Peninsula Dental School

BDS Dental Surgery

This exciting programme is pioneering, patient-centred and delivered in a supportive and research-rich environment. You will develop the highest level of core dental skills and knowledge needed for a hugely rewarding career as a healthcare professional. We offer you state-of-the art facilities and are committed to making you a dental practitioner with clinical skills of the highest order and a strong sense of social awareness.

You will treat patients through partnership with Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise and the wider NHS in Devon and Cornwall, become familiar with a variety of clinical situations, and prepare for a future career path through solving clinical problems. You’ll also discover how clinical dentistry and research is practiced in different social and cultural contexts in other parts of the South West, UK and the world.

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First choice for health

Delivered by professional experts, our programmes are tailored to you and your career. Together, we address today's most challenging healthcare issues, through research-informed teaching and active, real-world learning.

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Careers with this subject

Advice from graduate Shamir Chandarana:

"I would certainly advise anybody who is interested in dentistry to carry out as much work experience as possible in busy NHS practices and in quieter private practices, and also to undertake hospital placements to get a real feel for the profession. It was only once I had done this that I knew for certain that this was the career I wanted to do.

Moreover, Plymouth Dental School offered a great taster day to anyone considering dentistry as a career: it was a day packed full of information about the course, about Plymouth, and most importantly featured a hands-on session in the Simulated Dental Learning Environment (SDLE) which gave a great insight into the practical side of dentistry."

Read more from Shamir in his case study.


Key features

  • Programme mapped against the General Dental Council’s guidance ‘Preparing for Practice’.
  • Treat patients through partnership with the NHS Primary Care Trust in Devon and Cornwall.
  • Engage directly with participants and service users in a unique and meaningful way with the Community Engagement Team.
  • Benefit from the state of the art facilities provided by established Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE), a Community Interest Company (CIC).
  • Become familiar with a variety of clinical situations.
  • Prepare for a future career path through solving clinical problems.
  • Become competent at diagnosing disease and planning preventive care.
  • Choose your own areas of interest to study further.
  • Early clinical contact with a strong patient focus.
  • Gain the core dental knowledge and communication skills you need to practise as a competent and caring dentist.
  • Strong partnerships within the University.
  • Students will spend Years 1, 2 and 5 in Plymouth and Year 4 in Truro. Students in Year 3 travel 2 days a week, via transport organised and paid for by the School, to the Dental Education Facility in Exeter.   
Read more about how we will enhance your learning.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Your outstanding clinical education commences at the start of Year 1, working in small, integrated study groups you will learn the core scientific foundations of dentistry in a clinical context, explore the scientific basis of normal structure, function and behaviour, with a focus on dental health, prevention of dental disease and the underlying principles of personal and professional development. You will attend the Simulated Dental Learning Environment (SDLE) from your first week developing essential clinical skills and in Term 2 you will experience contact with patients in the clinics where you will be able to develop your communication skills under the close supervision of dental practitioners, bringing to life the skills gained in SDLE. Near the end of the year you have your first experience in social engagement.

    Core modules

    • DEN411 Integrated Dental Science 1

      This module introduces basic and clinical sciences and the principles of human disease prevention which underpin dental skills, the safe use of ionising radiation together with the properties and usage of biomaterials in dentistry.

    • DEN412 Clinical Dental Practice 1

      This module provides an introduction to clinical dentistry and the management of medical emergencies and by the end of the module, at the mid-point of the year, students will be ready to commence providing dental care for patients. All learning and assessment in the module take place in the simulated setting to enable students to practice clinical skills.

    • DEN413 Clinical Dental Practice 2

      This module continues the students' introduction to the essential range of basic skills needed for the safe practice of primary dental care and provides the clinical basis for the student's first experiences caring for patients. From the beginning of this module, each time a student is successful at a capability assessment within the simulated environment they may start to provide that procedure for patients in the clinic.

    • DEN414 Inter-Professional Engagement 1

      This module introduces the student to community health and social care. Students will undertake a community engagement visit and work closely with a target organisation to understand the impacts of demography and lifestyle issues on local people. The project will enable students to develop an understanding of the wider determinants of health such as environment; employment and education which influence health behaviours and health outcomes, and which directly impact on oral health, use of dental services and quality of life. This project is one of the building blocks for students at Peninsula Dental School introducing core academic skills in exploring, searching and selecting evidence-based information as well as developing societal and community awareness so students understand their future role in the healthcare system and wider society.

