Dental Surgery BDS
2024-25 entryLearn the theory of dental science and the value of evidence-based dentistry while acquiring the practical skills to apply that knowledge in a clinical setting.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code A200
- 5 years / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- Industry placement
- View 2025-26 entry
Explore this course:
Course description
Sheffield’s BDS Dental Surgery programme is designed to give you practical, hands-on experience in dentistry as early as possible.
From the first year, you’ll visit dental clinics and start to learn about your role as a healthcare professional in the dental team. As you become more experienced, you'll sharpen your skills on placements in general dental practice.
Our five-year course is divided into nine integrated themes, from fundamental human anatomy to intermediate oral and dental care. The first year introduces you to the structure and function of the human body and of a healthy mouth. Year two is about providing comprehensive care for both young and elderly patients. And your third year is about gaining the skills and knowledge to treat patients holistically, with great attention to detail.
During the final two years, you will learn how to treat patients of all ages with increasingly complex care needs, and learn more about how to recognise, diagnose and prevent oral diseases. You'll also have the opportunity to undertake an elective placement which could take you anywhere in the world.
Why study this course?
- State-of-the-art training equipment - as part of the course you’ll undertake rigorous clinical skills training, including the use of ‘phantom heads’ as well as sessions in a simulation suite, to allow you to practise dentistry in a virtual reality environment.
- A robust outreach programme - treating patients of all ages and backgrounds in real work environments will allow you to sharpen your skills. In your third year, you’ll even have the opportunity to take part in our peer-to-peer teaching scheme and tutor junior students in their pre-clinical training.
- Collaborative teaching - we believe in training the whole dental team together. You’ll learn alongside dental hygiene and dental therapy students in a way that prepares you for the realities of working in a dental practice.
The General Dental Council quality assures and approves qualifications for registration, for the following registrant groups: Dentists; dental hygienists; dental therapists; dental nurses; clinical dental technicians; dental technicians; and orthodontic therapists.
Modules
A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: A200
Years: 2022, 2023
The Human Body and The Oral Cavity in Health and Disease
These themes introduce you to the structure and function of the human body and of a healthy mouth. You will learn about the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, the nervous and renal systems. You will be introduced to some of the common diseases affecting the head, neck, teeth and mouth. You will also visit dental clinics and start to learn about your role as a healthcare professional in the dental team.
Core modules:
- The Human Body
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This theme aims to introduce you to the structure and function of the human body and how structure and function is integrated from molecules through tissues and organ systems to the whole organism.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours - The Oral Cavity in Health and Disease
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This theme aims to introduce you to the structure and function of the healthy mouth and structures of the head and neck relevant to the practice of clinical dentistry. You will also be introduced to some of the common diseases affecting the head, neck, teeth and oral cavity.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours
Growth, Development, Ageing and Nutrition and Basic Oral and Dental Care
Year two introduces the basic biological principles governing different stages during life with emphasis on the challenges of providing comprehensive care for both young and elderly patients.
You'll also learn more about diseases of the teeth and mouth and undertake basic dental procedures in our Simulation Suite, using virtual reality machines, and in our Clinical Skills Learning Environment. Following satisfactory completion of these courses, you begin to treat patients.
Core modules:
- Basic Oral and Dental Care Part 1
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This theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Year 1, and prepares students for clinical practice by providing training to undertake basic oral and dental procedures.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours - Basic Oral and Dental Care Part 2
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This theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Year 1, and prepares students for clinical practice by providing training to undertake basic oral and dental procedures.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours - Basic Oral and Dental Care Part 3
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This theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Year 1, and prepares students for clinical practice by providing training to undertake basic oral and dental procedures.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours - Basic Oral and Dental Care Part 4
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This theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Year 1, and prepares students for clinical practice by providing training to undertake basic oral and dental procedures.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours. - Growth, Development, Ageing and Nutrition
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This theme integrates basic science and clinical practice to encourage a more holistic learning approach. The overall aim is to provide students with understanding of the basic biological principles governing growth, development, ageing and nutrition at different stages during life.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours.
Intermediate Oral and Dental Care and Integrated Human Disease
From the third year you gain the skills and knowledge to treat patients holistically, with great attention to detail. In the Integrated Human Disease theme you learn how to identify clinical signs and symptoms of systemic disease and how this affects the clinical practice of dentistry. You will also learn how to undertake clinical procedures requiring high levels of manual dexterity.
Core modules:
- Integrated Human Disease Part 1
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The Integrated Human Diseases Theme (IHD) is designed to gather together, co-ordinate and integrate elements of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, medicine, surgery, pharmacology, immunology and microbiology within the dental undergraduate curriculum. Teaching will cover pathology, microbiology, immunology, pathology, systemic disease and its relevance to dentistry.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours. - Integrated Human Disease Part 2
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The Integrated Human Diseases Theme (IHD) is designed to gather together, co-ordinate and integrate elements of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, medicine, surgery, pharmacology, immunology and microbiology within the dental undergraduate curriculum. Teaching will cover pathology, microbiology, immunology, pathology, systemic disease and its relevance to dentistry.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours. - Intermediate Oral and Dental Care Part 1
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This Theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Years 1 and 2, and introduces students to a wider number of disciplines and clinical practice. In the Second Semester the Theme includes simulated clinical training in the clinical skills learning environment to enhance student's range of skills. Successful completion of this Theme is necessary to progress to the next year of study.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours. - Intermediate Oral and Dental Care Part 2
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This Theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Years 1 and 2, and introduces students to a wider number of disciplines and clinical practice. In the Second Semester the Theme includes simulated clinical training in the clinical skills learning environment to enhance student's range of skills. Successful completion of this Theme is necessary to progress to the next year of study.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours. - Intermediate Oral and Dental Care Part 3
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This Theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Years 1 and 2, and introduces students to a wider number of disciplines and clinical practice. In the Second Semester the Theme includes simulated clinical training in the clinical skills learning environment to enhance student's range of skills. Successful completion of this Theme is necessary to progress to the next year of study.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours. - Intermediate Oral and Dental Care Part 4
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This Theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Years 1 and 2, and introduces students to a wider number of disciplines and clinical practice. In the Second Semester the Theme includes simulated clinical training in the clinical skills learning environment to enhance student's range of skills. Successful completion of this Theme is necessary to progress to the next year of study.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours. - Intermediate Oral and Dental Care Part 5
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This Theme consolidates and extends the understanding of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues learnt in Years 1 and 2, and introduces students to a wider number of disciplines and clinical practice. In the Second Semester the Theme includes simulated clinical training in the clinical skills learning environment to enhance student's range of skills. Successful completion of this Theme is necessary to progress to the next year of study.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours.
Integrated Clinical Practice, Oral Disease, Outreach and Elective
During the final two years you will learn how to treat patients of all ages with increasingly complex care needs. You'll learn more about oral diseases, their causes, how they develop and how to recognise, diagnose and prevent them.
You will take part in clinical placements as part of our outreach programme in Sheffield or the surrounding region. These placements are in primary care practices so they provide you with real work environments to sharpen your skills. You'll also have the opportunity to undertake an elective placement which could take you anywhere in the world.
Core modules:
- Dental Surgery Part 1
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In the 4th and 5th Years candidates will study the following three Themes: Oral Disease Integrated Clinical Practice Outreach/Elective A candidate must have attended and satisfied the requirements for the Themes in Oral Disease, Outreach and Electives and Integrated Clinical Practice, including completion of all formative and summative assessment.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours - Dental Surgery Part 2
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In the 4th and 5th Years candidates will study the following three Themes: Oral Disease Integrated Clinical Practice Outreach/Elective A candidate must have attended and satisfied the requirements for the Themes in Oral Disease, Outreach and Electives and Integrated Clinical Practice, including completion of all formative and summative assessment.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours.
Integrated Clinical Practice, Oral Disease, Outreach and Elective
During the final two years you will learn how to treat patients of all ages with increasingly complex care needs. You'll learn more about oral diseases, their causes, how they develop and how to recognise, diagnose and prevent them.
You will take part in clinical placements as part of our outreach programme in Sheffield or the surrounding region. These placements are in primary care practices so they provide you with real work environments to sharpen your skills. You'll also have the opportunity to undertake an elective placement which could take you anywhere in the world.
Core modules:
- Dental Surgery Part 3
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In the 4th and 5th Years candidates will study the following three Themes: Oral Disease Integrated Clinical Practice Outreach/Elective A candidate must have attended and satisfied the requirements for the Themes in Oral Disease, Outreach and Electives and Integrated Clinical Practice, including completion of all formative and summative assessment.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours. - Dental Surgery Part 4
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In the 4th and 5th Years candidates will study the following three Themes: Oral Disease Integrated Clinical Practice Outreach/Elective A candidate must have attended and satisfied the requirements for the Themes in Oral Disease, Outreach and Electives and Integrated Clinical Practice, including completion of all formative and summative assessment.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours. - Dental Surgery Part 5
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In the 4th and 5th Years candidates will study the following three Themes: Oral Disease Integrated Clinical Practice Outreach/Elective A candidate must have attended and satisfied the requirements for the Themes in Oral Disease, Outreach and Electives and Integrated Clinical Practice, including completion of all formative and summative assessment.
Please refer to the department for details of learning and teaching hours.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Throughout the course we aim to teach you theory alongside clinical practice so you'll develop an understanding of dental science and its clinical application. You'll learn the value of evidence-based dentistry and how to apply it to clinical practice.
Assessment
You will be assessed by exams, coursework and practical tasks.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
BDS Dental Surgery selection process
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
including Chemistry and Biology + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- AAB, including AA in Chemistry and Biology + B in Dentistry or health-related EPQ (EPQ and A Levels must be taken in the same sitting to receive the alternative offer)
- International Baccalaureate
- 36, with 6 in Higher Level Chemistry and Biology
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- D*DD in Applied Science including Distinctions in Chemistry and Biology units
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in Applied Science + A at A Level in either Chemistry or Biology (BTEC units must cover sufficient Chemistry or Biology, depending on the A Level subject taken)
- Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers
- AAABB + AA in Chemistry and Biology
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- A + AA in Chemistry and Biology
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction in Chemistry and Biology units, and 6 at Merit
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Human Biology is acceptable in lieu of Biology
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6 GCSEs at grade 7/A including English, Maths and Science
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UCAT Pre-admissions test: All applicants must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). The test is used in conjunction with our existing selection procedure to identify candidates with potential for success at undergraduate level
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Graduate student requirements: 2.1 in a bachelors degree in a related or core science subject
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Chemistry and Biology + pass in the practical element of any science A Levels taken
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- AAB, including AA in Chemistry and Biology + B in Dentistry or health-related EPQ (EPQ and A Levels must be taken in the same sitting to receive the alternative offer)
- International Baccalaureate
- 34, with 6,5 (in any order) in Higher Level Chemistry and Biology
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in Applied Science including Distinctions in Chemistry and Biology units
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in Applied Science + A at A Level in either Chemistry or Biology (BTEC units must cover sufficient Chemistry or Biology, depending on the A Level subject taken)
- Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers
- AABBB + AB in Chemistry and Biology
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AA in Chemistry and Biology
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction in Chemistry and Biology units, and 6 at Merit
-
Human Biology is acceptable in lieu of Biology
-
6 GCSEs at grade 7/A including English, Maths and Science
-
UCAT Pre-admissions test: All applicants must take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). The test is used in conjunction with our existing selection procedure to identify candidates with potential for success at undergraduate level
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Graduate student requirements: 2.1 in a bachelors degree in a related or core science subject
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course, we require: GCSE English Language at grade 7/A; IELTS grade of 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Graduate careers
Most graduates apply for a one-year Dental Foundation (DF) training programme. This provides you with a supportive environment where you can continue to develop your skills and experience to the point where you become an independent practitioner.
Once you successfully complete the DF year, you’ll be able to work in an NHS practice. Most of our eligible graduates go on to complete Dental Foundation Training which enables them to work in the NHS.
