Program Overview

Overview of the Dentistry Program

The Institute of Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London offers a five-year degree in dentistry, designed to help students build the skills needed to become dental professionals. The program covers the care of the mouth, including the prevention and treatment of dental diseases, screening for oral cancers, managing trauma, orthodontics, and oral surgery.

Structure of the Program

The program is structured into five years, with each year building on the previous one. The first year provides a comprehensive foundation in basic sciences, clinical practice, and professionalism. The subsequent years focus on developing clinical skills, with substantial portions of time spent with patients and complementary educational activities.

Year 1

• Fundamentals of clinical practice
• Introduction to the fundamental biological, clinical, and professional principles needed to begin the journey as a dental practitioner
• Emphasis on early clinical exposure, patient-centred care, and the development of essential skills
• Core modules focus on the structure and function of body tissues, organs, and systems, with a particular emphasis on oral health and function

Years 2-4

• Developing clinical skills
• Application and integration of knowledge gained in the first year to body systems in both health and disease
• Topic areas geared towards the requirements of a dental practitioner
• Substantial portions of time spent with patients, coupled with complementary educational activities

Year 5

• Preparation for practice
• Application and consolidation of knowledge and skills in preparation for professional dental practice
• Exposure to a greater range of cases, including hospital-based treatments
• Teaching delivered through symposia, small group teaching, modules, and wide clinical experience

Teaching and Learning

• Lectures, seminars, and symposia
• Outreach clinical teaching
• Practical sessions in clinical skills laboratories, Haptics, VR, and IT labs
• Training in interview techniques and special sessions devoted to communication between dentists, patients, and members of the Dental Team

Assessment

• Continuous assessment, including in-course examinations, independent projects, and success in student-selected components
• Longitudinal assessments to evaluate the development of clinical competence, interpersonal skills, and professionalism throughout all years
• Examinations to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed throughout the program
• Formative assessments to identify areas where additional help is needed
• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) to assess clinical and communication skills

Entry Requirements

• UCAT: Fourth decile or above, SJT Bands 1-3
• A-Level: A*AA (results must be achieved in one sitting over a study period of no longer than two years)
• Must include Biology or Chemistry, and a second science (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Mathematics)
• IB: 37 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 666, including Chemistry or Biology plus one further science subject
• BTEC: BTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this program
• Degree: 2:1 or above in any degree subject with supporting Biology and Chemistry qualifications where necessary
• GCSE: Six GCSEs at grades AAABBB, including Biology, Chemistry, English Language or English Literature, and Mathematics

Funding

• Loans and grants available for UK and EU students
• NHS pays tuition fees for Year 5 and beyond
• Scholarships and bursaries available, including the John Abernethy (Barts) Scholarship
• Support from Queen Mary, including specialist support on financial and welfare issues

Careers

• Most graduates go on to work as Dental Foundation Trainees
• Opportunities for specialization in various areas, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, and restorative dentistry
• Career support, including workshops, talks, and practical sessions to prepare students for applying for their first job as a dental professional

About the School

• The Institute of Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London has a long and proud record of internationally recognized excellence in oral and dental science
• Consistently ranked in the top 20 in the world for dentistry in the QS World University Rankings by Subject
• Research-led institution, with a strong sense of community and a relatively small dental school with around 70 students per year

Course Data

• 63% of students say staff value students' views and opinions about the course
• 75% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 93% of students are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course