    • DEN415 Professional Development 1

      This module introduces students to reflective adult learning and assists with the development of professional behaviour and attitudes appropriate to dentistry. Every term the student will meet their Academic Tutor and reflect and review on their performance in all aspects of professionalism within the BDS programme by presentation of a reflective questionnaire and discussion.

  • Year 2
  • In your second year, you build on your foundations with common dental problems, as well as disease mechanisms considered in much greater depth. Learning continues in SDLE as you develop skills for advanced procedures whilst continuing to care for patients in the clinics in Plymouth two days per week. You gain insight into the importance of team working in dentistry as you integrate with other members of the team in the clinical environment, and plan and deliver a social engagement project intervention.
    Core modules

    • DEN521 Integrated Dental Science 2

      This module enables students to further develop their depth of knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles underpinning dental practice and includes oral disease, pharmacology and dental materials. The module continues to support the application of basic biomedical, clinical sciences and disease prevention principles which underpin dental skills and the effective and safe care of patients in the dental environment.

    • DEN522 Clinical Dental Practice 3

      Continuing clinical experience caring for patients and the development of further skills in the simulated environment. Following each patient visit students will reflect on their clinical and professional performance and receive feedback. Further support is provided for individual students who have difficulty with any particular procedure. Assessments regarding tooth coloured restorations, tooth extraction and minor oral soft tissue surgery will be taken.

    • DEN523 Clinical Dental Practice 4

      This module enables students to acquire the clinical, administrative and communication skills relevant to the safe and effective practice of an increasing range of treatments within primary care dentistry for a student in preparation for Year 3.

    • DEN524 Inter-Professional Engagement 2

      In year two of the programme, students are able to build on their learning from the year one inter-professional engagement project by focusing on a single community-based organisation within Devon and Cornwall. Students in small groups visit organisations to develop an understanding of how these organisations support particular community groups and/or individuals to adopt positive healthy lifestyles and how they help their clients/service users to overcome the social and organisational barriers that prevent them from achieving this.

    • DEN525 Professional Development 2

      This module supports students to further develop reflective adult learning skills and assists with the development of professional behaviour and attitudes appropriate to dentistry. Every term the student will meet their Academic Tutor and reflect and review on their performance in all aspects of professionalism within the BDS programme.

  • Year 3
  • In your third year there is greater self-directed learning as you prepare project assignments, including an engagement project with students from another healthcare profession, and clinical cases. Based in Plymouth with transport provided to our Exeter clinic two days per week you build upon existing skills and consolidate advanced procedures provided for patients. One of the themes for years three and four is to consolidate the learning of medically-related issues for the safe practice of dentistry. You will be given an opportunity to learn about dentally relevant medical issues in patient-based demonstrations.

    Intercalated Master of Science (MSc)
    Selected students may intercalate, between Year 3 and Year 4, and undertake a one year MSc in our research laboratories in Plymouth.
    Core modules

    • DEN631 Applied Dental Knowledge 1

      This module enables students to achieve the level of knowledge of clinical and communication skills, professionalism and management and leadership skills required of a graduate entering primary care as a Dental Foundation dentist. Topic areas include basic sciences as applied to dentistry, knowledge of the comprehensive delivery of clinical dentistry including restorative dentistry for children and adults, dental radiology, oral surgery, pharmacology and therapeutics, oral medicine, oral pathology, medicine and surgery applied to dentistry, professionalism, law and ethics.

    • DEN632 Critical Appraisal 1

      Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) requires that decisions about health care are based on the best available, current, valid and relevant evidence. These decisions should be made by those receiving care, informed by the tacit and explicit knowledge of those providing care, within the context of available resources. All health care professionals need to understand the principles of EBP, recognise it in action, implement evidence-based policies, and have a critical attitude to their own practice and to evidence. Without these skills professionals will find it difficult to provide 'best practice'.

    • DEN633 Clinical Dental Practice 5

      This module provides students with the ability to undertake more complex dental care for patients of all ages and the development of further skills in the simulated environment.

    • DEN634 Clinical Dental Practice 6

      This module provides students with continuing clinical experience treating patients with more complex needs.

