Undergraduate course

BDS

Dental Surgery

Gain first-rate dental training and community care skills from year one, with early patient experience, communication practice and hands-on learning, to build expertise and transform lives as a dentist.

Ranked #1 best UK university for dentistry

Our student experience, feedback and career outcomes make Plymouth number 1 in the UK in the Guardian's league table of the best universities for dentistry in 2025.

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.
BDS Dental Surgery
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About

Combining first-rate dental training with outstanding community dental care, this course will prepare you for a hugely rewarding career as a competent and caring dentist. From year one you'll work with patients and the community, gaining early clinical experience and enhancing your communication skills. In our hands-on, practical and patient-centred environment you'll develop the highest level of core dental skills and knowledge and leave ready to make a difference to people's lives.
Dental student

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
Toothbrush
you seek early clinical exposure to develop practical skills
Dental equipment
you value learning in state-of-the-art facilities alongside experienced professionals
Dentist chair
you're eager to engage with diverse communities to enhance oral health
Tooth

Details

Year 1

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

Core modules

BDS411
Integrated Dental Science 1 (BDS) 40 credits

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.

BDS412
Clinical Dental Practice 1 (BDS) 40 credits

This module provides BDS students with an introduction to clinical dentistry and the management of medical emergencies. It provides a gateway check point to ensure BDS students are ready to commence providing safe dental care for patients.

BDS414
Inter-Professional Engagement 1 (BDS) 20 credits

The module introduces students to community health & social care. Students will undertake a community engagement visit and work closely with a target organisation to understand the impacts of demographic variation and lifestyle issues on local people. The project will enable students to develop an understanding of the wider determinants of health, introduce core academic skills and develop societal and community awareness.

HIPL400
Interprofessional Learning 1

BDS415
Professional Development and Lifelong Learning 1 (BDS) 20 credits

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 programmes by presentation of written critical reflections 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 the SDLE as you develop skills for advanced procedures while 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.
Dental Students in Phantom Head room in Portland Square.

Core modules

BDS521
Integrated Dental Science 2 40 credits

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.

BDS522
Clinical Dental Practice 2 40 credits

This module continues the students' introduction to the essential range of basic dental skills and the management of medical emergencies needed for the safe practice of primary dental care.

BDS525
Inter-Professional Engagement 2 20 credits

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.

HIPL500
Interprofessional Learning 2

BDS526
Professional Development and Lifelong Learning 2 20 credits

This module supports students to further develop reflective adult learning skills and self-awareness 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 3 and 4 is to consolidate the learning of medically-related issues for the safe practice of dentistry. You are 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.
Dental students in the SDLE

Core modules

BDS631
Applied Dental Knowledge 1 20 credits

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, and 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; preventive dentistry; dental public health; evidence-based dentistry; health & safety; communication skills; professionalism; law & ethics; and management & leadership.

BDS632
Clinical Dental Practice 3 60 credits

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

BDS634
Inter-Professional Engagement 3 20 credits

Students will liaise in small groups with groups of students from other professions. Students will share working practices and work collaboratively to learn about the scope of practice of the other professional groups and provide curriculum opportunities appropriate to the needs and demands of that group in order to improve future IPE working and patient care.

HIPL600
Interprofessional Learning 3

BDS635
Professional Development and Lifelong Learning 3 20 credits

This module supports students to further develop reflective adult learning skills, self-awareness, evidence based practice 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 live in Truro for the whole academic year. Clinical activity expands to three days per week and you start to prepare clinical cases for finals. Clinical dentistry now embraces all of the aspects of dental care provision expected of a qualified dentist, giving you experience in advanced restorative techniques and strengthening your competence in treatment planning. You 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.
Dental students in the lab

Core modules

BDS741
Applied Dental Knowledge 2 20 credits

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, and 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; preventive dentistry; dental public health; evidence-based dentistry; health & safety; communication skills; professionalism; law & ethics; and management & leadership.

