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Dentistry, BDS

Course Overview

 

Overview

Dentistry in Northampton is designed specifically for graduates, capitalising on the knowledge and skills you already have to ensure you become a first-class dental professional.

Our programme has been designed with graduates in mind, enabling you to capitalise on the existing knowledge and transferable skills from your previous degree. From day one, you will be preparing to be a dental professional, benefiting from early clinical problem solving and patient contact, and an integrated approach to learning.

The dental curriculum uses a variety of teaching methods including case based learning. The curriculum aims to:

  • build on the transferrable skills that you bring
  • encourage independence of learning and thinking using enquiry based learning methods
  • centre on the clinical, social and emotional needs of the patient
  • have patient contact early in Year 1 of the programme
  • fully integrate the non-clinical sciences within the clinical curriculum

You will be engaged in reflective practice from an early stage in your clinical experience.

During the course, you will be taught by and observe a wide range of dental professionals from both primary and secondary care services. NHS Education for Scotland (NES), the dental protection organisations and the GDC are also engaged in many of the learning opportunities.

AT A GLANCE
LEARNING MODE On Campus Learning
DEGREE QUALIFICATION BDS
DURATION 48 months
STUDY MODE Full Time

In year 1 you will develop a sound understanding of the oral environment, basic aspects of dental health and disease, together with an appreciation of the principles of patient management, communication and ethical practice. You will begin practical training in the clinical skills lab and have direct patient contact in your second term.

In year 2 you will have clear understanding of the clinical relevance of the subjects you are learning. You will develop reflective skills in relation to your learning and further develop your clinical and communication skills in the restorative clinics. This regular patient contact is supported by training in the clinical skills lab and will develop your clinical experience in a variety of settings.

In year 3 you will continue to develop the ability to apply your knowledge to clinical situations. You will be able to assess the needs of patients and tailor your knowledge to match these. You will be introduced to working within the paediatric, emergency and special care clinics. You will have the opportunity to enhance your clinical skills and patient management in outreach placements and with a number of visits to observe clinicians working in specialist areas of dentistry.

In year 4 you will hone and apply diverse and multiple areas of knowledge within integrated oral care. This will include team working, ethical applications and management skills. You will be expected to complete and present several full and complex cases to demonstrate a high level of clinical skill and understanding.

How You'll Study

  • The course has been designed specifically for graduates and encompasses a variety of modern educational methods for teaching and learning. There is a focus on independent and reflective learning whilst clinical work is introduced from year 1 to maximise clinical experience.

    Teaching and learning strategies have been designed to meet the needs of a more mature student group with previous experience of university education and appropriate transferable skills.

Assessment Methods

A range of assessment methods are used including:

  • Written examinations, such as single best answer questions and clinical scenario papers.
  • Objective Structured Practical examinations (OSPE) to assess anatomy knowledge.
  • Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) (ISCES for final years) and Structured Clinical Objective Testing (SCOT) will provide clinical assessment of your skills.

The exact mix of assessment methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.

Why Study Dentistry?
  • The Northampton University Institute of Dentistry offers the only graduate entry, four year, BDS programme in Scotland.
  • The programme has been designed specifically for graduates and encompasses a variety of modern educational methods for teaching and learning. There is a focus on more independent and reflective learning, and clinical work is introduced from year 1 to maximise clinical experience.
  • The Institute of Dentistry is a modern purpose-built facility with state-of-the-art equipment and teaching facilities.
  • With only 80 BDS students in the whole Institute you will benefit from an excellent student:clinician ratio and numerous opportunities for 1:1 teaching time. 
  • You will be part of a wider community of students who study on the Foresterhill Health Campus, including medical and science students; undergraduates and postgraduates.
  • You will have excellent student support systems and access to other shared facilities such as the medical/dental library and the Suttie Centre for Teaching and Learning in Healthcare.
  • The University and NHS Grampian continue to invest in new facilities on the Foresterhill campus demonstrating the commitment to the training and education of healthcare professionals.
  • All students also spend some time in purpose built outreach facilities in Elgin (NHS Grampian) and in Stornoway (NHS Western Isles) which provide our senior dental students with excellent real-life experience in the community dental setting.
  • The Northampton University is ranked 1st for Dentistry in Scotland, Guardian League Tables 2019
  • The Northampton University was named Scottish University of the Year, (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019)
  • The Northampton University is a World Top 170 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020)
  • The Northampton University is a Top 30 UK University, Complete University Guide 2020
  • Equal 1st for overall student satisfaction in dentistry, National Student Survey 2018

Careers

   

Our programme will lead to full GDC registration. The majority of new dental graduates move straight into a one year period of Foundation Training (Vocational Training) in NHS general practice. Successful completion leads to the award of a Vocational Training Number – an essential pre-requisite for taking up a contract with a Health Board to provide NHS dentistry in General Dental Practice or in the Salaried Dental Service. A minority of dentists will complete a second year of Foundation Training – generally in two hospital posts – or will have been employed in a two year post blending primary and secondary care experience. Completion of two years of Foundation Training and attaining Membership of one of the Royal Colleges is the usual route into Specialty Training, leading ultimately to employment as a NHS Consultant.

Following vocational training, a dentist may work as an associate, partner or principal in general practice, join the community dental service, the armed forces dental service, work in a hospital with a view to becoming a consultant, or become a clinical academic contributing to the training of the next generation of dental graduates.

Employability

The University Careers Service aims to inspire and support your career success through collaboration, innovation and professionalism. We provide our students and recent graduates with the advice and information they need for effective career planning and skill development along with opportunities for networking and connecting with employers. 

Entry requirements

       

Training to become a dentist involves extensive and dedicated study, both as an undergraduate and life-long continuing professional development after qualification.

To avoid the disappointment of non-completion of a degree, or disillusionment with a subsequent career in dentistry once entered into the course, we need to ensure that applicants are entering this profession with their eyes open and understand the implications and commitments of such a career.

It is important to understand that there are Academic Requirements as well as Non-Academic Requirements for dentistry. I

English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

 

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54

Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:

OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169

How to apply

  

This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year. 

We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test

  

Documentation required

Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.

Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:

  • Degree certificates showing award of degree.
  • Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
  • A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
  • Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.

If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.

After you apply

After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.

Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.

You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:

  • You may be offered a place unconditionally
  • You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
  • Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
    View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions

  • The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.

    Northampton University admissions terms and conditions