    • DEN635 Inter-Professional Engagement 3

      In the Year 3 module students will be placed in EBL groups and will liaise with a groups of allied healthcare professional (AHP) students to share working practices and learn about the scope of practice of target AHP groups. Students will have an opportunity to assess the training in dental and oral health care that is provided to their designated healthcare colleagues and recommend curriculum opportunities appropriate to the needs and demands of the AHPs in order to improve future IPE working and patient care. Students will work to explore the relationships between general health and oral health and understand the impact poor oral health may have on healthcare practice. Working as a team in a small group, students will deliver an appropriate project to the host organisation.

    • DEN636 Professional Development 3

      This module supports students to further develop reflective adult learning skills and assists with the development of professional behaviour and attitudes appropriate to dentistry. Every term the student will meet their Academic Tutor and reflect and review on their performance in all aspects of professionalism within the BDS programme.

  • Year 4
  • In your fourth year you will live in Truro for the whole academic year. Clinical activity will expand to three days per week and you start to prepare clinical cases for Finals. Clinical dentistry will now embrace all of the aspects of dental care provision expected of a qualified dentist, will give you experience in advanced restorative techniques and strengthen your competence in treatment planning. You'll gain first-hand experience of the role and services provided by specialists in primary and secondary care, by spending time in specialist clinics such as restorative dentistry, oral surgery, oral diseases and orthodontics.
    Core modules

    • DEN641 Applied Dental Knowledge 2

      This module enables students to achieve the level of knowledge of clinical and communication skills, professionalism and management and leadership skills required of a graduate entering primary care as a Dental Foundation dentist. Topic areas include basic sciences as applied to dentistry, knowledge of the comprehensive delivery of clinical dentistry including restorative dentistry for children and adults, dental radiology, oral surgery, pharmacology and therapeutics, oral medicine, oral pathology, medicine and surgery applied to dentistry, professionalism, law and ethics.

    • DEN642 Clinical Dental Practice 7

      This module enables the student to consolidate the practice of an increasing wide range of primary care dental procedures and start to work more independently, assessing situations and making safe and appropriate decisions in managing patient care.

    • DEN643 Inter-Professional Engagement 4

      Clinical audit is a key component of clinical practice and is a way of continuously improving the quality of clinical care. The process of audit is an important requirement in developing as a reflective practitioner and key to maintaining professional standards and revalidation. During the project students will learn about the theory of audit, understand why it is important, examine clinical standards and guidelines and look at various ways of conducting clinical audit against agreed standards of care.

    • DEN644 Professional Development 4

      This module supports students to further develop reflective adult learning skills and assists with the development of professional behaviour and attitudes appropriate to dentistry. Every term the student will meet their Academic Tutor and reflect and review on their performance in all aspects of professionalism within the BDS programme.

  • Final year
  • The emphasis in your final year is on the implementation and consolidation of the skills and abilities you have learned in previous years and is the final preparation for dental practice. You will become more confident with clinical situations, healthcare teams and the principles of professionalism; and discover advances in dentistry being developed for future practice.
    Core modules

    • DEN651 Applied Dental Knowledge 3

      This module enables students to achieve the level of knowledge of clinical and communication skills, professionalism and management and leadership skills required of a graduate entering primary care as a Dental Foundation dentist. Topic areas include basic sciences as applied to dentistry, knowledge of the comprehensive delivery of clinical dentistry including restorative dentistry for children and adults, dental radiology, oral surgery, pharmacology and therapeutics, oral medicine, oral pathology, medicine and surgery applied to dentistry, professionalism, law and ethics.

    • DEN652 Clinical Dental Practice 8

      This module enables the student to consolidate the practice of an increasing wide range of primary care dental procedures in addition to further development of professionalism required for the safe practice of oral clinical care as an independent practitioner.

    • DEN653 Clinical Dental Practice 9

      This module enables the student to consolidate the practice of an increasing wide range of dental procedures in addition to further development of professionalism required for the safe practice of oral clinical care as an independent practitioner.

    • DEN654 Inter-Professional Engagement 5

      Students visit a variety of specialist oral care facilities which provide them with a wide range of clinical experience in line with the GDC learning outcomes for undergraduate dental education. These observation visits enable students to gain insight into the patient journey through the specialist care services.

    • DEN655 Professional Development 5

      This module supports students to further develop reflective adult learning skills and assists with the development of professional behaviour and attitudes appropriate to dentistry. Every term the student will meet their Academic Tutor and reflect and review on their performance in all aspects of professionalism within the BDS programme.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BDS Dental Surgery Programme Specification 4602

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

A*AA - AAB

Direct school leavers

The entry requirements set out in this section apply to you if you completed your GCE A levels, or equivalent qualifications, within five years of the start of the application cycle, e.g. qualifications completed since 2015 would still be valid when applying in 2020. If your qualifications fall outside this criteria please refer to the Non-direct school leaver section below.

