Dental Surgery BDS
School of Clinical Dentistry
You are viewing this course for 2021-22 entry. 2022-23 entry is also available.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code A200
- 5 years / Full-time
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- Industry placement
Course description
Our course is divided into nine integrated themes. Throughout the course we aim to teach you theory alongside clinical practice so you'll develop an understanding of dental science and its clinical application.
You'll learn the value of evidence-based dentistry and how to apply it to clinical practice.
We believe in training the whole dental team together, so you'll learn with Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy students in a way that prepares you for practice.
The General Dental Council quality assures and approves qualifications for registration, for the following registrant groups: Dentists; dental hygienists; dental therapists; dental nurses; clinical dental technicians; dental technicians; and orthodontic therapists.
Modules
The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department directly.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: A200
Years: 2021
The Human Body and The Oral Cavity in Health and Disease
These themes introduce you to the structure and function of the human body and of a healthy mouth. You will learn about the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the nervous and renal systems. You will be introduced to some of the common diseases affecting the head, neck, teeth and mouth. You will also visit dental clinics and start to learn about your role as a healthcare professional in the dental team.
Core modules:
- The Human Body
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This theme aims to introduce you to the structure and function of the human body and how structure and function is integrated from molecules through tissues and organ systems to the whole organism.
- The Oral Cavity in Health and Disease
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This theme aims to introduce you to the structure and function of the healthy mouth and structures of the head and neck relevant to the practice of clinical dentistry. You will also be introduced to some of the common diseases affecting the head, neck, teeth and oral cavity.
Growth, Development, Ageing and Nutrition and Basic Oral and Dental Care
Year two introduces the basic biological principles governing different stages during life with emphasis on the challenges of providing comprehensive care for both young and elderly patients.
You'll also learn more about diseases of the teeth and mouth and undertake basic dental procedures in our Simulation Suite, using virtual reality machines, and in our Clinical Skills Learning Environment. Following satisfactory completion of these courses, you begin to treat patients.
Core modules:
- Basic Oral and Dental Care Part 1
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This theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Year 1, and prepares students for clinical practice by providing training to undertake basic oral and dental procedures.
- Basic Oral and Dental Care Part 2
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This theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Year 1, and prepares students for clinical practice by providing training to undertake basic oral and dental procedures.
- Basic Oral and Dental Care Part 3
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This theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Year 1, and prepares students for clinical practice by providing training to undertake basic oral and dental procedures.
- Basic Oral and Dental Care Part 4
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This theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Year 1, and prepares students for clinical practice by providing training to undertake basic oral and dental procedures.
- Growth, Development, Ageing and Nutrition
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This theme integrates basic science and clinical practice to encourage a more holistic learning approach. The overall aim is to provide students with understanding of the basic biological principles governing growth, development, ageing and nutrition at different stages during life.
Intermediate Oral and Dental Care and Integrated Human Disease
From the third year you gain the skills and knowledge to treat patients holistically, with great attention to detail. In the Integrated Human Disease theme you learn how to identify clinical signs and symptoms of systemic disease and how this affects the clinical practice of dentistry. You will also learn how to undertake clinical procedures requiring high levels of manual dexterity.
Core modules:
- Integrated Human Disease Part 1
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The Integrated Human Diseases Theme (IHD) is designed to gather together, co-ordinate and integrate elements of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, medicine, surgery, pharmacology, immunology and microbiology within the dental undergraduate curriculum. Teaching will cover pathology, microbiology, immunology, pathology, systemic disease and its relevance to dentistry.
- Integrated Human Disease Part 2
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The Integrated Human Diseases Theme (IHD) is designed to gather together, co-ordinate and integrate elements of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, medicine, surgery, pharmacology, immunology and microbiology within the dental undergraduate curriculum. Teaching will cover pathology, microbiology, immunology, pathology, systemic disease and its relevance to dentistry.
- Intermediate Oral and Dental Care Part 1
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This Theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Years 1 and 2, and introduces students to a wider number of disciplines and clinical practice. In the Second Semester the Theme includes simulated clinical training in the clinical skills learning environment to enhance student’s range of skills. Successful completion of this Theme is necessary to progress to the next year of study.
- Intermediate Oral and Dental Care Part 2
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This Theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Years 1 and 2, and introduces students to a wider number of disciplines and clinical practice. In the Second Semester the Theme includes simulated clinical training in the clinical skills learning environment to enhance student’s range of skills. Successful completion of this Theme is necessary to progress to the next year of study.
- Intermediate Oral and Dental Care Part 3
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This Theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Years 1 and 2, and introduces students to a wider number of disciplines and clinical practice. In the Second Semester the Theme includes simulated clinical training in the clinical skills learning environment to enhance student’s range of skills. Successful completion of this Theme is necessary to progress to the next year of study.
- Intermediate Oral and Dental Care Part 4
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This Theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Years 1 and 2, and introduces students to a wider number of disciplines and clinical practice. In the Second Semester the Theme includes simulated clinical training in the clinical skills learning environment to enhance student’s range of skills. Successful completion of this Theme is necessary to progress to the next year of study.
- Intermediate Oral and Dental Care Part 5
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This Theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Years 1 and 2, and introduces students to a wider number of disciplines and clinical practice. In the Second Semester the Theme includes simulated clinical training in the clinical skills learning environment to enhance student’s range of skills. Successful completion of this Theme is necessary to progress to the next year of study.
Integrated Clinical Practice, Oral Disease, Outreach and Elective
During the final two years you will learn how to treat patients of all ages with increasingly complex care needs. You'll learn more about oral diseases, their causes, how they develop and how to recognise, diagnose and prevent them.
You will take part in clinical placements as part of our outreach programme in Sheffield or the surrounding region. These placements are in primary care practices so they provide you with real work environments to sharpen your skills. You'll also have the opportunity to undertake an elective placement which could take you anywhere in the world.
Core modules:
- Dental Surgery Part 1
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In the 4th and 5th Years candidates will study the following three Themes:
Oral Disease
Integrated Clinical Practice
Outreach/Elective
A candidate must have attended and satisfied the requirements for the Themes in Oral Disease, Outreach and Electives and Integrated Clinical Practice, including completion of all formative and summative assessment. - Dental Surgery Part 2
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In the 4th and 5th Years candidates will study the following three Themes:
Oral Disease
Integrated Clinical Practice
Outreach/Elective
A candidate must have attended and satisfied the requirements for the Themes in Oral Disease, Outreach and Electives and Integrated Clinical Practice, including completion of all formative and summative assessment.
Integrated Clinical Practice, Oral Disease, Outreach and Elective
During the final two years you will learn how to treat patients of all ages with increasingly complex care needs. You'll learn more about oral diseases, their causes, how they develop and how to recognise, diagnose and prevent them.
You will take part in clinical placements as part of our outreach programme in Sheffield or the surrounding region. These placements are in primary care practices so they provide you with real work environments to sharpen your skills. You'll also have the opportunity to undertake an elective placement which could take you anywhere in the world.
Core modules:
- Dental Surgery Part 3
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In the 4th and 5th Years candidates will study the following three Themes:
Oral Disease
Integrated Clinical Practice
Outreach/Elective
A candidate must have attended and satisfied the requirements for the Themes in Oral Disease, Outreach and Electives and Integrated Clinical Practice, including completion of all formative and summative assessment. - Dental Surgery Part 4
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In the 4th and 5th Years candidates will study the following three Themes:
Oral Disease
Integrated Clinical Practice
Outreach/Elective
A candidate must have attended and satisfied the requirements for the Themes in Oral Disease, Outreach and Electives and Integrated Clinical Practice, including completion of all formative and summative assessment. - Dental Surgery Part 5
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In the 4th and 5th Years candidates will study the following three Themes:
Oral Disease
Integrated Clinical Practice
Outreach/Elective
A candidate must have attended and satisfied the requirements for the Themes in Oral Disease, Outreach and Electives and Integrated Clinical Practice, including completion of all formative and summative assessment.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Throughout the course we aim to teach you theory alongside clinical practice so you'll develop an understanding of dental science and its clinical application. You'll learn the value of evidence-based dentistry and how to apply it to clinical practice.
Assessment
You will be assessed by exams, coursework and practical tasks.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology
A Levels + additional qualifications | AAB, including AA in Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology and B in a third subject + B in EPQ. The EPQ must be in a Dentistry-related subject. The EPQ and A Levels must be taken in the one sitting to receive the alternative offer AAB, including AA in Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology and B in a third subject + B in EPQ. The EPQ must be in a Dentistry-related subject. The EPQ and A Levels must be taken in the one sitting to receive the alternative offer
International Baccalaureate | 36, 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and Biology 34 with 6, 5 in Higher Level Chemistry and Biology
BTEC | D*DD in Science, including Distinctions in Chemistry and Biology units DDD in Science, including Distinctions in Chemistry and Biology units
Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher | AAAAB, including Biology + Advanced Higher Chemistry at grade A or AAAAB, including Chemistry + Advanced Higher Biology at grade A AAABB, including Biology + Advanced Higher Chemistry at grade A or AAABB, including Chemistry + Advanced Higher Biology at grade A
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | A + AA, including Chemistry and Biology A + AB, including Chemistry and Biology
Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall with 45 credits at level 3 to include 39 at Distinction in Chemistry and Biology + 6 credits at Merit 60 credits overall with 45 credits at level 3 to include 36 at Distinction in Chemistry and Biology + 9 credits at Merit
Mature students - explore other routes for mature students
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 7/A; IELTS grade of 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
- University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
UCAT Pre-admissions test: All applicants must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). The test is used in conjunction with our existing selection procedure to identify candidates with potential for success at undergraduate level.