After their DF year, most graduates find work in general dental practices, in the community dental service or sometimes in the armed forces.
Some choose to undertake further specialist training to enable them to become speciality dentists, hospital or academic consultants or to become researchers.
A number of our graduates choose to return to the School of Clinical Dentistry later in their careers to teach.
School of Clinical Dentistry
Our teaching is driven by world-class research. You'll learn about the new techniques and advances that are rapidly taking place in the field of dentistry.
We believe in training the whole team together. Our dentistry and dental hygiene and therapy students learn alongside each other in a way that helps to prepare them for practice. Our combination of integrated teaching and practical experience produces caring, confident professionals.
Our students find that our courses provide them with opportunities to explore ideas, apply what they have learnt and achieve their best. This is reflected in the National Student Survey where we consistently achieve high scores for overall student satisfaction.
We're committed to delivering an exceptional student experience. Our staff are involved in the quality assurance of teaching in Sheffield and other universities. Many have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to learning and teaching and commitment to professional development through professional bodies such as the Association for Dental Education in Europe and the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and some have gained national recognition, such as the ADEE Excellence in Dental Education Award, Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and National Teaching Fellow.
Many of our staff are also internationally respected for their research. Some are general dental practitioners with years of clinical experience.
Our placement programme for students is outstanding. You'll learn the value of evidence-based dentistry and how to apply it to clinical practice.
We also have links with the Medical School and the local community.
Our placement programme for students is outstanding. You'll learn the value of evidence-based dentistry and how to apply it to clinical practice. Many of our staff are internationally respected for their research. Some are general dental practitioners with years of clinical experience.
Dentistry students are based at the School of Clinical Dentistry, situated within the University campus to the west of Sheffield. The school has a very close working relationship with the adjacent Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, a specialist facility offering dental services to people in Sheffield and surrounding areas. This is where most of our teaching takes place.
Facilities
We aim to provide a stimulating interdisciplinary environment, with access to some excellent facilities. In our virtual simulation suite you can practice dentistry in a virtual reality environment.
We have dedicated research facilities and laboratories for tissue culture, molecular biology, materials science, histology-microscopy and electrophysiology, all with dedicated technical support.
We continually seek to improve our range of facilities to meet the needs of our student and research community.
School of Clinical DentistryWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
Number one in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report
School of Clinical Dentistry
The Times Good University Guide 2024
The Complete University Guide 2024
Times Higher Education (THE) World Subject Rankings 2021
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Further information
Placements and practice
As you become more experienced, you'll spend some time away from the Dental School and the Dental Hospital. You may treat patients in our Dental Practice Unit, have an opportunity to visit a district general hospital, and complete an elective period which enables you to explore an area of dentistry you are interested in.
You'll undertake clinical training in NHS hospitals so you must adhere to local NHS policies including guidelines on behaviour and dress and the need to be 'bare below the elbow'.
Outreach programme
You'll complete clinical outreach work placements in your fourth and fifth years. These placements give you the chance to treat an extended range of patients in Sheffield and the surrounding area.
Most of the placements are in general dental practice with a few in community dental clinics so they provide you with real work environments to sharpen your skills. You’ll work alongside dental hygiene and therapy students, giving you experience of working as part of a dental team.
Disclosure and Barring Service
All applicants are required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure check.
UCAT
All applicants will need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). This is used in conjunction with our existing selection procedure to identify candidates with the potential to succeed at undergraduate level.
International students
Immigration regulations are constantly being reviewed by the UK Border Agency (UKBA). At the present time, non-UK students are able to apply for dental foundation training after graduating and have been able to secure employment in postgraduate training schemes and hospital posts.
However, we can't give any guarantee that this will always be the case. For further information, visit UK government visa information and the UK Committee of Postgraduate Dental Deans and Directors.
Clinical requirements
Our School also has a series of clinical requirements for clinical students. Before accepting an offer of a place, you must confirm you will comply with these requirements.
Visit
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've made an application to study with us, we may invite you for an interview. If you are then successful in receiving an offer, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Apply
Contact us
- Telephone
- +44 114 215 9307
- dental.admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.