Please note that none of the typical offers listed in this prospectus is necessarily the threshold for selection for interview. Other factors, including the number of applications received, and performance in the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), influence the threshold for selection for interview.

The school reserves the right to use all information on the UCAS form including evidence of social engagement and insight into dentistry in the selection process for interview.

GCSEs

Applicants need to achieve 7 GCSE passes at grades A-C/9-4 which must include English language, mathematics and either GCSE double award science or two from single award chemistry, biology, or physics.

Plus suitable level 3 qualifications as outlined below.

GCE A level

The typical offer is A*AA – AAB at GCE A level which must include an A grade in Biology and A in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and Psychology. Your third GCE A level can be from any subject area including the Humanities, Languages, Music, Sport, Science and the Social Sciences.

GCE A levels and Cambridge Pre-U Diploma

Applications will be assessed on an individual basis according to the subjects studied. Chemistry must be achieved at D3 in lieu of grade A at GCE A level. For a non-science subject a minimum grade M1 is required.

If you are looking to apply with AAB

The University of Plymouth is committed to widening access (WA) and ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply with us. The additional information gained through contextual data enables our admissions advisory panel to recognise a student’s achievements and identify their potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants will need to meet a minimum of three from the following WA indicators to be considered.

  • Living in a low participation neighbourhood as determined by your postcode (POLAR4 quintiles 1 & 2).
  • Living in an area categorised as being in Indices of Mass Depravation (IMD) 1 – 4 or 20% most deprived as determined by your English postcode. Northern Ireland postcode, Scottish postcode, and Welsh postcode.
  • Attending or attended a low performing school/college whilst completing your level 3 qualifications in England e.g. 16-18 performance in the ‘below’ or ‘well below average’ classifications. If you attend a secondary school or college in Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales, please contact meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.       
  • In receipt of a UCAT bursary – the admissions team will receive this data directly from UCAT.
  • Being in receipt of free school meals - evidenced by a letter from your school or college submitted at the point of application to meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
  • Significant engagement in our Peninsula Pathways programme.
International Baccalaureate

The typical offer is 36-38 points overall including six in biology and one further science from chemistry, physics, maths, and psychology at the Higher Level.

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades AAA-AAB including a grade A in Biology and one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and Psychology.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma

A pass in the Diploma, plus grades A*A/AA in biology and one further science from chemistry, physics, maths, and psychology. General studies at A/AS level is not included within any offer.

Cambridge Pre-U Diploma

D3, D3, M1 including biology and one further science from chemistry, physics, maths, and psychology at D3.

Other UK qualifications

Applicants offering the following qualifications will need to take the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT). Please see entry requirements for non-Direct School Leavers:

  • BTEC National Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Access to HE Diploma.

Extended entry requirements

Re-sit Applicants

We welcome applications from re-sit applicants providing a minimum attainment has been achieved at the first attempt. For example: A level candidates need to have achieved ABB for dentistry in the first attempt. For other qualification re-sit criteria please contact the admissions team at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk. Please note that applicants undertaking re-sits must achieve their final qualification profile for consideration in no more than three academic years i.e. allowing for 1 re-sit year attempt only.

If you have been affected by Centre Assessed Grades, please refer to the information above.

Centre Assessed Grades

We appreciate that the past few months have been very challenging, emotional and disappointing due to the unprecedented process in which this year’s Level 3 qualifications have been awarded. With this in mind, the University of Plymouth will be amending the way we consider applicants who have been awarded Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs).

If you have received CAGs that are in line with our entry requirements, along with the required GCSE and UCAT results, we would encourage you to submit an application as normal.

If you were unsuccessful in meeting the required grades through CAGs, your application will be considered as follows:

  • If you are sitting A level exams in the autumn of 2020, we will consider this your first attempt at A levels and you will be able to apply with predicted grades, which will need to be provided by your school, college or tutor. Your CAGs will not be considered.
  • If you are sitting A level exams in the summer of 2021, we will consider this your second attempt at A levels. In this instance, we will apply a resit grade requirement which will be more flexible than our usual threshold of ABB on the first attempt, allowing three grade drops over three subjects (BBB) or three grade drops over two subjects (ABC). You will need to apply with predicted grades for your summer 2021 exams from your school, college or tutor.