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Graduates - Bachelor's Degree with a minimum 2.1 in a related or core science subject
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6 GSCE grades at 7 or grade A, including Maths, English Language and Science
We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
School of Clinical Dentistry
Our teaching is driven by world-class research. You'll learn about the new techniques and advances that are rapidly taking place in the field of dentistry.
We believe in training the whole team together. Our dentistry and dental hygiene and therapy students learn alongside each other in a way that helps to prepare them for practice. Our combination of integrated teaching and practical experience produces caring, confident professionals.
Most of our teaching takes place in the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, which is attached to the School of Clinical Dentistry. We also have links with the Medical School and the local community.
Our students find that our courses provide them with opportunities to explore ideas, apply what they have learnt and achieve their best. This is reflected in the National Student Survey where we consistently achieve high scores for overall student satisfaction.
We're committed to delivering an exceptional student experience. Our staff are involved in the quality assurance of teaching in Sheffield and other universities, and some have gained national recognition. Prestigious awards include: Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) Mature Educator, and National Teaching Fellow.
Our placement programme for students is outstanding. You'll learn the value of evidence-based dentistry and how to apply it to clinical practice. Many of our staff are internationally respected for their research. Some are general dental practitioners with years of clinical experience.
Dentistry students are based at the School of Clinical Dentistry, situated within the University campus to the west of Sheffield. The school has a very close working relationship with the adjacent Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, a specialist facility offering dental services to people in Sheffield and surrounding areas.
Facilities
We aim to provide a stimulating interdisciplinary environment, with access to first-rate facilities. In our virtual simulation suite you can practice dentistry in a virtual reality environment.
We have dedicated research facilities and laboratories for tissue culture, molecular biology, materials science, histology-microscopy and electrophysiology, all with dedicated technical support.
We continually seek to improve our range of state-of-the-art facilities to meet the needs of our student and research community.
School of Clinical DentistryWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings
Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017
School of Clinical Dentistry
Research Excellence Framework 2014
Times Higher Education (THE) World Subject Rankings 2021
The Guardian University Guide 2021
Dental Surgery
National Student Survey 2020
Graduate careers
Most graduates apply for a one-year Dental Foundation (DF) training programme. This provides you with a supportive environment where you can continue to develop your skills and experience to the point where you become an independent practitioner.
Successful completion of the DF year enables you to work in an NHS practice. All of our students who graduated in July 2018 were successful in gaining a DF training place.
After their DF year, most graduates find work in general dental practices, in the community dental service or sometimes in the armed forces.
Some choose to undertake further specialist training to enable them to become speciality dentists, hospital or academic consultants or to become researchers.
A number of our graduates choose to return to the school later in their careers to teach.
Further information
Placements and practice
As you become more experienced, you'll spend periods of time away from the Dental School. You'll treat patients in our Dental Practice Unit, have a period in residence at a district general hospital, and complete an elective placement that could take you anywhere in the world.
You'll undertake clinical training in NHS hospitals so you must adhere to local NHS policies including guidelines on behaviour and dress and the need to be 'bare below the elbow'.
Outreach programme
You'll complete two or more clinical work placements in your fourth and fifth years, around 20 weeks in total. These placements give you the chance to treat an extended range of patients in and around Sheffield as well as Chesterfield, Doncaster, Rotherham, Barnsley and Hemsworth near Pontefract.
Around half of the placements are in general dental practice. The rest are in dental access centres or community dental clinics. You'll work alongside dental hygiene and therapy students, giving you experience of working as part of a dental team.
Disclosure and Barring Service
All applicants are required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure check.
Health clearance
All new students starting a course that involves exposure to human blood or other body fluids and tissues must conform to the national guidelines for the protection of patients, healthcare workers and students.
If you're taking a clinical course you'll be expected to achieve a satisfactory level of immunity in terms of Hepatitis B before admission. You'll be tested for Hepatitis C and HIV when you start your course. A positive result doesn't necessarily exclude you from dental training but certain conditions will apply.
If you have serious health problems, or know that you are infected with Hepatitis B, C or HIV, you must disclose this information on your application form. All students with significant health problems will be individually assessed for suitability.
Our immunisation requirements are constantly being reviewed to ensure we meet with current Department of Health guidance. You'll be required to comply with these if you are offered a place. We will advise you further when you apply.
UCAT
All applicants will need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). This is used in conjunction with our existing selection procedure to identify candidates with the potential to succeed at undergraduate level. For further information visit www.ucat.ac.uk
International students
Immigration regulations are constantly being reviewed by the UK Border Agency (UKBA). At the present time, non UK and European students are able to apply for dental foundation training after graduating and have been able to secure employment in postgraduate training schemes and hospital posts.
However, we can't give any guarantee that this will always be the case. For further information, visit www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas and www.copdend.org
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you've made an application to study with us, we may invite you for an interview. If you are then successful in receiving an offer, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 215 9307
Email: dental.admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.