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Dental Surgery

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Although the UCAS equal consideration date has now passed, many of our courses are still accepting applications from UK students for 2024 entry through UCAS.

The deadline for international students was 16 October 2023.

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Bachelor of Dental Surgery

A Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in the arts.

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Course overview

The University of Liverpool School of Dentistry offers a unique research-connected learning environment that is primarily focused on developing each individual, so that they can each realise their personal potential as well as qualify as a professional capable of providing compassionate, evidence-based, holistic dental care to patients.

Introduction

Welcome to the School of Dentistry.

Students from different dental disciplines have the opportunity to work side-by-side and develop their skills in state-of-the-art simulation suites. Student growth is supported by our world-leading learning technology systems that provide personalised developmental progress information so that learning needs can be tailored by the individual. This personalised and supportive approach enables our students to have early access to patients, in their first year, so that developing skills can be authentically consolidated and integrated in the real-world situation. At Liverpool we take a blended approach to learning; this means that we use some online learning but with a predominance of in-person face to face teaching.

The School’s educational approach is driven by an ethos of continuous professional development because we strongly believe that our students need to learn how to continually adapt, so that they can appropriately respond to the current, as well as future, challenges in a dynamic world.

On successful completion of the programme you’ll be granted a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree that is registrable with the General Dental Council.

Programme in detail

This innovative programme has been specifically designed to facilitate the development of real-world clinical, team working, and leadership skills, along with essential personal growth. The BDS programme embraces the University’s hallmarks of active learning, confidence, authentic assessment, and research-connected teaching, as well as having many notable and unique design elements.

The programme shares a three year Collaborative Learning Core (CLC) with dental therapy students, where learning and collaborating in teams builds mutual respect and understanding of the varied roles of the dental team. The remaining two years of the programme will prepare you to undertake the scope of practice of a dentist.

Components within the programme are closely integrated and provide clear steps for you to develop, integrate and demonstrate your skills before building to the next level of clinical capability. Clinical experience commences in the first year of the programme and is underpinned by aligned medical and anatomical knowledge; communication skills; professionalism; ethics and clinical safety.

During the programme, you will also have opportunities to experience and develop your skills in a primary and secondary care setting and engage with the local community. Quality improvement projects are also included in the programme to ensure an in-depth understanding of clinical governance.

Learning and assessment are supported by state-of-the-art technology to provide a personalised mechanism for monitoring your progress and allowing you to take control of your own learning.

Through embedding continuous personal development within the curriculum, you will understand the importance of self-reflection, goal setting and on-going professional development, an ethos aimed at ensuring that you will be prepared for the demands of both the profession and life after University.

Admissions procedures

To apply for a place on the Bachelor of Dental Surgery BDS programme, applicants should read the admissions document and submit it as per the instructions provided on the form.

What you'll learn

  • The knowledge, skills and values essential for a confident dental career in a 21st-century healthcare environment.
  • An understanding of the human body that will underpin your future skills.
  • In-depth understanding of clinical governance.
  • Communication skills, professionalism, ethics and clinical safety.
  • The ability to provide holistic patient care in the context of the primary care services.
  • How to provide compassionate, evidence-based, holistic dental care to patients.

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

The aim of the first year is to transition students to learning in higher education, whilst ensuring that they gain a core knowledge base, skills, and understanding, fit for learning in the clinical environment and their future careers.

Teaching of Clinical Sciences is designed to enable students to understand clinical practice. Problem based learning is used to guide students’ understanding of the human body that will underpin their future skills. Teaching is supported through attendance to HARC (the University’s Human Anatomy Resource Centre). Students receive teaching in personal development and wellbeing, communication skills, equality and diversity, management of medical emergencies, infection control, preventive care, and periodontal health, and patient care provision. Students develop their clinical skills via blended and simulation learning before attending clinic to deliver care to patients. Students observe and assist students in senior years in order to enhance their communication skills and prepare them for learning that lies ahead.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.

What's available on this course?

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/ minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Your experience

You will be based in the Institute of Clinical Sciences and the Institute’s research directly influences your teaching. You’ll be taught by our most experienced practising clinicians, so you can be confident you’ll graduate as the complete dental professional. Our problem-based approach and excellent network of clinical placements mean that, alongside academic and professional skills, you will gain practical experience and apply your knowledge early in your studies, preparing you to become an excellent dentist from day one.

 

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

An exciting place to study

  • One of the largest dental schools in the UK
  • State-of-the-art facilities with £6million recent investment
  • Provides specialist clinical training with taught and research components
  • Internationally recognised qualifications with a wide range of programmes
  • Committed to technologically innovative teaching
  • Active research environment.