BDS742
Clinical Dental Practice 4 60 credits

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.

BDS744
Inter-Professional Engagement 4: Quality Improvement 20 credits

This module develops core academic skills, introduced earlier in the programme such as engaging critically with evidence, writing scientifically, and using appropriate sources of information. These skills are applied through a quality improvement project, in which students review the quality of clinical practice through the use of a clinical audit.

BDS745
Professional Development and Lifelong Learning 4 20 credits

This module supports students to further develop reflective adult learning skills and self-awareness and assists with the development of critical skills, 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 become more confident with clinical situations, healthcare teams and the principles of professionalism, and discover advances in dentistry being developed for future practice.
Year 1 Dental students in the Life Sciences on Level 3 Portland Square.

Core modules

BDS751
Applied Dental Knowledge 3 20 credits

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, and 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; preventive dentistry; dental public health; evidence-based dentistry; health & safety; communication skills; professionalism; law & ethics; and management & leadership.

BDS752
Clinical Dental Practice 5 70 credits

This module comprises four components: Specialist Visit Reports; OSCE -style stations with unseen cases (s); Exit Case Presentations; achievement of minimum standards in clinical proficiency and capability assessments. Students visit a variety of specialist oral care facilities and further develop skills in a wide range of procedures, including patient assessment, treatment planning and delivery. Communication and professionalism are further developed within the clinical environment.

BDS755
Professional Development and Lifelong Learning 5 30 credits

 
 
 

Alternative pathways

We pride ourselves on our close relationship with NHS partners, with early clinical contact for all our students.
Our range of dental and dental therapy courses have been designed with your career and the future needs of the NHS in mind.
Discover our full range of dentistry courses

My time as a Biomedical Science student gave me a great opportunity to explore Plymouth and solidified my decision to study dentistry at the Peninsula Dental School.

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

Exeter Dental Education Facility - SDLE

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.

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 Programme Specification 2024-25 7241

Experience

Starting patient care in the first year really helped me build confidence and connect the theory to real cases. It’s been so rewarding to see my skills grow, from learning simple fillings to doing a root canal treatment on a patient.

Mohammed Chohan, Year 4 BDS student
 
 

Community engagement

​Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) is a Community Interest Company (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.
Engaging directly with participants and service users in a unique and meaningful way. The team works alongside organisations and projects to support positive lifestyle choices; promoting dental health and well being.
Dental Outreach Team - two student dentists smiling with a teddy bear in a dental mask
Dental Outreach Team - group of dental students in a primary school classroom smiling
Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise CIC - students giving a talk

Award-winning contribution to dental training and community care

We received recognition at the Times Higher Education Awards 2023 for our continued work to provide dental care and training.
The pioneering work of the Peninsula Dental School and the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise won the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category at the awards ceremony. It is recognition of the efforts of more than 100 staff and 400 students working and studying with the University, and in communities across Devon and Cornwall.
Dental dentistry students practising 
 

Each year we have an inter-professional engagement module which allows us to use our skills to develop the local community. We visited the Nomony Children’s Centre and it made me realise that regardless of age there is always a way you can get someone to understand the importance of their oral health.

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

Yewande Oduwole
 

Explore our facilities

From progressive clinical spaces to Simulated Dental Learning Environments, you'll benefit from exceptional dental education facilities across our locations in Plymouth, Exeter and Truro.
Whether you're treating patients through our award-winning Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE) or working in the wider NHS in Devon and Cornwall, you will encounter people with a variety of oral diseases and systemic conditions. This interaction with patients will develop your ability to think and perform as an expert, alongside your understanding of the impact and importance of working with a team of professionals.
Discover our dental education facilities
Derriford Dental Education Facility
 
 

Teaching and learning

We draw on the strengths of the University and NHS partners to deliver an exciting and innovative dental degree that is carefully structured to ensure you possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for entry into your first clinical job.
We have exceptional facilities across five locations: Portland Square on the main campus, Devonport and Derriford in Plymouth, and in Exeter and Truro.
Dental students with masks
 
