Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Placements University of Plymouth, UK

Combining first-rate dental training with outstanding community dental care, this course will prepare you for a hugely rewarding career as a competent and caring dentist. From year one you will work with patients and the community, gaining early clinical experience and enhancing your communication skills. In our hands-on, practical and patient-centred environment you will develop the highest level of core dental skills and knowledge and leave ready to make a difference to people's lives.

Your outstanding clinical education commences at the start of Year 1, working in small, integrated study groups you will learn the core scientific foundations of dentistry in a clinical context, explore the scientific basis of healthy structure, function and behaviour, with a focus on dental health, prevention of dental disease and the underlying principles of personal and professional development. You will attend the Simulated Dental Learning Environment (SDLE) from your first week developing essential clinical skills and in Term 2 you will experience contact with patients in the clinics where you will be able to develop your communication skills under the close supervision of dental practitioners, bringing to life the skills gained in SDLE. Near the end of the year you have your first experience in social engagement.

Key features

Preparing for practice

• This programme is mapped against the General Dental Council’s guidance ‘Preparing for Practice’. Become competent at diagnosing disease and planning preventive care and choose your own areas of interest to study further.

Early clinical contact with a strong patient focus

• Become familiar with a variety of clinical situations and gain the core dental knowledge and communication skills to practise as a competent and caring dentist. Years 1, 2 and 5 will be spent in Plymouth and Year 4 in Truro. You will travel 2 days a week in Year 3, via transport organised and paid for by the School, to the Dental Education Facility in Exeter.

Benefit from expert partnerships

• Treat patients through partnership with the NHS Primary Care Trust in Devon and Cornwall. Engage directly with participants and service users in a unique and meaningful way with the Dental Outreach Team. Learn and gain experience in state of the art facilities provided by the Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE).

First choice for health

• Delivered by professional experts, our programmes are tailored to you and your career. Together, we address today's most challenging healthcare issues, through research-informed teaching and active, real-world learning. #firstchoiceforhealth