Careers and employability

There are a wide range of career opportunities within the profession. The majority of graduates will choose general dental practice within the NHS and in the private sector, whilst others might choose one of the hospital specialities, the community dental service, university teaching, or the armed forces.

Studying to become a dental professional encourages students to develop valuable, transferable skills which provide a strong foundation for their careers and their continuing professional development.

Key skills students will develop include:

  • Communication skills (both oral and written)
  • Critical reasoning skills
  • Clinical skills
  • Professionalism
  • Team working
  • Lifelong learning.

98% of dentistry students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £44,550
Year abroad fee £22,275
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes costs for additional sets of scrubs, travel to placements, and occupational health clearance.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes costs for additional sets of scrubs, travel to placements, and occupational health clearance.

A lab coat will be provided free of charge in year one for use within the Human Anatomy Resource Centre.

Two pairs of scrubs will also be provided free of charge to each student. Replacement or additional sets will incur a cost of £25 plus delivery.

Dentistry students should expect the following additional costs in years three and five:

Year three: travel to placements

All students will undertake a placement in year three and are required to pay for their own travel costs. All placements are within a 35-mile radius of the campus and can be accessed by public transport. A return trip is estimated to cost between £5-15.

Year five: travel to placements and occupational health clearance

All students will undertake placements in year five in similar locations to year three. Students will be expected to pay for their travel to placements, but NHS bursary recipients will be reimbursed by NHS bursaries (non-means-tested/means-tested grants) for costs above the price of their regular commute to campus. If a student is not eligible for an NHS bursary they will not be able to claim additional travel costs.

Students will pay for occupational health clearance in year five. A standard assessment is approximately £30. If additional vaccinations or appointments are required, these will incur an additional cost.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.

Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.

Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

UCAT

Please note that all applicants are required to sit the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in the year of application.

Prior to applying for a place on the Bachelor of Dental Surgery BDS course, applicants should read the A200 BDS Course Admissions Document 2024.


FAQs

Do you accept A level resit applications for dentistry?

No, examinations should be taken in one sitting after two years of study, unless significant corroborated extenuating circumstances are submitted.

Will it affect my application if I retake some of my A level modules but still complete my A levels in 2 years?

Module resits taken within the normal 2 year A level period e.g. an AS module retaken in the A2 year would be acceptable.

I do not have the GCSEs or A levels listed on the website will I still be considered for undergraduate study?

No, applications are only considered if all academic criteria is met.

Do you have a UCAT cut off score?

No we do not have a set UCAT score cut off point at Liverpool School of Dentistry. The UCAT scores will be considered along with the personal statement and academic attainments.

If I accept an offer to another degree ie; biomedical, pharmacy can I transfer onto the Dental Course?

No we do not accept transfers onto the BDS.

I have not achieved good grades in my AS exams does this matter?

We do not consider AS levels when looking at applications.

Will it affect my application if I resit AS exams because my grades are not good?

If you do the resits while studying for your A levels then this will not affect your application.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

AAA including Chemistry and Biology, taken at first sitting, after two years of study. We do not accept A level resits or consider applicants who have retaken either Year 12 or Year 13.

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.

Available foundation years:

T levels

T levels are not currently accepted.

GCSE Requirements in respect of GCSEs must be met, please see the admissions document. Applicants who have not taken GCSEs are required to have completed equivalent qualifications.
Subject requirements

A level Chemistry and Biology are required. The 3rd subject may be from the Arts or Sciences. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Vocational/Applied A levels are not accepted.

For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Not accepted

International Baccalaureate

36 Points with 6 in Higher level Chemistry and Biology

Irish Leaving Certificate H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 including H1 in Chemistry and Biology
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

AAAAA at Higher level and AA at Advanced Higher level including Chemistry and Biology.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Not accepted
Access Applicants offering Access to Higher Education Diplomas should present from courses with significant Biology and Chemistry content at level 3. Candidates are expected to achieve distinction in 45 credits at level 3. For the full Access course requirements please see the Admissions document.
Work Experience Requirements

Evidence required

Duty of Care

The University has an obligation to undertake health screening of all prospective dentistry students. Any offer of a place is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This includes some obligatory immunisations and blood tests, in line with recommendations from the Department of Health. All students also need to undergo an enhanced DBS check before admittance to the programme.

Mature Students
Studying for a degree later in life can be highly rewarding and our mature students are among some of our most successful. At Liverpool, we are committed to extending opportunities to all adults with the desire and ability to succeed at university.

View our Mature Students and Access courses pages for more information.

International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
TOEFL iBT 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 24, writing 24, reading 24 and speaking 26
Pearson PTE Academic 69 with no component below 69
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 Grade 6 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
International Baccalaureate Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 4 at Higher Level

Contextual offers: reduced grade requirements

Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Dental Surgery BDS

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.