Dentistry - BDS entry

In September 2023, we moved into our new Dental School Building with the latest facilities and equipment, designed with input from our current students and staff to provide an exceptional educational experience. Our courses are ranked 2nd in the Guardian University Guide 2026 for Dentistry.

This five-year degree has a strong core of clinical training supported by integrated learning of relevant sciences and technical skills. You will progress personally, academically, clinically and professionally, applying taught communication and teamworking skills when providing supervised dental care to a diverse range of patients in and around Bristol. You will learn to work within dental and wider healthcare teams and networks, demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and behaviours so you graduate as a safe practitioner.

The course structure comprises four main themes of development:

• practitioner

• scholar and scientist

• professional and agent of change

• person and citizen.

You will be introduced to basic concepts in the healthy patient before progressing to apply your knowledge and skills to prevent and treat a range of oral diseases. In the first year, you will become familiar with the clinic environment through peer group activities and observations. You will begin your dental practice under supervision in clinics after completion of simulated skills training undertaken in our new state-of-the-art facilities. From year two, you will treat patients with a wide variety, and increasing complexity, of oral and dental diseases in preparation for practice beyond graduation.

After the third year, you can choose to intercalate in a subject of personal interest to obtain a BA, BSc, or even a master's degree. Find out more about intercalated degrees at Bristol.

Student welfare is central to our programme and you will have access to a wide range of support, starting with our well-developed in-house personal tutor and senior tutor network, alongside support from the wider university.

Health and disclosure and barring service check

Certain health conditions may be incompatible with careers in dentistry. Before starting your degree, you will need to complete a health assessment questionnaire and pre-course screening for blood-borne viruses. These blood tests are to identify the few individuals whose health status may place them and/or future patients at risk. As part of your training, you will come into contact with human and animal cadaveric material.

Dentistry demands the highest standards of professional and personal conduct. In accordance with General Dental Council guidelines, dental students must complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. For more information, please visit our guidelines for students on the DBS disclosure page.

Interviews

Applicants must be available for an interview from November to April immediately following the submission of their application.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• General Dental Council