Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Integrated Foundation Year (BDSF) program is designed for applicants who wish to study Dentistry but are not currently qualified for entry to year one of the BDS undergraduate program. This program equips students with the scientific knowledge and study skills needed to become confident, critically self-aware, independent learners ready for the challenges of Higher Education and university life.

Program Structure

The BDSF program is a six-year course that includes a foundation year, followed by five years of study in dental surgery. The foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for students to gain further knowledge of the subject before starting the full degree course.

Core Modules

The core modules for the foundation year include:

• BDT003: Learning Skills for Dentistry (20 credits)
• BHCS001: Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics (20 credits)
• BHCS002: Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences (20 credits)
• FMD001: Molecules to Cells (20 credits)
• FMD002: Introduction to Human Physiology (20 credits)
• FMD004: Interdisciplinary Learning and Team-Based Learning (Enquiry Learning) (20 credits)

Alternative Pathways

The university offers alternative pathways for students who may not meet the entry requirements for the five-year BDS Dental Surgery program. These include:

• BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy and Hygiene
• BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy and Hygiene with Integrated Foundation Year

Experience and Community Engagement

The program provides students with early clinical experience and community engagement opportunities. Students can engage directly with participants and service users through the Dental Outreach Team and participate in inter-professional engagement modules to develop their skills and knowledge.

Teaching and Learning

The curriculum is carefully structured to ensure students possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for entry into their first clinical job. The program is delivered by experienced dental professionals engaged in active research, bringing a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience into the classroom.

Careers and Employability

Dentistry offers a huge variety of career pathways, and the program enables students to commence a rewarding career within the health sector. With an ongoing demand for dentists across the UK, employment prospects for dental surgery graduates remain very good.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the program are Ł9,790 per year for full-time study. The university offers various funding options, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries, and support funds.

Entry Requirements

The program has specific academic and non-academic entry requirements. Applicants must meet the GCSE and Level 3 criteria and have a minimum of three contextual indicator options. The typical offer is BBB at GCE A level, which must include Biology and a second science.

Selection and Admissions Process

Applications are made through UCAS, and the admissions process involves shortlisting for interview, followed by a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. Successful applicants are ranked based on their score and offered a place on the course.

Research Areas

The university has various research areas, including:

• Oral health services, workforce development, and clinical epidemiology
• Regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and oral microbiome

Faculty and Staff

The program is delivered by experienced dental professionals, including:

• Dr. Amanda Addy, Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education and Co-Lead Year 1
• Dr. Araz Ahmed, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Oral Surgery
• Dr. Ness Avery, Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education
• Mr. Bill Beare, Clinical Lead Derriford Dental Education Facility
• Dr. Marie Bryce, Senior Research Fellow (CAMERA)
• Lorna Burns, Associate Head of Postgraduate Taught
• Mr. Jim Carey, Associate Professor and Consultant in Oral Surgery
• Miss Eithne Fyfe, Clinical Associate Professor (Education) and Consultant in Oral Surgery
• Professor Sally Hanks, Professor of Primary Care Dentistry
• Dr. Charlotte Illsley, Lecturer in Integrated Dental Science
• Dr. Casper Jonker, Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education
• Dr. Wai Ling Kok, Lecturer in Oral Sciences
• Professor Ewen McColl, Head of Peninsula Dental School
• Dr. Ian Mills, Honorary Associate Professor
• Professor Mona Nasser, Director Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR)
• Mr. Timothy O'Brien
• Dr. Martha Paisi, Senior Research Fellow in Public Health
• Miss Morag Powell, Lecturer in Dental Therapy & Hygiene
• Miss Ruth Potterton, Lecturer in Community-Based Dentistry (Education)
• Professor Simon Whawell, Professor of Integrated Oral Sciences
• Professor Robert Witton, Professor of Community Dentistry
• Dr. Zoe Brookes, Associate Professor of Dental Education and Research
• Professor Cathy Coelho, Clinical Facilitator/Supervisor (Dentist)
• Mr. Andrew Harris, Clinical Associate Professor
• Dr. Guy Lambourn, Clinical Lead Truro Dental Education Facility
• Dr. Vehid Salih, Associate Professor (Reader) in Oral & Dental Health Research
• Miss Pippa Blacklock, Associate Professor & Consultant in Oral Surgery
• Mr. Simon Heywood, Associate Professor and Consultant in Oral Surgery
• Miss Safiya Robinson, Clinical Lecturer in Dental Education

Student Life and Support

The university offers various support services, including funding options, student groups, and accommodation. Students can also participate in the Peninsula Dental Society, which provides revision sessions, volunteering opportunities, and social events.