Plymouth University Peninsula School of Dentistry

BDS Dental Surgery

This exciting programme is pioneering and patient-centred and delivered in a supportive and research-rich environment. You'll receive 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 the NHS Primary Care Trust in Devon and Cornwall. You’ll become familiar with a variety of clinical situations, and prepare for a future career path through solving clinical problems. You’ll also see how clinical dentistry or research is practised in different social and cultural contexts in other parts of the South West, UK or the world, and further your experience through our elective opportunities.

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Enhance your career in the healthcare professions

This programme is part of the largest range of healthcare study options in the South West.

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.
Read more about how we will enhance your learning.

Course details

  • Year 1
  • In your first year, you'll learn the core scientific foundations of dentistry in a clinical context. You’ll 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 be introduced to the clinic and the Simulated Dental Learning Environment (SDLE) at an early stage, and gain insight into the importance of team working in dentistry as you integrate with other members of the team and work in small study groups.
    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 being considered in much greater depth. In term one, training intensifies in the SDLE and you are prepared for your first own patient contact. Term two sees the introduction of face-to-face contact with patients in clinics, where you will be able to develop your communication skills under the close supervision of dental practitioners,bringing to life experience and skills gained in the SDLE.
    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, the amount of time spent in clinics will increase to two days a week to continue your exposure to clinical material, to build upon existing skills and introduce additional topics where appropriate. One of the themes for years three and four is to consolidate the learning of medically-related issues for the safe practise of dentistry. You will be given an opportunity to learn about dentally relevant medical issues in patient-based demonstrations, hospital outpatient clinics, and accident and emergency departments.
    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 this module students will work closely with oral healthcare and other healthcare professionals to share working practices and understand how different population groups needs and demands are managed. The main links will be with other health professional groups including medicine, pharmacy, speech therapy, general nursing, oncology, community mental health, audiology, physiotherapy.

    • 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, clinical activity will expand to three days a week. For senior students, the work will embrace all of the aspects of dental care provision expected of a qualified dentist and will give you experience in advanced restorative techniques. 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 practical implementation of what you have learnt in previous years and is the final preparation for dental practice. You will also become much more confident with clinical situations, healthcare teams and the principle of practice both in the NHS and in private 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:

PU PSMD BDS Programme Specification 2017 18 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

The following entry requirements take effect from the 2018 UCAS application cycle for 2019, and beyond, entry

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 2012 would still be valid when applying in 2017. If your qualifications fall outside these criteria please refer to the Non-direct School leaver section below.

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

GCE A level

The typical offer is A*AA – AAB at GCE A level which must include an A grade in biology and 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. General Studies at A level is not included within any offer.

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.

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.

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.

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 in Applied Science
  • Advanced Diploma in Society, Health and Development
  • Access to HE Diploma (Science)

Other UK qualifications

Other UK qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and you are advised to contact the Admissions team on +44 1752 437333 or email: meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Re-sit Applicants 

PU PSMD 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.

EU and EEA Countries entry qualifications

Please download the EU and EEA Countries entry requirements 2016 (pdf) document.

UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT)

As part of our commitment to a fair and transparent admissions process, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry uses the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) in order to make more informed choices from amongst the many highly qualified applicants who apply for a place on the BDS programme. UKCAT test results will be used, alongside the academic information contained on your UCAS form 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: If you are re-applying for a second year with achieved grades, you will need to register and complete a new UKCAT test as part of your application.

The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) threshold score applied to determine candidate selection for interview can alter each year and is influenced by overall candidate performance in the UKCAT and the number and quality of applications received. Below are examples of the score thresholds applied during the previous admissions cycles. 

Year of entry Verbal reasoning Quantitive analysis Abstract reasoning Decision analysis Overall
2014 entry 350 410 450 510 2190
2015 entry 500 620 570 560 2280
2016 entry 480 610 560 550 2280
2018 entry - - - - 2230
2019 entry - - - - 2190
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 UKCATSEN please be aware that you will need to provide standard evidence of your entitlement to this additional time by submitting;

  • If 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.

