Enter OTP
The BDS at the University of Bristol is a dynamic, hands-on five-year course that blends science, clinical training, and real-world patient interaction from an early stage. Set in one of the UK’s most respected dental schools, students benefit from personalised mentorship, cutting-edge technology, and the opportunity to treat a diverse patient population. Bristol focuses on developing confident, compassionate dentists who are well-prepared for the demands of modern dental practice.
Curriculum Structure (Yearly Breakdown)
Year 1:
Foundation in biomedical and behavioural sciences including anatomy, physiology, and oral biology. Students begin pre-clinical skills training using dental manikins and start learning about patient communication.
Year 2:
Builds on biological sciences with a shift towards disease processes and their impact on oral health. Pre-clinical skills are enhanced and students begin closely supervised clinical sessions treating real patients.
Year 3:
A strong focus on operative dentistry, periodontology, and restorative dentistry. Students work in general clinics and start seeing patients more independently under supervision. Topics like medical emergencies, pathology, and pharmacology are introduced.
Year 4:
Clinical practice expands with rotations in oral surgery, paediatrics, orthodontics, and special care dentistry. Students gain experience in community settings and hospital-based clinics.
Year 5:
Final preparation for independent practice. Students manage their own patient lists, carry out comprehensive treatment plans, and polish their clinical decision-making skills. There’s a focus on professionalism, ethics, and readiness for Dental Foundation Training.
Accreditation
Fully accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC), meaning graduates are eligible to register as dentists in the UK upon completion.
Program Ranking
The University of Bristol is consistently ranked in the UK’s top 10 for dentistry (QS World University Rankings & Complete University Guide), known for academic excellence and innovation in dental education.
Campus Location
The course is delivered at the Bristol Dental School, located within the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Trust. The main university campus is in the vibrant heart of Bristol, a student-friendly, historic, and culturally rich city.
Research and Projects
Bristol is a research-intensive university, and dental students benefit from access to projects in areas like oral cancer, dental biomaterials, tissue regeneration, and public health dentistry. Students can also intercalate with a BSc or MSc in a research field between years.
Internships and Clinical Placements
From Year 2 onwards, students have extensive supervised clinical placements across NHS and community dental clinics, gaining valuable exposure to diverse cases and settings. Bristol also integrates outreach placements into local communities.
Student Organisations
The Bristol Dental Students’ Society (BDSS) is one of the oldest and most active in the UK. It organises social events, academic workshops, conferences, charity work, and mentorship. Students also participate in sports, debate clubs, and global health initiatives.
Final Year Experience
In Year 5, students manage comprehensive patient care independently with clinical supervisors acting as mentors. They are assessed through case presentations, clinical portfolios, and final competency exams, preparing them to transition smoothly into practice.
Career Services
The university offers tailored support for dental students, including application guidance for Dental Foundation Training (DFT), mock interviews, CV building, and access to job fairs and alumni networks in the NHS and private sectors.
Employability and Median Salary
Bristol BDS graduates have a very high employment rate, with nearly all students entering DFT within months of graduating. The starting salary in DFT is approx. £34,000–£38,000, with private practice offering higher earning potential after experience.
To become a specialist dentist in the UK or internationally, many BDS graduates pursue these routes, often after 2–3 years of general practice and training:
UK Specialist Pathways (after DFT/DF2):
MClinDent (Master of Clinical Dentistry) – 3–4 years full-time
Orthodontics
Prosthodontics
Periodontology
Paediatric Dentistry
Endodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
MPaedDent, MOrtho, MEndo – Royal College exams paired with NHS registrar training (competitive and requires NHS approval)
PGDip / MSc in Restorative Dentistry or Implant Dentistry – For general dentists looking to enhance private practice offerings
MFDS/MJDF (Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery) – Entry into postgraduate training (often before master's)
AAA including Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics or Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)IELTS minimum required score of 7.5 overall band no less than 7 in each moduleApplicants are required to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)TOEFL iBT: Profile B sets a base standard 80 overall (R18, L17, S20, W19)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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University of Bristol
