Enter OTP
Newcastle offers a five-year full-time BDS (UCAS code A206), delivered at the School of Dental Sciences, part of the wider Newcastle Dental Hospital integrated within the Royal Victoria Infirmary complex. From early on, students gain hands-on patient exposure, while being taught by internationally respected academics across clinical and scientific disciplines.
Year-by-Year Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (Stage 1): Build scientific foundations—cell biology, anatomy of head & neck, dental physiology, neurobiology—alongside early clinical exposure, shadowing seniors in clinics and beginning basic communication skills.
Year 2 (Stage 2): Deepens understanding of microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, craniofacial biology, behavioural sciences and dental materials. Clinical skills training includes phantom-head practice for basic fillings and periodontal techniques.
Year 3 (Stage 3): Students begin treating their own patients under supervision. Clinical disciplines include restoration (fillings, root canals, dentures), periodontal therapy, simple extractions, oral medicine and use of radiographs.
Year 4 (Stage 4): Clinical commitment grows to about half of the year. Advanced training covers crown & bridgework, implants, sedation, orthodontics fundamentals, multidisciplinary treatment planning and specialist exposure.
Year 5 (Stage 5): Capstone phase where students manage complex cases, deliver integrated patient care, and refine leadership and business skills for NHS practice. Elective placements and intercalation opportunities arise between Stage 4 and 5.
Accreditation & Program Ranking
The BDS is fully accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC), enabling practice across the UK and abroad.
Subject ranking: 5th for Dentistry in the Complete University Guide 2025 (out of 16 UK dental schools). Overall, Newcastle University ranks around 26th in UK university tables.
Campus & Facilities
Based at the modern Newcastle Dental Hospital, part of one of the UK’s biggest integrated medical-teaching complexes. Students train in state-of-the-art simulation labs, specialist clinics (children’s, conservation clinic, skills unit), and bioscience research labs.
Research & Projects
The Centre for Oral Health Research (COHR) and a dedicated dental education research group assess learning, professional transitions, diversity, and curriculum design.
Students can intercalate for a BSc or master's year and undertake eight-week electives—often overseas or public health/community placements.
Internships & Clinical Placements
Clinical engagement begins in Year 1 and increases through each stage—culminating in significant independent patient care by Year 5.
Elective options include global placements (e.g., Latin America or Fiji) or local public-service rotations.
Student Organisations & Support
Newcastle Dental Society (DentSoc) is the dedicated student group—with its own bar (“Crown & Bridge”) inside the dental school, socials, mentoring and events.
Peer mentoring and personal tutor support help students settle academically and socially.
Final Year Experience
Year 5 serves as the capstone: students manage full case work, consultant-led clinics, and community services—applying their accumulated knowledge in preparation for foundation year placement.
Year 5 serves as the capstone: students manage full case work, consultant-led clinics, and community services—applying their accumulated knowledge in preparation for foundation year placement.
Career Services & Employability
Newcastle’s Careers Service (part of ncl+) supports students through mock interviews, workshops, networking and professional guidance.
Future Progression
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 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.
AAA including Chemistry and Biology. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A Levels, we require a pass in the practical element. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) required at grade 4/C or above.A minimum of 36 points with Chemistry and Biology at Grade 6 or above at Higher level.100 (with a minimum of 22 in listening, 24 in reading, 25 in speaking, and 24 in writing)Applicants whose first language is not English require a minimum score of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent including 7.0 in each of the four elements of the test.All applicants are required to sit the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in the year of application.General Dentist / Dental PractitionerAssociate Dentist (NHS or Private Practice)Dental Officer (Hospital/Community Clinics)Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery AssistantOrthodontic Therapist (with training)Endodontist (after specialization)Periodontist (after specialization)Prosthodontist (after specialization)Paediatric Dentist (after specialization)Oral Surgeon (with DCT and training)Implantologist (with certification)Cosmetic/Aesthetic Dentist
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Newcastle University