UKCAT Website

Candidate Preparation Toolkit

Information

Widening access to Dentistry

As part of our commitment to widening access to dentistry, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry undertakes a programme of outreach activities with local schools in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. For further information please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/your-university/about-us/university-structure/faculties/medicine-dentistry/widening-access

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

Non-direct school leavers

The entry requirements set out in this section apply to you if your current suite of qualifications do not meet those published above in the Direct School Leaving section or more than 5 years has lapsed since achieving them.

Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry 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.

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. Although the School does not accept responsibility for the content, you may also find the following leaflet of interest.

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

  2013 entry 2014 entry 2015 entry 2016 entry 2017 entry 2018 entry
Section 1 51 51 47 50 51 50
Section 2 51 51 48 51 54 50
Section 3 40 40 42 42 47 43
Overall 50 48 47 48 54 49
     

International student admissions

If you're an international applicant you need to meet the equivalent admissions criteria described for home students, with the exception that you do not need to sit the UKCAT test. Applicants applying with overseas qualifications should contact the Admissions Team at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk prior to submitting an application through UCAS. In addition international applicants need to be fully proficient in English language. All teaching at our School is in English, so if English is not your first language and you do not have a GCSE or IGCSE pass at grade A in English language, you must have one of the following qualifications:

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band 7.5 or above with at least 7.0 in each of the speaking and listening sections, taken within 12 months prior to entry;
  • IB score of 6 in English B at the standard level

We understand that university life is a challenge for any student but especially when you're a long way from home. You'll find Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry friendly and supportive. Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry has a nominated academic tutor to coordinate the induction and academic support provided to international students. The international office at Plymouth University also provide support and can help you with any non-academic issues. There are 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 Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry you should apply under the Tier 4 (General Student) category. Further information is available on the UK Border Agency's website.

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

New students 2018-19 

Please note the fees listed are per annum.

Peninsula Schools of Medicine & Dentistry (PU PSMD) - UG Medicine (BMBS) and UG Dentistry (BDS) ONLY.

Full-time pre-clinical 

Home/EU International Islands***
£9,250 £19,530 £9,250

Full-time clinical 

Home/EU International Islands***
£9,250 £36,225 £19,250

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. 

Continuing students

Please note some fees for continuing students may differ slightly.

For a full listing please visit our fees for continuing students 2017-18.

Further information

Download our fees brochure

Read our Student Fee Policy for the Ordinary Degree route

Additional costs

  • The tuition fees do not cover the costs of purchasing books or stationery, printing, thesis branding, or photocopying costs.
  • If/when you are on placement there may be additional costs incurred for subsistence and travel.
  • Failure to attend the requisite immunisation clinics at the times stated would result in you having to self-fund your immunisation schedule.
  • If you are required to repeat a study year you will be charged a full year’s fee.

How to apply

All applications must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All applications for the BMBS and BDS programmes must reach UCAS between the beginning of September 2017 and 15 October 2017. Applicants should apply to no more than four of the same clinical degree programmes. Applicants may wish to consider BSc Dental Therapy & Hygiene or one of our School of Biomedical and Healthcare Science programmes as their fifth choice.

The UCAS code for the Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine & Dentistry is P60 PLYM.


For more information contact the Admissions Team:

Admissions Team
Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine & Dentistry
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.

Welcome to Dentistry with Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine & Dentistry.

Learn about the roles and research interests of our school staff

Student Insight - Kyle Durman

Studying dentistry at Plymouth has been for me inspiring, challenging and fun. I have enjoyed the entirety of my time here and am delighted to recommend it to prospective students.

Kyle found the course engaging and really benefited from the contemporary approach to learning.

Find out more about Kyle'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).

Supporting your learning

The programme has many features which will enhance your learning experience.

From clinical practice experience to our Clinical Skills Resource and Life Sciences Resource Centres and much more.

Find out more about the programme's features

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

Graduate and student profiles

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

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

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

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