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Medicine at UEA
Find out more about studying Medicine at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBDS Dental Surgery
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- UCAS Course Code
- A200
- Course Length
- 5 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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Course Overview
Why Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at UEA?
Train as a patient-focused dentist through hands-on clinical experience and integrated learning. Build the skills and confidence to deliver high-quality dental care across a wide range of real-world settings.
Why choose us
- Early patient contact: Gain practical experience and develop strong clinical and communication skills
- Community-based training: Learn in real settings, meeting diverse patient needs
- Integrated curriculum: Study science, clinical care, and teamwork to understand the patient journey
What is the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)?
This five-year programme combines cutting-edge science with hands-on clinical training to prepare you for modern dental practice. From day one, you’ll begin developing your skills through a patient-centred approach.
You'll develop diagnostic, treatment planning and clinical skills through simulation and supervised patient care. Learning is structured around real-world clinical scenarios and decision-making.
The course prepares you for Dental Foundation Training and a wide range of careers in modern dental practice. You'll graduate ready to deliver safe, effective and compassionate care.
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Accreditations
This course is subject to approval by the General Dental Council (GDC). The programme has been provisionally accepted by the GDC and is progressing through the final stages of the approval process.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), you could develop a career as a:
- General Dentist: Provide preventive and restorative care in NHS, private, or mixed practice settings
- Community Dentist: Deliver care for patients with additional needs in community and specialist services
- Hospital Dentist: Work in oral and maxillofacial teams supporting complex patient care
- Dental Specialist: Train further in areas such as orthodontics, oral surgery, or paediatric dentistry
- Dental Academic or Researcher: Teach, research, and contribute to advances in dental science and education
Career Support
You’ll receive tailored career support throughout your degree, including guidance on Dental Foundation Training and postgraduate pathways. A dedicated careers lead will support your progression into professional practice. You’ll build skills in communication, leadership, and teamwork valued across dental careers. You’ll also connect with practitioners and mentors to help plan your future. At UEA, Career Central can support you with CVs, applications, and interview preparation. You’ll also get help finding opportunities, building networks, and exploring career options. Support continues for up to three years after graduation, helping you take your next step with confidence.
After the Course
Upon successful completion, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the General Dental Council and progress to Dental Foundation Training. This is the usual first step towards practicing as a dentist in the UK. The programme prepares you for a wide range of careers across modern dental practice. Graduates will be well equipped to contribute to improving oral health in diverse populations.
Study and Modules
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Teaching combines scientific knowledge, clinical skills, and professional development through an integrated, patient-centred approach. You’ll learn through lectures, small-group teaching, simulation, and supervised clinical experience, with early patient contact building confidence from the start. You’ll be supported by experienced staff in a collaborative learning environment throughout your degree.
In year one, you’ll focus on scientific foundations, simulation, and the early development of clinical and communication skills.
In year two, you’ll build on your knowledge with increased simulation and supervised patient interaction.
In year three, you’ll gain greater clinical exposure and apply your learning in real-world settings.
In year four, you’ll develop advanced clinical skills with increased responsibility for patient care.
In year five, you’ll consolidate your skills and prepare for independent practice and Dental Foundation Training.
Assessment
Assessment is continuous and designed to support your development as a safe and competent dental practitioner. You'll be assessed through a range of methods reflecting real-world clinical practice. These include written assessments, clinical examinations and workplace-based assessments. Regular feedback supports your progression and development throughout the course.
Year one includes written assessments and early clinical evaluations to develop your foundational knowledge and professional skills.
In year two, you’ll have continued written and clinical assessments with increasing focus on applying your knowledge to clinical scenarios.
Year three will involve a combination of written, clinical and workplace-based assessments reflecting your growing clinical responsibility.
Assessment in year four focuses on clinical competence, treatment planning and safe delivery of patient care.
In year five, final assessments demonstrate your readiness for professional practice and transition to Dental Foundation Training.
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Fees and Funding
Course Related Costs
Please see additional course fees for details of course-related costs.