Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Medicine and Dentistry are about people - caring for patients and their families. Barts and The London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry serves a population in east London of unrivalled diversity and the clinical experience which every student gains in the School is second to none.
Studying Dentistry at Barts and the London
The five-year course leading to Bachelor of Dental Surgery is designed around integrated multidisciplinary modules and aims to:
- Provide learning and assessment which covers the main aspects of dentistry;
- Provide a friendly supportive learning environment for our students throughout their course;
- Produce a caring, knowledgeable, competent and skilful dentist whom is capable of independent practice on graduation in line with the recommendations of the General Dental Council (GDC) in the 'First Five Years'
These provide the means to gain the appropriate knowledge, skills, attitudes and understanding of scientific and clinical principles so that you are able to apply them to the prevention, alleviation and treatment of oral diseases. Great emphasis is placed on the acquisition of clinical skills by working closely with your teachers and by providing care for your patients
The course is divided into stages:
Stage 1 - Fundamentals of Dentistry (Term 1)
This introductory part of the course introduces you to basic biological principles and the acquisition of study skills including how to work in small groups, where to find information and how to make the best use of the extensive IT resources available to you. You will be introduced to the principles of the ethical issues surrounding dental care. Clinical skills' teaching begins in the early part of this first term.
Stages 2a-d - Integrated Clinical Practice (Terms 2-13)
In this major part of the course you will learn about the various body systems in health and disease, with topic areas specifically geared towards the requirements of a dentist in training. Particular emphasis is placed on Oral Biology. The study of the normal structure and function of the oral cavity and adjacent tissues leads on to consideration of abnormalities and diseases and how to deal with them. The effect that systemic disorders have on oral health and the management of dental patients also forms an important part of the course. Throughout the course, you develop a wide variety of practical clinical skills that are obtained through the experience of treating patients. A considerable amount of time is spent in clinical contact with patients, in addition to supportive educational activities such as seminars, laboratory class work, tutorials, computer-assisted learning, projects and library work. Where appropriate, topics are dealt with in an integrated and multidisciplinary manner, incorporating input from all relevant disciplines and a range of staff. A particular objective of the dental curriculum is to achieve a greater level of integration between the clinical and basic science components of the course throughout the five years of study.
Selected Study Modules provide you with the opportunity to study particular areas of interest in greater depth. Subjects such as pathology, pharmacology, social and psychological sciences, medical ethics and law, clinical and communication skills and dental materials science run as integral threads throughout the course.
Stage 3 - Preparation for Vocational Training (Terms 14 & 15)
The final part of the course enables you to consolidate the knowledge, skills and attitudes developed throughout the course in preparation for vocational training and general dental practice.
The BDS examination comprises five Parts taken at strategic times during the five years, if excellence is achieved then BDS with Honours may be awarded. We aim to match the module and thread aims and objectives; enhance critical thought, reflection and expression of yourselves, encourage the need to recognise and log the development of skills, and provide feedback as part. A Reflective Logbook / Progress File is used by all students to promote these skills and inform student progress.
Assessment
The BDS examination will be in four parts designed to assess knowledge and problem-solving skills derived from study during the preceding year as well as communication and clinical skills using multiple choice questions, extended matching and short answer questions and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) respectively.
Continuous assessment, in a wide variety of forms matched to the patterns of learning also contributes significant marks to examinations. This encourages consistent study and promotes lifelong learning for continuing professional development. Selected Study Modules including an Elective Period are included and contribute towards continuous assessments.
How to apply and further information
Full details of these courses in Dentistry can be found in the separate prospectus of Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry and the School of Medicine and Dentistry website.
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