BDS Dentistry

The BDS at Glasgow is a five-year, GDC-accredited degree delivered at the historic Glasgow Dental Hospital & School, situated in the heart of the city. It combines early patient contact, strong biomedical science foundations, and reflective learning to shape compassionate, clinically ready dentists.

Curriculum Structure (Year‑by‑Year)

• Year 1

​ Students begin with an integrated introduction to clinical dentistry, combined with studies in biomedical sciences (anatomy, physiology, microbiology), clinical medicine, patient management, and health promotion. This foundational year begins early exposure to the dental clinical environment, though initially through observation and simulation.

• Year 2

  In the second year, students delve deeper into key clinical disciplines—operative dentistry, prosthodontics, and periodontics—through theory and practice. Pre-clinical simulations with manikins begin alongside further biomedical sciences. Importantly, students start treating actual patients under supervision.

• Year 3

  This year emphasizes restorative dentistry, with students performing their first tooth extractions and radiographs. Outreach placements in paediatric dentistry are introduced. Additional components include head-and-neck anatomy, brief sedation preparation, public health advice training, and a mandatory elective project—which may involve research, auditing, or global health experiences—completed after exams.

• Year 4

  Students continue clinical training both in the dental school and in community settings. They gain experience across multiple specialties—oral medicine, sedation, orthodontics, alongside advancing patient management and preventive care skills.

• Year 5

  In the final year, students spend approximately half their time at the dental school and half in residential and non-residential outreach centres within the public dental service. Focus areas include restorative dentistry (crowns and bridges), minor oral surgery, endodontics, paediatric dentistry, periodontics, and supervised sessions in consultant clinics

Accreditation

Fully accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC)

The school received an NHS Excellence in Education Award after a successful 2019 GDC inspection.

Rankings & Reputation

• Ranked 2nd in the UK by the Times/Sunday Times and Complete University Guide (2025). Also placed 4th in the Guardian’s league.

• Consistently top-tier in UK dentistry, with multiple consecutive years as #1 in Complete UG Guide (2021).

Campus Location & Facilities

Located at Glasgow Dental Hospital & School (Sauchiehall Street), adjacent to Gilmorehill campus, it combines traditional architecture with modern clinics and simulation labs.