Peninsula Dental School

BDS Dental Surgery

UCAS course code A206
Institution code P60
Duration

5 years

(with placements)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth, Exeter and Truro
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

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 will 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 will develop the highest level of core dental skills and knowledge and leave ready to make a difference to people's lives.

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.

This course is for you if...

  • you're passionate about providing patient-centred dental care
  • you seek early clinical exposure to develop practical skills
  • you're eager to engage with diverse communities to enhance oral health
  • you value learning in state-of-the-art facilities alongside experienced professionals
  • you aspire to become a competent and caring dentist ready to make a difference
Dental Outreach Team - group of dental students in a primary school classroom smiling
The Dental Outreach Team visiting a primary school 

Key features

Preparing for practice

This programme is mapped against the General Dental Council’s guidance ‘Preparing for Practice’. Become competent at diagnosing disease and planning preventive care and choose your own areas of interest to study further.

Early clinical contact with a strong patient focus

Become familiar with a variety of clinical situations and gain the core dental knowledge and communication skills to practise as a competent and caring dentist. Years 1, 2 and 5 will be spent in Plymouth and Year 4 in Truro. You will travel 2 days a week in Year 3, via transport organised and paid for by the School, to the Dental Education Facility in Exeter.

Benefit from expert partnerships

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 Dental Outreach Team. Learn and gain experience in state of the art facilities provided by the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE).

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. #firstchoiceforhealth

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 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 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

    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 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

    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 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

    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 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

    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 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

    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

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

Entry requirements
In order to meet the academic requirements for this programme, 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 programme through the University of Plymouth School of Biomedical Sciences. Degree study at other institutions is not considered
View our entry requirements
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.
Students must be 18 years old or over at the start date of this programme.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £39,500 £40,700
Part time (Home) N/A N/A
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per a number of credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early 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.

Fees for entrants in 2025-26
  • International fee-payers will be charged £40,700 in their first year of study. In subsequent years, inflationary increases will apply.
Fees for entrants in 2024-25
  • International fee-payers will be charged £40,700 for their studies in 2025-26. In subsequent years, inflationary increases will apply.
Fees for entrants in 2023-24
  • International fee-payers will be charged £22,100 for Year 1 (if repeating) and £41,100 in subsequent years (inflationary increases may apply)

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
 
 
Mohammed Chohan, Year 4 BDS student

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.

Dental students with masks
Curriculum overview

We draw on the strengths of the University and NHS partners to deliver an exciting and innovative dental degree programme. Carefully structured to ensure you will possess the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for entry into your first clinical job.
Dental dentistry student
Where will I be based?

We have exceptional facilities across five locations: Portland Square, Devonport and Derriford in Plymouth, and in Exeter and Truro.
Dental student
The interview

Before receiving an offer to study you will be invited to attend an interview. This attempts to find out whether you have the personal attributes required to become a dentist of tomorrow.
 
 

Explore our facilities

From progressive clinical spaces to Simulated Dental Learning Environments, you will benefit from exceptional dental education facilities throughout your time studying the programme.
Take a virtual tour of our fantastic facilities, including our lecture theatres, cafe, learning resource centres and much more.
Derriford Dental Education Facility
 
 

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

Meet our alumni

Liz Eilertsen performing dentistry on a patient
Developing new ways of delivering dental care in the South West

After graduating in BDS Dental Surgery and MSc Oral Surgery, Liz Eilertsen set up a thriving practice in a part of the UK deprived of dental care
Dr Zoe Brookes
Finding the balance between academia and practice in dentistry

Dr Zoë Brookes graduated in BDS Dental Surgery and returned to the University after having children, this time to teach
Exeter Dental Education Facility - SDLE
My journey into dentistry

Sneha Lopes explains her alternative route to studying dentistry after transferring from BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and entering the perfect profession for her
 
 

Meet your expert teaching staff

 
 
 
 
 

Community engagement

Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise CIC - students giving a talk
Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise CIC

​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
Dental Outreach Team - two student dentists smiling with a teddy bear in a dental mask
Dental Outreach Team

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
Dentistry work experience 
Peninsula Dental School staff directory

Learn about the roles and research interests of our school staff

Budding Black Dentists

Founded by Elizabeth Fynn-Famodun and set-up with fellow dental students Vivienne Onamusi and El-Eden Biney, Budding Black Dentists is a non-profit organisation established to:
  • equip aspiring dental applicants with the necessary tools needed for each stage of their dental journey
  • help to educate the black community on the importance of oral health and what dentistry entails via outreach programmes
  • create a strong support network of aspiring and qualified black dentists for the facilitation of mentoring schemes.
Budding Black Dentists now consists of a team of 13 dental students from ethnic minority backgrounds based in various UK dental schools, who all share this vision and deeply aspire for change to be made in the near future.
Vivienne, Elizabeth and El-Eden, founders of the Budding Black Dentists platform
 
 

Award-winning contribution to dental training and community care

We received recognition at 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 
 
 
 
 

Prepare for the real world by joining a dedicated community of researchers

Prepare for the real world by joining a dedicated community of researchers
Our Peninsula Dental School Research Groups explore and develop science, pedagogy, policy, performance and practice across a number of themes – from workforce development to regenerative medicine.
Portland Square – Dental students in Phantom Head room in Portland Square
This course is approved by the General Dental Council for registration as a dentist.