 
 

Learn from experienced dental professionals

We pride ourselves on our cutting-edge, research informed curriculum which ensures that you are equipped with the latest evidence, as well as the research skills to support patients’ recovery.
Our staff are experienced dental professionals engaged in active research, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience into the classroom, which you will apply in clinical practice.
Dr Amanda Addy Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education and Co-Lead Year 1


Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education and Co-Lead Year 1

Dr Araz Ahmed NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Oral Surgery


NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Oral Surgery

Dr Ness Avery Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education


Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education

Show all
 
 
 

Join Peninsula Dental Society 'DentSoc'

Since 2006, Peninsula Dental School has welcomed friendly, intelligent, and driven Dentistry and Dental Therapy and Hygiene students. A few years later, Peninsula Dental Society was founded. We offer revision sessions, volunteering opportunities and a variety of social events throughout the year, including a Christmas Dinner and an annual Summer Ball.
We are proud of the diversity among our students and are always looking for more ways to celebrate the differences in our cultures.
Join DentSoc
Dental students on a project with Plymouth Community Homes residents on a project on diet with a 'Mad Hatter's Tea Party'
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Group of female members of cheerleading society
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

The clinics taught us to see patients holistically – it's never just a case of treating a tooth then going home; there's so much else that you're taught and encouraged to explore, and it really kickstarted my career path.

Liz, BDS Dental Surgery, MSc Oral Surgery graduate
Director of Eilertsen Dental Care

Liz Eilertsen performing dentistry on a patient
 
 

Dentistry offers a huge variety of career pathways and I have taken full advantage of this to create an interesting and varied career that suits me.

Zoë, BDS Dental Surgery graduate
Lecturer and Dental Associate 

Dr Zoe Brookes
Studying dental surgery at the University of Plymouth will enable you to commence a rewarding career within the health sector. With an ongoing demand for dentists across the UK, employment prospects for dental surgery graduates remain very good.
As a dentist, you’ll usually oversee a team of dental nurses, hygienists, therapists, and technicians, providing care to a diverse range of patients, from young children to older adults. Additionally you could specialise in areas such as academic, hospital, community of armed forces dentistry.
  • ]

    100% of dental surgery graduates in highly skilled work

  • H

    100% of graduates find their current work meaningful

  • b

    100% of graduates are utilising what they learnt in their studies in their current work

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
N/A per credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£40,700 per year
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

In order to meet the academic requirements for this course, you must have one of the following combinations of qualifications:
  • GCSE, A levels and UCAT
  • GAMSAT
  • A levels and stage 1 of either Biomedical Science or Human Biosciences with the University of Plymouth. Degree study at other institutions is not considered.
  • A degree course through the University of Plymouth School of Biomedical Sciences. Degree study at other institutions is not considered.
None of the typical offers listed below are necessarily the threshold for interview selection. Other factors including the number of applications received and performance in the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) influence the threshold for interview selection.
Please note – We are unable to consider applications from students who have academically failed a previous dental degree or incurred Fitness to Practise (FtP) proceedings. If you apply and indicate you have previously enrolled onto a dental degree elsewhere, the School will contact your former institution for confirmation of any academic failure or FtP.
Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this course.

GCSE
Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English. Consideration may be given to equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills.

A Level
The typical offer is A*AA – AAB at GCE A level which must include the following:
  • Grade A in Biology
  • Grade A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
  • Your third GCE A level can be from any subject area and does not need to be science based. When shortlisting for interview we do not give preference to those who complete three Science A Levels. General Studies is not accepted
For AAB offers please refer to the Widening Access section.
We are only able to consider A Levels completed within five years of the start of the application cycle. For example, qualifications completed since 2016 would still be valid when applying in September 2021.
If your A Levels outdate this, please refer to the GAMSAT section below.

