Program Overview

Overview of the Dental Science Program

The Dental Science program at Trinity College Dublin is a five-year, full-time course that leads to the award of a B.Dent.Sc. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8) and a 5-year (NFQ Level 9) degree. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to become competent dentists.

Course Details

• Awards: B.Dent.Sc. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8) and 5 year (NFQ Level 9)
• CAO Information: CAO Points 625 (2024), CAO Code TR052
• Number of Places: 32 Places

Admission Requirements

Leaving Certificate:

• H3 and H4 in two of: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics/Chemistry
• If you do not have a qualification in Physics, you must present Mathematics at O4/H6 or better

Advanced GCE (A-Level):

• Grade B and Grade C in two of: Physics, Chemistry or Biology
• If you do not have a qualification in Physics, you must present GCSE Mathematics at Grade B or better

International Baccalaureate:

• HL Grade 5 and 6 in two of Physics, Chemistry or Biology
• If you do not have a qualification in Physics, you must present Mathematics at IB SL Grade 5

Course Structure

The curriculum is largely delivered in a problem-based learning (PBL) format, which aims to provide students with the skills to continuously evaluate and update their knowledge and clinical practice throughout their professional career. PBL encourages students to engage in self-directed learning and aims to provide graduates with the skills necessary for life-long learning, which is a requirement for all health care professionals.

First and Second Years

• Personal and Professional Development
• Human Biology I
• Physical Science
• Basic Dental Care
• Human Biology II
• Oral Biology and Introduction to Pathology
• Public Dental Health

In the second year, students will develop particular communication skills, learning how to interpret and explain clinical signs and symptoms of systemic and oral disease with particular reference to dental practice, and begin to practice the clinical skills necessary for the treatment of patients.

Third, Fourth, and Fifth Years

• Clinical Medical Sciences
• Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics
• Comprehensive Patient Care I
• Comprehensive Patient Care II
• Advanced Restorative Dentistry I
• Child Dental Health
• Oral Medicine
• Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology I
• Public Dental Health
• Comprehensive Patient Care III
• Advanced Restorative Dentistry II
• Public and Child Dental Health
• Oral Medicine
• Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology II
• Evidence-Based Dentistry

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Dental Science program in Trinity are widely recognised for their clinical experience and are highly sought after. There is a wide range of career options open to newly qualified dentists, from general dental practice providing both state-funded or private dental care, or in the salaried public dental service. Many graduates choose to continue their education, specialising in one area within dentistry. Dentistry gives scope to work and travel worldwide. Citizens of the EU who graduate from an EU dental school may practice anywhere in the EU and there is currently demand for dentists all over Europe.

Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Additional Requirements

All offers of admission to this course are made subject to health screening. Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting. All students are required to purchase a dental instrument kit during the second year of the programme, with an approximate cost of €3,500.

Conclusion

The Dental Science program at Trinity College Dublin is a comprehensive and clinically focused course that prepares students for a successful career in dentistry. With its problem-based learning approach, extensive clinical experience, and wide range of career opportunities, this program is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about oral healthcare and want to make a difference in the lives of their patients.