UCAS course code A200, institution code Q50
5 year (1st year entry) full time course integrating biological principles with clinical teaching
Teaching methods at Queen Mary Dental School include seminars, laboratory class work, tutorials, computer-assisted learning (CAL), projects and library work. Problem-Based Learning is also introduced near the end of the programme to bring together theoretical learning with clinically relevant scenarios. There is a team approach to clinical training, and dental students have the opportunity to work alongside trainee dental nurses, therapists and technicians.
Over the five year BDS programme at Queen Mary Dental School, students will cover three main components.
In stage 1: the Fundamentals of Dentistry; students will be introduced to basic biological principles, including the normal biological structure and function of cells; the body’s main organ and systems; the effects of illness on people and their families; the impact of environmental and social factors on health; and clinical skills.
In stage 2: Integrated Clinical Practice; students will learn about various body systems in health and disease, with particular emphasis on oral biology – the oral tissues in health and disease. This will be delivered via a series of ten modules that include the oral cavity, prosthodontics, human health and disease, child oral health, and plaque related diseases. The integrated multidisciplinary modules of pathology, pharmacology, social and psychological sciences, medical ethics and law, clinical and communication skills, and dental materials science provide the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes and understanding of scientific and clinical principles that are required to provide appropriate and adequate care for patients. There is also opportunity to study particular topics of interest in greater depth.
In stage 3: Preparation of Dental Practice; students will consolidate knowledge, skills and behaviour developed throughout the course through the medium of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), whereby groups of six to 8 students work together to answer a clinically relevant question.
Students will also gain insight into dental ethics and law through case-orientated group discussion, in topics such as informed consent, truth telling, confidentiality, medical and dental experimentation and research, rights of children and people with a mental illness or learning impairment, and the moral and legal obligations of the dental practitioner.
Communication skills are developed in small groups using role-play scenarios with each other and simulated patients, where students will practice taking dental and medical histories as well as patient examination.
Clinical skills are taught in two on-site polyclinics, one for adults, and one for children.
Students will spend a considerable amount of time in clinical contact with patients at the Dental Hospital where students will take responsibility for the dental care of patients and develop a wide variety of practical clinical skills throughout the 5 year programme. There is also opportunity for students to study at the Royal London and St Bartholomew’s Hospitals and various outreach community and dental clinics.
Students will also spend time observing General Dental Practitioners in General Practice.
Students will be expected to work a 35-hour week and all students are allocated a personal tutor who will provide support and guidance throughout the course.
A progress file / reflective logbook kept by all students on the programme is used to reflect on daily experiences and achievements as well as helping to devise personal action plans and targets.
Each year, students will be assessed with regards to the knowledge and problem-solving skills acquired throughout the year using multiple choice questions (MCQs), extending matching questions (EMQs) and short answer questions (SAQs). Communication and clinical skills will be assessed by the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Students will also be continually assessed during the year in a wide variety of forms including coursework and projects, which contribute significant marks the overall examinations. This encourages consistent study and promotes life learning for continuing professional development.
The elective period involves students studying a chosen topic and gaining valuable experience either in the UK or abroad.
Dental students from years 2 (subject to approval), 3 or 4 may apply for an intercalated degree in a various biomedically related subjects, an excellent opportunity for students to think critically and study in depth, as well as carry out research, in the scientific basis of the medical sciences leading to a greater understanding of their clinical studies. There are 11 intercalated courses available including Oral Biology, Neuroscience, and Community Health Sciences leading to either a Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSci) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. For more details on intercalation, please see the institution website.
For graduates with a good science or health-related honours degree (either first or upper second class degree) wishing to pursue a career in dentistry, there is a fast-track four year full time course leading to a Bachelor of Dentistry (BDS) honours degree (A201). For more details and how to apply please see the institution website or refer to UCAS.
Academic entry requirements
A levels: AAB grades at A Level including Biology or Chemistry at the first sitting. The subject not offered at A Level must be offered at AS Level at grade B or above. A second science subject is required at A Level if both Biology and Chemistry have not been taken to A2 plus an additional AS level in any academic subject at Grade B or above. General Studies is not accepted. PE or Psychology is not regarded as a Science subject.
Applicants who have retaken their A levels will not be considered unless there are very exceptional extenuating circumstances either during or immediately prior to the A level examination period. The standard requirement for these candidates is AAA grades at A level.
GCSEs: Minimum of 6 good GCSEs with at least grade B in Mathematics, English Language and two Sciences. Retakes to achieve the required grades in Mathematics, English Language or two Science subjects are allowed and applicants will still be considered.
International Baccalaureate: Minimum 36 points overall with grades 6,6,5 at Higher Level. A score of 6 must be achieved in Chemistry or Biology and there must be two Science subjects at Higher Level overall. If Biology or Chemistry is not taken to Higher Level, it must be achieved at Subsidiary Level. English should be offered at either Higher or Subsidiary Level.
English: A minimum of GCSE grade B in English is required for this course.
Overseas international students require a minimum of GCSE grade C in English or International English Language Testing Score (IELTS) of 7.5 overall, or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600+ (paper test) or 250+ (computer test), or Cambridge proficiency in English at Grade C or above.
UKCAT: All applicants must sit the UKCAT test before the 15 October of the year of application. UKCAT tests cognitive ability and is used as an additional screening tool for the suitability of each candidate prior to interview.
For other accepted entry requirements, please see the institution website or refer to UCAS:
http://www.smd.qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/faqs/
Work experience: All candidates must have undertaken some relevant work experience in a dental field. In addition, voluntary work undertaken in social care environments will be considered.
Health screening: All students who have accepted an offer at Bart’s and the London will be required to complete and return a confidential medical questionnaire to screen for Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) and Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. All dental students must provide evidence that they are not carriers of Hepatitis B or C before they can be admitted. Immunisation against Hepatitis B is necessary.
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) enhanced disclosure: In accordance with the General Dental Council (GDC) guidelines on Fitness to Practice, all students offered a place at Bart’s and the London will be required to undergo a police check through the Criminal Records Bureau at enhanced level which will disclose any convictions, cautions and reprimands. All costs of these checks must be paid by the applicant. All offers of a place are subject to this disclosure.
Applicants must apply via UCAS by 15 October. Applications will not normally be considered after this date. Candidates may apply for a maximum of four dentistry courses on the UCAS form, and may apply for additional non-health programmes.
The UCAS application must include a personal statement, which should include reasons for applying for dentistry, as well as any hobbies, interests, voluntary work, or travel that may support your application. Candidates should be able to show evidence of commitment to and a realistic appreciation of the academic, physical and emotional demands of a career in dentistry. Applicants wishing to defer entry will be considered and details of year how that year will be spent should be included. Any extenuating circumstances should also be mentioned. The application should also include a supporting tutor’s reference, which will be used to check for suitability for the School of Dentistry.
Successful candidates will be invited for interview which will run from December through to February. The interview panel, which may contain tutors, admissions staff, dentists and current students, will be looking for qualities that are considered necessary as a good dentist.
Applicants who score highly at interview may be made an offer within a week of interview. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed within a week. For other candidates who have less highly at interview, there may be a waiting period for a decision. All decisions will also be confirmed via UCAS.
Undergraduate and Admissions enquiries
Bart’s and the London
School of Medicine and Dentistry
Garrod Building
Turner Street
Whitechapel
London E1 2AD
United Kingdom
Email: medicaladmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)207 882 8478
Fax: +44 (0)207 882 7284