Qualifications completed outside of the UK

Please contact the Admissions Team if you have studied outside of the UK so we can advise on the suitability of your qualifications.

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)

As part of our commitment to a fair and transparent admissions process, Peninsula Medical School uses the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in order to make more informed choices from amongst the many highly qualified applicants who apply for a place on the BMBS programme. UCAT test results will be used alongside the above listed qualifications to select Direct School Leavers for interview. You will be required to meet a minimum overall target score which is set and reviewed annually by the Admissions Advisory Panel.

Please note that the UCAT is valid for 12 months and must be sat in the year of application.

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) threshold score applied to determine candidate selection for interview can alter each year and is influenced by overall candidate performance in the UCAT and the number and quality of applications received. Below are examples of the score thresholds applied during the 2015-2020 admissions cycles and the requirement for 2021 entry.

Year of entry Verbal reasoning Quantitive analysis Abstract reasoning Decision analysis Overall
2015 entry 500 620 570 560 2280
2016 entry 480 610 560 550 2280
2017 entry - - - x 1790
2018 entry - - - - 2230
2019 entry - - - - 2190
2020 entry - - - - 2280
2021 entry - - - - 2290
The Peninsula Dental School will again be applying an overall target score methodology in this application cycle for entry next September to facilitate selection for interview. We do not currently include the SJT banding score.

If you have sat the UCATSEN please be aware that you will need to provide standard evidence of your entitlement to this additional time by submitting the following:

  • If you are still in education, an official letter from your school, college, University that states that on the basis of a diagnosis from a qualified medical practitioner, educational psychologist or specialist teacher the candidate is currently entitled to additional time in public examinations (or have had additional time in public examinations within the last 2 years);

Or

  • If you are no longer in education, a post-16 year’s diagnosis or report from a qualified medical practitioner or educational psychologist that explicitly recommends additional time in public examinations.

UCAT Website

Official UCAT candidate preparation toolkit

Official UCAT advice and information videos on YouTube

Widening access to Medicine

As part of our commitment to widening access to medicine, Faculty of Health undertakes a programme of outreach activities with local schools in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. For further information please visit our outreach pages.

The School is also represented at the UCAS Higher Education Conventions in the UK.

Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

Faculty of Health uses the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) as the entrance requirement for non-direct school leavers. GAMSAT assesses your academic aptitude for the study of dentistry. Results from the test will be used alongside the other information contained on your UCAS form to select non-direct school leavers for interview. The results are valid for two years. Please note that you do not need to have completed degree level study to sit the GAMSAT.

GAMSAT is a 5 and a half hours written test that assesses your reasoning in humanities, social science, biological science, physical science and written communication. As this test only assesses academic aptitude, if you're successful you'll still need to show us at interview that you have the appropriate personal qualities to train and practise as a dentist.

If you'd like to know more or to register for the test, please visit the GAMSAT website.

Below are examples of the score thresholds applied in previous admissions cycles. 

  2015 entry 2016 entry 2017 entry 2018 entry 2019 entry 2020 entry 2021 entry
Section 1 47 50 51 50 50 49 54
Section 2 48 51 54 50 54 56 57
Section 3 42 42 47 43 52 49 49
Overall 47 48 54 49 56 54 56
Graduates from the University of Plymouth BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy and Hygiene (DTH), who achieve a distinction, are invited to apply to join Year 2 of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. This entry route is valid for two years post BSc completion and all applications must be submitted through UCAS between 1 September and 15 October. All eligible applicants will be subject to the standard selection interview for the BDS course and all offers will be conditional. For DTH graduates who do not achieve a distinction the current process, which requires you to sit the GAMSAT exam to apply to join Year 1 of the BDS course, will remain.  

International student admissions

If you're an international applicant you need to meet the equivalent admissions criteria described for home students, including the UCAT. Applicants applying with overseas qualifications should contact the Admissions Team at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk prior to submitting an application through UCAS. Please note that from 2021 entry applicants from the EU will be considered international students for fee paying purposes and may be required to obtain a visa to allow study in the UK.

In addition, international applicants need to be fully proficient in the English language. If English is your first language, we will accept your home country’s equivalent of a GCSE grade A/8 in English Language providing it is at Level C1 or above according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by achieving one of the following qualifications:

  • IELTS band 7.5 or above with at least 7.0 in each of the Speaking and Listening sections (taken within 12 months of entry).
  • lGCSE or GCSE English Language (as a first language) grade A. A supplementary statement confirming inclusion of the Speaking and Listening components will be required for IGCSE 0500.
  • IB score of 6 at the ordinary level in English Language (as a first language).