Widening access
For applicants from widening access backgrounds, we will accept AAB at GCE A Level, which must include the following:
  • Grade A in Biology
  • Grade A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
  • Your third A level can be from any subject area and does not need to be science based. When shortlisting for interview we do not give preference to those who complete three science A Levels. General Studies is not accepted
  • UCAT and GCSE requirements remain the same for all applicants
For students sitting the IB, the widening access offer would equate to 35 points overall with Higher Level 6 in Biology and Higher Level 6 in another science.
The resit policy for Widening Participation students is ABC.
Applicants with AAB must meet a minimum of three from the following widening access indicators:
  • POLAR4
Living in a low participation neighbourhood as determined by your postcode (POLAR4 quintiles 1 and 2).
  • Indices of Mass Deprivation
Living in an area categorised as being in Indices of Mass Deprivation (IMD) 1–4 or 20% most deprived as determined by your English postcode, Northern Ireland postcode, Scottish postcode, and Welsh postcode.
  • School type
Receiving schooling that is not paid for, for example by attending or having attended a state school, or attending or having attended an independent school that is fully funded by a scholarship whilst completing your relevant Level 3 qualifications. Receipt of scholarships must be evidenced by a school letter submitted at the point of application to meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
  • School performance
Attended a low performing school/college whilst completing your level 3 qualifications e.g. 16-18 performance in the ‘below’ or ‘well below average’ classification.
If you attend a secondary school or college in England, please visit the Compare School and College Performance gov.uk website.
If you attend a secondary school or college in Wales, please visit My Local School website.
If you attend a secondary school or college in Northern Ireland, please visit the Schools Plus, Department of Education website.
If you attend a secondary school or college in Scotland, please visit the School information dashboard, Education Scotland website.
  • UCAT
Bursary entitlement to be evidenced by an official award letter or a school letter submitted at the point of UCAS application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
  • EMA or 16–19 bursary
Bursary entitlement to be evidenced by an official award letter or a school letter submitted at the point of UCAS application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
  • Free school meals
Being in receipt of free school meals whilst completing your level 3 qualifications – evidenced by school letter submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
  • In care/care leaver/kinship care
Being in care or a care leaver – evidenced by school letter submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
  • Refugee/Asylum seeker
Evidenced by official documentation/Home Office letter submitted by applicant at the point of application to the student portal (link to portal automatically sent when a UCAS application is received).
  • Peninsula Pathways
Significant engagement in our Peninsula Pathways programme.
Significant engagement includes completion of the five-day summer Work Experience Programme, being a member of the e-Mentoring scheme and attended a minimum of three of the various Peninsula Pathways workshops by the end of Year 12.
The University of Plymouth is committed to Widening Access and ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are able 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.

A Level alternative qualifications
The following qualifications can be considered in place of A Levels, alongside the standard GCSE and UCAT requirement.
We are only able to consider qualifications completed within five years of the start of the application cycle. For example, qualifications completed since 2016 would still be valid when applying in September 2021.
If your qualifications outdate this, please refer to the GAMSAT section below.
International Baccalaureate
36–38 points overall to include the following:
  • Higher Level 6 in Biology
  • Higher Level 6 in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
Scottish Advanced Highers
AAA to include the following:
  • Grade A in Biology
  • Grade A in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
We are unable to consider Scottish Highers for entry onto this course.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge can be considered in place of a third A Level alongside Biology and a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Biology and one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma
D3, D3, D3 including Biology and one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
For widening access applicants, we will consider M2 in place of grade B at A Level.
Other UK qualifications
We do not consider any UK Level 3 qualifications for this course that are not listed above. If you do not have any of the above qualifications, please refer to the GAMSAT section below.
Qualifications completed outside of the UK
We welcome applicants with qualifications from outside of the UK and assess comparability to UK qualifications using UK ENIC.
In order to check the academic suitability of your qualification, please contact the Admissions Team on meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

