Dentistry in Aberdeen is designed specifically for graduates, capitalising on the knowledge and skills you already have to ensure you become a first-class dental professional. Our programme has been designed with graduates in mind, enabling you to capitalise on the existing knowledge and transferable skills from your previous degree. From day one, you will be preparing to be a dental professional, benefiting from early clinical problem solving and patient contact, and an integrated approach to learning.
The dental curriculum uses a variety of teaching methods including case based learning. You will be engaged in reflective practice from an early stage in your clinical experience. During the course, you will be taught by and observe a wide range of dental professionals from both primary and secondary care services. NHS Education for Scotland (NES), the dental protection organisations and the GDC are also engaged in many of the learning opportunities.
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree is a five year programme in the UK for undergraduate entry. At Aberdeen we run a graduate entry pathway which allows for direct entry into year 2 and the programme is then completed in four years. With only 20 places available each year, applicants to Aberdeen must demonstrate that their prior formal qualifications have covered relevant biomedical subjects.
Within the programme students undertake both academic study and practical patient care. Patient care is introduced early and under close supervision from experienced clinicians. 100% of our graduates have gone on to find employment after graduation.
Course Details - Modules
In year 1 you will develop a sound understanding of the oral environment, basic aspects of dental health and disease, together with an appreciation of the principles of patient management, communication and ethical practice. You will begin practical training in the clinical skills lab and have direct patient contact in your second term.
Course Details – Assessment Method
A range of assessment methods are used including: Written examinations, such as single best answer questions and clinical scenario papers; Practical examinations; Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and Structured Clinical Objective Testing (SCOTs) will provide clinical assessment of your skills.
The exact mix of assessment methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
General Dental Council
How to Apply
15 October This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
A201
Institution code:
A20
Campus Name:
Main Site
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
The entry requirement for admission is a good Honours degree (First or Upper Second-Class) in a medical or health-related science degree (eg biomedical science, anatomy, pharmacy). Candidates with a first degree in medicine will also be considered.
The admissions process also involves suitably qualified applicants sitting an entrance test (UKCAT) and the scores obtained are used with other criteria to select for interview. All applicants must complete this test in the year prior to entry. For more information on the UKCAT test, including registration dates, please refer to the UKCAT website.
Candidates whose first language is not English must also achieve an IELTS overall score of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in the speaking section.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
IELTS (Academic)
7.0
Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 7.0 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above.
TOEFL (iBT)
100.0
Listening - 21 or above; Reading - 22 or above; Speaking - 28 or above; Writing - 21 or above.
PTE Academic
70.0
Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 70 or above; Writing - 59 or above.
Trinity ISE
Pass overall at ISE III with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills.
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. Alternative English Language qualifications are NOT accepted for Medicine (MB ChB) applicants. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.
Medicine English Language Requirements are detailed here: