a generous package of financial support for international students including 75 undergraduate scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee and 125 postgraduate taught scholarships worth £5,000 towards the tuition fee. Applications are now open for existing offer holders.