Dental Surgery / Dentistry BDS/BChD
Study of oral health, anatomy, and clinical care - combining science, precision, and patient interaction to prepare for a career as a qualified dentist.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Want to become a dentist
Enjoy science and healthcare
Are detail-oriented
Like working with patients
Want a high-responsibility career
Popular Career Fields
Healthcare & Public Health
Government & Public Sector
Private Healthcare
Research & Academia
Your Personality Might Be:
Manual dexterity
Government & Public Sector
Patient-centered
Resilient under pressure
What is it?
What Is a Dental Surgery Degree?
Dental Surgery focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and conditions of the teeth, mouth, and gums. You’ll study oral biology, anatomy, and dental techniques while gaining extensive clinical experience treating patients.
Why Study Dental Surgery?
If you’re interested in science, health, and working with your hands, Dentistry offers a respected, hands-on, and rewarding career. Dentists play a vital role in maintaining oral and overall health while improving patients’ confidence and wellbeing.
Course Summary
Study of oral health, anatomy, and clinical care - combining science, precision, and patient interaction to prepare for a career as a qualified dentist.
What you'll study
Most Dental Surgery degrees cover:
Human anatomy, physiology, and oral biology
Dental materials and technology
Restorative and preventive dentistry
Oral pathology and microbiology
Orthodontics and paediatric dentistry
Radiography and diagnostics
Professional ethics and patient communication
In later years, you may explore special interests such as oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, community health, or dental research.
Degree Type
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) or BChD (Bachelor of Dental Surgery/Chirurgery) - both are recognised UK dental qualifications leading to registration with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Skills You'll Gain
A Dental Surgery degree helps you build both clinical and interpersonal skills, which might include:
Clinical Dental Skills – performing examinations, restorations, extractions, and other core dental procedures.
Oral Disease Diagnosis – identifying dental and gum diseases through assessment and imaging.
Patient Communication – explaining treatments and providing calm, supportive patient care.
Manual Dexterity – carrying out precise, fine-motor procedures safely and effectively.
Treatment Planning – creating evidence-based care plans for oral health, prevention, and long-term management.
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Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
After graduation, you must complete one year of Dental Foundation Training (DFT) before practising independently.
Career options include:
General dental practice (NHS or private)
Community or hospital dentistry
Orthodontics or oral surgery (with further training)
Dental public health or academic research
Work Experiences & Placements
Clinical experience is central to all Dentistry degrees. You’ll work under supervision in:
University dental hospitals and clinics
NHS and community dental services
Outreach placements in schools or public health settings
These experiences develop your clinical confidence and understanding of patient care.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent requiring Chemistry and Biology, with top universities often preferring a third Science or Maths.
Personal Statement Tips
Explain your motivation to become a dentist.
Reflect on any shadowing, volunteering, or patient-care experience.
Highlight manual skills, attention to detail, and compassion.
Show understanding of the challenges and rewards of dental work.
You’ll also attend interviews or MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews) to assess communication, reasoning, and ethical judgement.
What to do Next
Arrange work experience in a dental practice or healthcare setting.
Prepare early for the UCAT or BMAT exams.
Attend open days or virtual sessions to explore facilities.
Keep up to date with developments in dentistry and oral health.
Wider Reading
Dental Anatomy and Tooth Morphology — Major M. Ash & Stanley J. Nelson
A clear introduction to the structure, function, and form of human teeth.Anatomy for Dental Students — Eric W. Baker, Margaret J. F. Fehrenbach & Susan W. Herring
Covers essential head and neck anatomy with dental relevance.Essentials of Dental Caries — Ove Petersson & Svante Twetman (eds.)
Explains the causes and management of tooth decay — a key clinical topic.Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry — David A. Mitchell et al.
A practical, quick-reference guide to clinical practice and patient care in dentistry.Clinical Guide to Oral Health in Older Adults — David J. M. Cannon & Athena Papas (eds.)
Introduces age-related dental issues and care approaches — useful for broad clinical understanding.