We know that university life is a challenge for any student but especially when you're a long way from home. We pride ourselves on being friendly and supportive and we have a nominated academic tutor to coordinate the induction and academic support provided to international students. International Student Advice (ISA) also provide support and can assist you with any non-academic issues affecting international students. There are also student welfare support and counselling services, wardens and student health centres on hand if you need them.

Student visas

If you have an offer of a place at the Faculty of Health you will need to apply under the Tier 4 (General Student) category unless you have an alternate visa which allows study or a suitable UK passport. Further information is available on the UK Border Agency's website.

Selection and admissions process

We have outlined our selection and admissions process, providing information from interviews to deferred entry.

For detailed selection and admissions process guidance please review our technical manual for the current application cycle.

Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise

Please view our Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise page.

 

Fees, costs and funding

The UK is no longer part of the European Union. EU applicants should refer to our Brexit information to understand the implications.

2020-21 fees

Please note the fees listed are per annum.

Full-time pre-clinical (year 1) 

Home/EU International Islands***
£9,250 £21,500 £9,250

Full-time clinical (years 2 - 5) 

Home/EU International Islands***
£9,250 £39,900 £20,200

BMBS, BDS and BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene international fees are not fixed at the point of entry, annual inflationary rises will apply. All other UG courses under PU PSMD are subject to the standard International fee and fee capping policy. 

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Health and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Health additional costs.

How to apply

All applications must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All applications for the BMBS and BDS courses must reach UCAS between 1 September and 15 October annually. Applicants should apply to no more than four of the same clinical degree courses. Applicants may wish to consider BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy and Hygiene, BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography, or one of our School of Biomedical Sciences courses as their fifth choice.

The UCAS code for the Faculty of Health is P60 PLYM.


For more information contact the Admissions Team:

Admissions Team
Faculty of Health
The John Bull Building
Plymouth Science Park
Plymouth
PL6 8BU

Professor Christopher Tredwin, Head of School

With our state-of-the-art facilities we are committed to producing dental practitioners and dental therapists and hygienists with clinical skills of the highest order and a strong sense of social awareness.

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Learn about the roles and research interests of our school staff

The interview

Before receiving an offer to study on one of our programmes you will be invited to attend an interview.

This attempts to find out whether you have the personal attributes required to become a doctor or dentist of tomorrow.

Find out more about the interview process

Student insight – Yewande Oduwole

No matter what you are studying there is always a way that you can make an impact and a positive change in someone’s life.

Yewande made the most of her time as a dental student by taking on multiple entrepreneurial and humanitarian projects.

Find out more about Yewande's story

Your voice counts

Our programmes in Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Healthcare Sciences all achieved student satisfaction rating in excess of 92 per cent in 2014.

We are proud of our exceptionally high level of student satisfaction as measured in the National Student Survey (NSS).

My journey into dentistry

Sneha, a third-year Dental Surgery student, took an unconventional route to study dentistry at University of Plymouth's Peninsula Dental School

"My journey into dental school was very unconventional. However, I cherish every experience I had and every lesson I learned along the way.

I am so fortunate to be a part of the Peninsula Dental School, as early clinical exposure has made me more confident in treating patients."

Read more about Sneha's Journey

Features which will enhance your learning experience

Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise CIC

As such, everything it does is guided by the need to fulfil its ‘community interest statement’ which sets out its mission and reason for existence as a company.

​Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) is a Community Interest Company (CIC).

Find out more about Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise CIC

The Community Engagement Team (CET)

Engaging directly with participants and service users in a unique and meaningful way.

The CET works alongside organisations and projects to support positive lifestyle choices; promoting dental health and well being.

Find out more about the Community Engagement Team

Discover more about the programme

The school draws on the strengths of its University and NHS partners to deliver the most exciting and innovative undergraduate dental degree programme.

It is carefully structured to ensure you will possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for entry into your first clinical job.

Find out more about the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme

Dental research

There is a growing understanding of the interactions between oral and systemic health and the importance of taking an holistic approach to health research, promotion and service provision.

Oral health is a key domain of general health.

Find out more on our research pages

Graduate and student profiles

People

This course is approved by the General Dental Council for registration as a dentist.