Program Overview

BDS Dental Surgery at the University of Birmingham will provide you with a solid foundation of learning on which to base your clinical experience and patient care, leading you to a highly successful career in the world of dentistry.

As the population ages, people are retaining teeth for a longer period of time. The importance of understanding interactions between general and oral health is therefore paramount. At Birmingham, the ongoing strand of whole patient care in Clinical Practice enables you to integrate speciality teaching and perform the most appropriate treatment for your patients.

Dentistry requires excellent communication skills in order to treat patients effectively as individuals. A sound understanding of the biological basis of oral disease and preventive approaches to care are essential foundations of dental practice. All of which you will be taught during your Dental Surgery degree at Birmingham.

Continuous advances in technology and dental materials have increased the scope of practice in dentistry. In addition to this, the expansion in the numbers of Dental Care Professionals (DCPs) has led to an emphasis on the dentist’s role as a diagnostician and team leader. Dentists now tend to focus on undertaking more complex treatments, rather than carrying out routine dental treatments.

You will be based at Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry, located just a mile from the University's main campus in Edgbaston. The £50 million hospital provides world-class research facilities and a modern learning environment. Facilities include a fully computerised phantom head laboratory where you will you will learn how to manage dental decay and restore teeth amongst other practical tasks.

The BDS Dental Surgery course at Birmingham is regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC).

Employability

As a Birmingham graduate, you will thrive in the workplace as you to apply your knowledge and skills to your chosen career.

The five year BDS Dental Surgery course is followed by a one year compulsory foundation training programme in order to work within the NHS. Entry to foundation training is competitive; however our focused teaching means that almost all of our graduates gain employment on completion of the course. Most dental graduates go into general dental practice, particularly in the first few years after graduation and subsequently have followed careers in salaried dental services, industry, hospitals and universities.

Our unique careers guidance service will help you to develop your career from the moment you arrive. Working closely with academics, alumni and employment providers, Careers Network provides you with advice and guidance on the recruitment process, including support with applications and interview preparation.

We also offer voluntary work which complements your studies by helping you gain practical experiences in occupational settings while contributing back to society. This can bring new skills that will be useful throughout your future and can make a positive impact on your learning whilst at university. Volunteering enables you to develop skills such as communication, interpersonal skills, teamwork, self-confidence and self-discipline all of which can be transferred into your studies.