Enter OTP
The five-year, full‑time BDS at University of Plymouth is delivered through the Peninsula Dental School, blending early clinical contact from Year 1, community engagement, and a strong social‑awareness focus. You’ll work from day one in the Simulated Dental Learning Environment (SDLE), and soon after with real patients, fostering clinical confidence and professional identity early on.
Year‑by‑Year Curriculum Structure
Year 1 introduces oral health science, prevention, and professional development. Students begin SDLE simulation training and assisted clinic work in small teams, gaining basic clinical skills and patient contact.
Year 2 deepens understanding of common dental diseases, pharmacology, materials and advanced SDLE procedures. Clinical placement increases to two days a week in NHS clinics, and students conduct community engagement projects.
Year 3 Focus shifts to self‑directed learning, complex clinical cases, and outreach: two days weekly at Exeter’s Dental Education Facility. Topics include advanced restorative techniques, oral surgery exposure, and inter‑professional teamwork. Selected students may intercalate an MSc between Year 3 and Year 4.
Year 4 Clinical time increases to three days weekly. Students gain experience treating adults and children, exposure to hospital and specialist clinics (e.g. oral surgery, orthodontics), and an emphasis on medically relevant dental treatment.
Year 5 Acts as the capstone year: students spend four days per week in primary dental care, managing patient cases, delivering treatment planning and case presentations. They prepare for DF1 entry, registration, and career planning via careers events and support.
Accreditation & Rankings
The programme is fully accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC), fully preparing students for UK registration post-DF1.
In the Guardian University Guide 2024, it's ranked #1 in the UK for Dentistry. In Complete University Guide 2025, Plymouth sits at 11th in Dentistry subject rankings, with employment rates as high as 98% within 6 months of graduation.
Campus & Facilities
Based in Plymouth City Campus, training is offered via Dental Education Facilities in Plymouth, Exeter, and Truro, providing over 10,000 NHS patient treatments annually.
Facilities include a 32‑pod SDLE, modern NHS training clinics with technical labs and decontamination units, and built-in telematic and library support.
Research & Projects
Research is integrated into learning via Inter-professional Engagement modules, Discovery Week, community outreach, and elective placements. Students may intercalate an MSc between Years 3–4 in the university's research laboratories.
Internships & Clinical Placements
Clinical exposure starts in Year 1, increasing in complexity annually.
Students participate in community clinics across Devon and Cornwall via Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE), with NHS patient contact at Plymouth, Exeter, and Truro settings.
Student Organisations & Support
Within the Peninsula Dental School, students enjoy inclusive social events like the Cultural and Diversity Evening, led by students celebrating multiple traditions.
The broader University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU) supports numerous clubs and societies, including health and volunteering groups.
Capstone Experience
Year 5 functions as the programme's capstone: students lead patient care in primary clinics under supervision, deliver formal case presentations, and develop leadership through clinic delegation and business aspects of NHS practice.
Career Services & Employability
Students receive structured DF1 application support, practice interview skills, and attend careers events during Year 5. Graduates enter vocational training, NHS or private roles, specialisms, or research and teaching.
Employment Rate: ~98% within 6 months post-graduation.
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.
The typical offer is A*AA – AAB at GCE A level which must include Grade A in Biology and Grade A in a second science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.Your third GCE A level can be from any subject area and does not need to be science based. When shortlisting for interview we do not give preference to those who complete three Science A Levels. General Studies is not acceptedGrade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English. Consideration may be given to equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills.36–38 points overall to include Higher Level 6 in Biology and Higher Level 6 in one further science from Chemistry, Physics, Maths or PsychologyAll applicants must sit the UCAT test in their year of application.University use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) as the format for their interviews.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 Plymouth
