Dental Surgery MChD/BChD, Oral Science BSc, MChD, BChD

Course content

You'll develop vital communication, leadership and teamwork skills through personal and professional development modules in all years of the course.

In the first year you're introduced to the basics of dentistry. You'll be involved in the clinical environment from the start and will later in this year be responsible for treatment of your own patients. Scientific learning and clinical experience are integrated. Amongst other topics you'll be introduced to health and health promotion, oral anatomy, microbiology and related science, and periodontal disease.

Year 2 builds your scientific knowledge and further develops your patient communication skills and competency in simple clinical procedures. You'll learn about biomedical and social sciences relating to dentistry. You'll be introduced to evidence-based practice and psychological models of dental anxiety. You'll develop your operative clinical skills and be responsible for patient care.

In year 3 you'll be introduced to clinical skills used in the diagnosis and treatment of more complex dental disease and complex restorations. You'll study 'illness and well-being' and communication skills relevant to patient care. You'll have the opportunity to consolidate your knowledge of psychological theories of anxiety and stress and their effects on health. You'll undertake an assessed research project, which helps develop your skills in scientific research and in applying research principles.

There is a possibility for you to take a year out and undertake an intercalated degree before beginning year 4. Please read more about intercalation.

You continue to build your experience in year 4. All practising clinicians must be able to assess the health of their patient to undertake safe dental treatment and you'll continue to build relevant skills. Your clinical experience will span the specialist areas of restorative and paediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral medicine, oral surgery, pathology and radiology. You'll choose your final-year project and acquire the skills you need to undertake this.

Our fourth year students also have the option of a three-month exchange with students from Trinity College Dublin School of Dental Sciences, Ireland, which is part of the Erasmus programme. Alternatively, a professional development elective allows you to undertake an activity related to dentistry, organised and run by you. You cannot take both these options and you do not have to take either.

Year 5 is the culmination of your studies. Final-year modules and clinical experience consolidate the skills, behaviours and knowledge you need to move successfully into dental foundation training and professional life. You'll practise conscious intravenous and inhalation sedation. You'll undertake the in-depth Masters-level project which develops and assesses your higher-level cognitive learning skills. The final personal and professional development module focuses on preparation for the world of work. It introduces the organisational, business and managerial skills needed in general dental practice and provides support for the dental foundation training selection process.

For a visual plan of the course, view our curriculum map

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAA including Biology and Chemistry. No General Studies or Critical Thinking.

  GCSE: 6 A* - B, including Chemistry, Biology (or Dual Science), English and Maths. Reformed GCSEs: Grade 6 and above.

  • Career opportunities

    Employment prospects for dentists are good. After graduating and successfully registering with the General Dental Council (GDC), most graduates take up a one- or two-year salaried foundation training post. This is mandatory if you want a career in the NHS. Dentists must undertake continuing professional education to qualify for GDC registration each year.

    As a qualified dentist there are a range of opportunities open to you, including academia and practising in general dental practice, hospital, community and corporate settings and the armed forces. There are also clinical and non-clinical opportunities at non-governmental organisations worldwide and other international agencies.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Fourth year students have the option of a three-month exchange with students from Trinity College Dublin School of Dental Sciences, as part of the Erasmus programme.

    You'll work with patients in a range of settings - at the dental hospital, in the community, at outreach clinics and through hospital placements.

  • Professional requirements

    Entry to the course depends on satisfactory health screening.

    It is a Department of Health requirement that all healthcare workers who come into contact with patients should not be infectious carriers of Hepatitis B, C or HIV viruses and should accept vaccination against Hepatitis B.

    We advise all candidates to seek vaccination with their medical practitioner against Hepatitis B viruses before starting the course because they will have early contact with patients.

    The School will organise an immunisation schedule for students who have not already completed a successful course of vaccination before enrolment.

    Applicants who have been immunised by their medical practitioner will be required to provide documentary proof of immunisation on registration. Simple blood tests will be required to confirm that students are not a carrier of the Hepatitis B or C viruses.

    The School of Dentistry has a dress policy to promote a clinical, professional appearance within our premises and outreach facilities.

    Your clothes and personal appearance must match public expectations of a professional person.

    Dental professionals have to adhere to a professional code of ethics to maintain their registration with the GDC.
    
    As a dental student, you will be expected to demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills and attitudes expected of a dental professional - this includes applying the principles of professionalism to your education, clinical practise and your personal and social life at all times. The GDC has published guidance on professionalism ('Student Fitness to Practise' and 'Standards for Dental Professionals') which you can find on the GDC website.

    The GDC is the regulatory body for dental professionals in the UK. All dentists, dental nurses, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians, dental hygienists, dental therapists and orthodontic therapists must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK.

    The GDC is also responsible for checking the quality of all dental and Dental Care Professional (DCP) education and training courses which lead to registration. Our courses in dental surgery, dental hygiene and dental therapy, and dental technology are accredited by the GDC. The dental nursing courses are accredited by the City and Guilds of London and The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses.