Dental Surgery with Integrated Foundation Year

An alternative dentistry route for students impacted by adversity, using Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) to build academic, personal, and professional skills and ease the transition into university life.

A top UK university for dentistry
Our student experience, feedback and career outcomes make Plymouth a top UK choice* in the Guardian's league table of the best universities for dentistry in 2026.
*Ranked 6th in the UK

Early clinical experience
From the first year, you'll learn in a practical learning environments with patients, building your confidence and experience with patients to enhance your communication skills and clinical competence.

Community engagement
At Plymouth, you can engage directly with the public as part of our Dental Outreach Team, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on local communities while honing your skills.

This course is for you if...

• you're passionate about providing patient-centred dental care and aspire to become a competent and caring dentist ready to make a difference

• you seek early clinical exposure to develop practical skills

• you value learning in state-of-the-art facilities alongside experienced professionals

• you're eager to engage with diverse communities to enhance oral health

Course Modules

Foundation year

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery with integrated Foundation Year 0 (BDSF) programme is designed for applicants who wish to study Dentistry but who are not currently appropriately qualified for entry to year one of the BDS undergraduate programme. The BDSF programme equips you with the scientific knowledge and study skills needed to become a confident, critically self-aware, independent learner ready for the challenges of Higher Education and University life.

You will be taught at the city centre campus where you will have the opportunity to meet your peers and academics, and where, from your very first day, you are part of the Faculty of Health. You will study alongside Dental Therapy & Hygiene, Diagnostic Radiography, Biomedical Sciences, and Medical students, preparing you for a collaborative, inter-disciplinary approach to learning and practice. Modules aim to develop an understanding of the science relating to a range of topic areas relevant to the study of Dentistry, and you can take advantage of academic support and guidance provided by a personal tutor. Meeting the requirements at the end of the Foundation Pathway enables you to progress onto stage one of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme, where you will learn and practice clinical and academic skills as part of the dental team.

Years 1–5 will follow BDS Dental Surgery.