UCAT
As part of our commitment to a fair and transparent admissions process, Peninsula Dental School uses the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in order to make informed choices from amongst the many highly qualified applicants who apply for a place on the BDS programme. UCAT test results will be used alongside A Levels and GCSEs to select for interview. The Admissions Advisory Panel reserve the right to consider all aspects of the UCAT when shortlisting for interview.
The UCAT is valid for 12 months and must be sat in the year of application.
The 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. Listed below are the thresholds for selection applied for entry in the academic years 2018-2024; prospective applicants may wish to use this to help determine their chances of selection. Unfortunately, we will not be able to confirm the cut off for the coming academic year until all applications have been received and assessed.
Year of entry: Overall
2018 entry cut-off: Home: 2230
2019 entry cut-off: Home: 2190
2020 entry cut-off: Home: 2280
2021 entry cut-off: Home: 2290
2022 entry cut-off: Home: 2510
2023 entry cut-off: Home: 2650 International: 2570
2024 entry cut-off: Home: 2610 International: 2630
2025 entry cut-off: Home: 2690 International: 2640
Please note for 2026 entry the UCAT is changing. In 2025, Abstract Reasoning will be withdrawn from the test. The test will comprise 3 cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning) alongside the Situational Judgement Test. For further information please visit the UCAT website.

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.

Re-sit applicants
Re-sit applicants are considered for this course, with the following requirements:
  • If you are applying with predicted grades, a minimum of ABB must be achieved on first sitting of A Level
  • Where ABB is not achieved on first sitting, applicants must re-sit the required qualifications and apply once suitable grades have been achieved
  • A Level or accepted equivalent qualifications must be completed in no more than 3 years of study, unless otherwise advised
  • A suitable qualification profile must be achieved on first re-sit attempt
We do not have an AS Level resit policy, however, full A Levels must be completed within the above timeframe.
IB resit policy: A minimum of 34 points overall with Higher Level 5 in Biology and Higher Level 5 in another science must be achieved on first sitting.
The resit policy for Widening Participation students is ABC.
For re-sit criteria of other qualifications, please contact the Admissions Team at meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)
Peninsula Dental School uses the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) as an alternative entry route to A Levels. We are unable to consider previous degree study for this programme, other than through the routes outlined in the ‘Internal Transfer Options’ section below. Candidates holding degrees or without suitable A Levels should therefore sit the GAMSAT to meet the entry criteria. Please note that although the GAMSAT is called a graduate admissions test, you do not need to be a graduate to sit the GAMSAT or apply with this qualification.
GAMSAT assesses your academic aptitude for the study of dentistry. Results from the test are the only academic qualification that will affect the shortlisting process and previous qualifications will not be considered. The results are valid for 2 years but must be sat by September in the year of application at the latest.
GAMSAT will take 4.16 hours with a written communication section taken separately, which should be approximately 1.5 hours. It 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 doctor.
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. We are unable to set the GAMSAT threshold in advance of the application deadline, instead all GAMSAT applicants are ranked based on scores achieved.
2019 Entry Section and Overall Scores
Section 1: 50
Section 2: 54
Section 3: 52
Overall: 56
2020 Entry Section and Overall Scores
Section 1: 49
Section 2: 56
Section 3: 49
Overall: 54
2021 Entry Section and Overall Scores
Section 1: 54
Section 2: 57
Section 3: 49
Overall: 56
2022 Entry Section and Overall Scores
Section 1: 50
Section 2: 54
Section 3: 50
Overall: 52
2023 Entry Section and Overall Scores
Section 1: 50
Section 2: 50
Section 3: 51
Overall: 55
2024 Entry Section and Overall Scores
Section 1: 51
Section 2: 54
Section 3: 49
Overall: 52
2025 Entry Section and Overall Scores
Section 1: 46
Section 2: 45
Section 3: 56
Overall: 53
Please note that if you have already completed a degree, you will be unable to access a second student loan through Student Finance England. As such, within the conditions of your offer you will be required to provide evidence that you have funds available to cover tuition costs for the full duration of the programme.

