Structure

YEAR 1

Fundamentals of clinical practice

The first-year BDS curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in basic sciences, clinical practice, and professionalism, preparing you for your future role as a dental professional. In your first year, you will be introduced to the fundamental biological, clinical, and professional principles needed to begin your journey as a dental practitioner.

The curriculum emphasises early clinical exposure, patient-centred care, and the development of essential skills. The core modules focus on the structure and function of body tissues, organs, and systems, with a particular emphasis on oral health and function. You will explore the relationship between tissue structure and function, including dental materials science, and examine how physiological systems and their disorders impact both general and oral health. The curriculum is integrated with Clinical Practice & Professionalism and Population & Public Health modules to ensure a cohesive learning experience that underscores the interconnectedness of systemic health, pharmacology, and oral care.

To develop your clinical and professional competencies, you will engage in lectures, small group sessions, clinical skills training, and patient observation, enhancing your communication, teamwork, and professionalism skills. The course promotes evidence-based dentistry and prevention principles, fostering critical thinking and clinical decision-making. Professionalism is assessed through portfolio development, with staff and peer feedback encouraging reflective practice and lifelong learning. You will also benefit from collaborative learning with Dental Hygiene and Therapy students, strengthening your interprofessional education. 

You will cover:

• Oral biology and the normal biological structure and function of cells
• The main organs and body systems
• The effects of illness on people and their families
• Development of clinical skills using haptics, clinical skills laboratories and the dental clinics. This increases the exposure of students to clinical dentistry in the first year.
• Dental materials and their application
• The impact of environmental and social factors on health
• The impact of systemic health and medication on oral health
• Critical Thinking and Professional Skills
• Interpersonal and Professional Skills

The Year 1 curriculum reflects the Spiral Curriculum Model, ensuring that topics introduced in this year will be revisited and built upon throughout the course, reinforcing your knowledge and clinical competence.

YEARS 2 AND 3

Developing clinical skills

You will apply and integrate the knowledge gained in the first year to body systems in both health and disease, with topic areas geared towards the requirements of a dental practitioner.

Substantial portions of your time will be spent with patients, coupled with complementary educational activities, including seminars, clinical skills laboratory work, tutorials, e-learning projects and library activity.

You will cover:

• Abnormalities and diseases of the mouth and how to care effectively for these patients
• Oral biology, including the study of normal structures and functions of the adjacent tissues
• Specialist areas such as adult and child restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral medicine, oral surgery and orthodontics.

You will also work in our outreach centres, devising strategies for prevention and treatment. You will receive teaching at The Royal London Dental Institute, as well as rotating around our three outreach dental clinics. This will provide you with an excellent opportunity to serve the local community, treat and improve the oral health of patients whilst developing the skills required to become an excellent practitioner.

YEARS 4 AND 5

Preparation for practice

You will apply and consolidate your knowledge and skills in preparation for professional dental practice. You will be exposed to a greater range of cases, including hospital-based treatments. Teaching is delivered through symposia, small group teaching, modules and wide clinical experience.

New digital scanning technology is embedded in the course. 3D images of a patient's mouth will transform treatment planning and delivery of restorative dental care.

To prepare for graduation you will hear from graduates on their experiences applying for jobs and learn about the different career routes from dentists working in specialised fields.

Student-selected components

You will choose particular areas to study in greater depth, based on your own interests. 

Examples of student-selected modules currently on offer include:

• Audit
• Quality Improvement projects
• Research
• Clinical and Communication Skills
• Dental Materials Science
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Prevention of Oral Diseases

Please note that all modules are subject to change