Enter OTP
Leeds offers a five-year, GDC‑accredited BChD (Bachelor of Dental Surgery and Oral Science), the only undergraduate integrated master’s in dentistry in the UK. Students gain early patient contact from Year 1, combining simulated skills training with clinical placements. The curriculum fosters scientific depth, professional development, and ethical awareness, producing compassionate and self-reflective dentists ready for modern practice.
Curriculum Structure (Years 1–5)
Year 1: Covers biomedical sciences (anatomy, physiology, microbiology), health promotion, and clinical observational placements in general dental practice, alongside simulation-based skills training.
Year 2: Integrates theory and practice in restorative dentistry, paediatrics, orthodontics, and oral medicine. Begins supervised clinical care at the institute.
Year 3: Advances restorative skills, including first extractions and radiographs. Offers elective placement opportunities and prepares for year 4 study abroad.
Year 4: Focus on specialist rotations—orthodontics, oral surgery (hospital placement), and oral medicine (hospital placement), plus outreach clinics in Bradford and Hull.
Year 5: Students manage comprehensive cases in institute and outreach settings, covering crowns, bridges, endodontics, minor surgery, and paediatrics, culminating in a Capstone project.
Accreditation
Fully accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC), qualifying graduates to register as dentists in the UK.
Ranking & Reputation
Ranked Top 10 in the UK for dentistry per Complete University Guide 2026
Positioned 82nd globally in QS World University Rankings 2025
Leeds is the 4th most targeted UK university by graduate recruiters
Campus & Facilities
Based at the Leeds Dental Institute, adjacent to St James’s Hospital.
Equipped with clinical skills and haptic simulation rooms, medical emergency simulation suites, digital scanners/printers, plus dedicated student spaces
Research & Capstone
Research strands: oral biological science, public health, digital dentistry, translational clinical science.
Students undertake a Capstone project in their final years contributing original inquiry to the field
Clinical Placements & Internships
Year 1: One-day observational placement.
Years 2–5: Increasing clinical exposure at institute and outreach centres in Bradford, Hull, and Leeds, plus hospital rotations in orthdontics, oral surgery, and medicine.
Student Organisations & Support
Joined via DentSoc, which orchestrates academic, social, and outreach events.
Backed by Denstudy, the in-house academic and pastoral support service for dental students.
Final Year
Clinical Skills & Practice 5 (100 credits) and Personal & Professional Dev’t 5 (20 credits): independent case management, patient care accountability, risk/ethical considerations, and readiness for GDC registration and foundation training.
Career Services & Employability
Supported by Leeds' wider Careers Centre through CVs, interviews, alumni links, and lifelong career support.
Employment outcomes: near 100% in roles or further training within six months
Median Salary Insights
While not on the official site, independent data suggests a median starting salary ~£36,000, rising to £44,000 by 3 years and £51,000 by 5 years (excluding private/self-employed earnings).
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)
A-level: AAA Including Biology and Chemistry, excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. You must achieve a Pass in the practical element of any science A-levelsGCSE: A minimum of 6 GCSEs at Grade 6/B or higher including Chemistry, Biology (or Dual Science), English and MathsAt least 35 points overall including a score of 6 in higher level Chemistry and Biology, plus a further higher at grade 6. English must be offered at higher or subsidiary level (grade 5 minimum if not offered at GCSE). Maths Studies is acceptableAll applicants for the Dental Surgery course will be required to take UCATIELTS overall 7 and no less than 7 in each moduleMinimum TOEFL iBT score: 80 overall with listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20 and writing 19General 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 Leeds