Internal transfer options
The University of Plymouth offers its students the opportunity to apply for this course through three additional routes.
Stage One Transfer from Biomedical Science or Medical Sciences
In order to apply through this route, you will need to be enrolled on stage one of BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences. Applications should be made via UCAS by the 15th October annually. Successful candidates commence study of BDS from stage one.
The following criteria is applied for stage one transfer applicants:
  • Applicants must achieve AAB at A Level to include A in Biology and A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology
  • International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall with Higher Level 6 in Biology and Higher Level 6 in another science (equivalent to AAB at A Level)
  • A minimum of 70% average across all Year 1 degree modules
  • An interview process is required
This is a competitive route into our Dentistry degree and is not guaranteed to any candidate. We are able to interview 20 candidates between Medicine and Dentistry and offer places to a total of 10 individuals across the programmes.
Stage one of degrees studied elsewhere will not be considered.
Graduate Entry – School of Biomedical Science
We are able to consider graduates from any of the University of Plymouth School of Biomedical Science for entry onto stage one of the BDS programme. This route is valid for two years after graduation and all applications must be made via UCAS.
The following criteria is applied for graduate entry:
  • Applicants must have achieved or be predicted to achieve a first (70%) or higher in a University of Plymouth School of Biomedical Science programme
Applicants from this route must successfully complete an interview process prior to being offered a place.
Degrees completed outside of the University of Plymouth will not be considered, instead applicants are encourage to sit the GAMSAT.
Please note that if you have already completed a degree, you may not be eligible for a second student loan – please contact Student Finance England for advice. As such, within the conditions of your offer you will be required to provide evidence that you have funds available to cover tuition costs for the full duration of the programme.

Selection and admissions process
Applications should be made through UCAS by the published deadline. This is typically the 15th October. You can apply to no more than four of the same clinical course choice, so although you cannot apply for five medical courses, four medical courses and one dental course would be permitted. Further information on this is available through the UCAS website. You may also wish to consider an alternative course such as Biomedical Science or Medical Sciences as your fifth choice.
All decisions on applications are made by the Admissions Advisory Panel, which consists of academics, clinicians and senior members of the administrative team.
The University of Plymouth Medicine and Dentistry Admissions Team process applications as follows:
1. Shortlisting for interview– Applicants are considered for interview based on relevant academic qualifications alone. We do not currently consider personal statements or work experience when selecting for interview
The Admissions Advisory Panel consider many factors when choosing who will be invited to attend an interview, including the number of places available on the course and the number of applications received, alongside the academic profiles of all of our applicants
2. Interview – Successful applicants are invited to attend an interview process. We use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) as the format for our interviews, and full details can be found here.
Following interviews, candidates are ranked based on the score achieved and the top performing applicants are offered a place on the course
3. Offer – Offers are made via UCAS. Within all offers, candidates are required to complete a series of health and police checks, full details of which are communicated to firm offer holders by the Admissions Team.
Practising as a dentist requires the highest standards and we take seriously our commitment to only enrol and teach students with the integrity required of the profession. Full details can be found on our Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise page.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
A206
Institution code
P60
Duration

5 years
(with placements)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth, Exeter and Truro
  • Apply at UCAS.com

    • Other routes into this course

    The following courses are available as routes into this programme.

    BDS 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.

     

    Entry requirements

    Peninsula Dental School welcomes and encourages applications from suitably qualified international students who are either self-funded, supported by scholarships from their respective governments, or sponsored by scholarship programmes operated by the British Council and similar funding bodies.
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
  • Apply at UCAS.com
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    A206
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    5 years
    (with placements)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth, Exeter and Truro
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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    Man sitting outside with surrounded by friends
     
     
     
    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.