Dental Surgery BDS

Program Overview

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The University of Sheffield's five-year BDS Dental Surgery program emphasizes hands-on experience from year one. Students learn about fundamental anatomy and oral care while developing their clinical skills in general dental practice. The program fosters critical thinking through evidence-based dentistry and prepares graduates for various career paths in dental healthcare.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

Sheffield's BDS Dental Surgery program is designed to provide practical, hands-on experience in dentistry from the very beginning. The five-year course is divided into nine integrated themes, covering fundamental human anatomy to intermediate oral and dental care.

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Objectives:

• To equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to become competent and ethical dental professionals.
• To foster a deep understanding of dental science and its clinical application.
• To instill the value of evidence-based dentistry and its application in practice.
• To develop students' skills in treating patients of all ages with increasingly complex care needs.
• To prepare students for the realities of working in a dental practice, including collaboration with other dental professionals.

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Description:

• The program emphasizes practical experience, with students visiting dental clinics and learning about their role in the dental team from the first year.
• Students gain experience in general dental practice through placements.
• The course covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Fundamental human anatomy
• Structure and function of the human body and a healthy mouth
• Holistic patient treatment with attention to detail
• Recognition, diagnosis, and prevention of oral diseases
• Students have the opportunity to undertake an elective placement anywhere in the world.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Themes: The Human Body and The Oral Cavity in Health and Disease
• Modules:
• The Human Body:
Introduces the structure and function of the human body, from molecules to organ systems.
• The Oral Cavity in Health and Disease: Covers the structure and function of the healthy mouth and relevant head and neck structures, as well as common diseases affecting these areas.

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Year 2:

• Themes: Growth, Development, Ageing and Nutrition and Basic Oral and Dental Care
• Modules:
• Basic Oral and Dental Care Parts 1-4:
Consolidates and expands on knowledge of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues, providing training in basic oral and dental procedures.
• Growth, Development, Ageing and Nutrition: Integrates basic science and clinical practice to understand the biological principles governing different life stages.

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Year 3:

• Themes: Intermediate Oral and Dental Care and Integrated Human Disease
• Modules:
• Integrated Human Disease Parts 1-2:
Covers pathology, microbiology, immunology, systemic disease, and its relevance to dentistry.
• Intermediate Oral and Dental Care Parts 1-5: Consolidates and expands on knowledge of diseases of the teeth and supporting tissues, introducing students to a wider range of disciplines and clinical practice.

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Year 4:

• Themes: Integrated Clinical Practice, Oral Disease, Outreach and Elective
• Modules:
• Dental Surgery Parts 1-2:
Covers oral disease, integrated clinical practice, outreach, and electives.
• Outreach: Provides clinical placements in primary care practices in Sheffield or the surrounding region.
• Elective: Allows students to explore an area of dentistry of interest through a placement anywhere in the world.

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Year 5:

• Themes: Integrated Clinical Practice, Oral Disease, Outreach and Elective
• Modules:
• Dental Surgery Parts 3-5:
Covers oral disease, integrated clinical practice, outreach, and electives.
• Outreach: Provides clinical placements in primary care practices in Sheffield or the surrounding region.
• Elective: Allows students to explore an area of dentistry of interest through a placement anywhere in the world.

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Assessment:

• Students are assessed through a combination of exams, coursework, and practical tasks.
• The program specification outlines the aims, learning outcomes, and assessment methods for each course.

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Teaching:

• The program emphasizes a blended approach to learning, combining theory and clinical practice.
• Students learn about the value of evidence-based dentistry and its application in practice.
• The University provides outstanding facilities, study spaces, and support, including 24/7 online access to the library.
• The program features collaborative teaching, with dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental therapy students learning alongside each other.
• The faculty includes internationally respected researchers, experienced clinical practitioners, and dedicated educators.

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Careers:

• Most graduates pursue a one-year Dental Foundation (DF) training program to develop their skills and experience.
• Upon successful completion of the DF year, graduates are eligible to work in NHS practices.
• Graduates find employment in general dental practices, community dental services, the armed forces, and specialist training programs.
• Some graduates pursue further specialist training to become specialty dentists, hospital or academic consultants, or researchers.
• A number of graduates return to the School of Clinical Dentistry to teach.

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC).
• The School of Clinical Dentistry is ranked within the top 10 in the UK for dentistry.
• The University of Sheffield is ranked within the top 100 in the world for clinical and health subjects.
• The program emphasizes the importance of outreach and community engagement.
• Students have access to dedicated research facilities and laboratories.
• The University provides a stimulating interdisciplinary environment.
• The program is designed to produce caring, confident, and competent dental professionals.
• The University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience.
• The School of Clinical Dentistry has a close working relationship with the adjacent Charles Clifford Dental Hospital.
• The program is highly regarded by employers.
• The University has a strong reputation for research and teaching excellence.
• The program is designed to prepare students for a successful career in dentistry.

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• Home students 2024 annual tuition fee:
£9,250
• Overseas students 2024 annual tuition fee:
£46,190

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Additional costs:

• Students studying BDS Dental Surgery on the University of Sheffield International College (USIC) route are also required to pay an additional clinical placement fee which is incorporated into the tuition fee for years two to five.
As an example, the fee for students from the USIC route starting in 2024-25 is £46,190 for year one and £87,040 per year for years two to five.