Course details
- A level requirements: AAA
- UCAS code: A200
- Study mode: Full-time
- Length: 5 years
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The University of Liverpool School of Dentistry offers a unique research-connected learning environment that is primarily focused on developing each individual, so that they can each realise their personal potential as well as qualify as a professional capable of providing compassionate, evidence-based, holistic dental care to patients.
Welcome to the School of Dentistry.
Students from different dental disciplines have the opportunity to work side-by-side and develop their skills in state-of-the-art simulation suites. Student growth is supported by our world-leading learning technology systems that provide personalised developmental progress information so that learning needs can be tailored by the individual. This personalised and supportive approach enables our students to have early access to patients, in their first year, so that developing skills can be authentically consolidated and integrated in the real-world situation. At Liverpool we take a blended approach to learning; this means that we use some online learning but with a predominance of in-person face to face teaching.
The School’s educational approach is driven by an ethos of continuous professional development because we strongly believe that our students need to learn how to continually adapt, so that they can appropriately respond to the current, as well as future, challenges in a dynamic world.
On successful completion of the programme you’ll be granted a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree that is registrable with the General Dental Council.
This innovative programme has been specifically designed to facilitate the development of real-world clinical, team working, and leadership skills, along with essential personal growth. The BDS programme embraces the University’s hallmarks of active learning, confidence, authentic assessment, and research-connected teaching, as well as having many notable and unique design elements.
The programme shares a three year Collaborative Learning Core (CLC) with dental therapy students, where learning and collaborating in teams builds mutual respect and understanding of the varied roles of the dental team. The remaining two years of the programme will prepare you to undertake the scope of practice of a dentist.
Components within the programme are closely integrated and provide clear steps for you to develop, integrate and demonstrate your skills before building to the next level of clinical capability. Clinical experience commences in the first year of the programme and is underpinned by aligned medical and anatomical knowledge; communication skills; professionalism; ethics and clinical safety.
During the programme, you will also have opportunities to experience and develop your skills in a primary and secondary care setting and engage with the local community. Quality improvement projects are also included in the programme to ensure an in-depth understanding of clinical governance.
Learning and assessment are supported by state-of-the-art technology to provide a personalised mechanism for monitoring your progress and allowing you to take control of your own learning.
Through embedding continuous personal development within the curriculum, you will understand the importance of self-reflection, goal setting and on-going professional development, an ethos aimed at ensuring that you will be prepared for the demands of both the profession and life after University.
To apply for a place on the Bachelor of Dental Surgery BDS programme, applicants should read the admissions document and submit it as per the instructions provided on the form.
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
The aim of the first year is to transition students to learning in higher education, whilst ensuring that they gain a core knowledge base, skills, and understanding, fit for learning in the clinical environment and their future careers.
Teaching of Clinical Sciences is designed to enable students to understand clinical practice. Problem based learning is used to guide students’ understanding of the human body that will underpin their future skills. Teaching is supported through attendance to HARC (the University’s Human Anatomy Resource Centre). Students receive teaching in personal development and wellbeing, communication skills, equality and diversity, management of medical emergencies, infection control, preventive care, and periodontal health, and patient care provision. Students develop their clinical skills via blended and simulation learning before attending clinic to deliver care to patients. Students observe and assist students in senior years in order to enhance their communication skills and prepare them for learning that lies ahead.
In year two, blended learning continues as established in year one. Students will expand upon their experience and skills to enable them to deliver a more diverse range of restorative care for child and adult patients. In addition to working within Restorative Care, they attend Paediatric, Oral Diseases, and Radiology clinics to develop further clinical and diagnostic skills, and to understand a range of acute systemic conditions with oral features that may present to the dental team.
In year three, students will develop skills in extraction of primary teeth, safeguarding, management of patient anxiety, dental trauma, management of pain, health promotion, quality improvement activity and in understanding clinical research. Students will attend placement in the General Dental Services. Teaching continues to enable students to apply the basic sciences in order to understand clinical practice, to safely manage medical emergencies, and to support their personal development and wellbeing.
In year four, students will expand their restorative and surgical skills to fulfil the complete remit of a dentist. This activity includes the extraction and pulpal management of permanent teeth, the replacement of missing teeth, and the restoration of teeth using laboratory made crowns and bridges. Students will attend placement in the Community Dental Services.
The final year is spent consolidating knowledge and gaining further clinical experience. Students will attend placement in the General Dental Services, in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Aintree University Hospital, and in Paediatric Dentistry at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Students will gain knowledge and skills in clinical governance, implant dentistry, whilst engaging with activities designed to prepare them to graduate to practice as a safe beginner with a career in dentistry.
The curriculum is built on milestones, which build in complexity each year. Students are assessed based on the milestones for that year of study, which spirally build on the knowledge they have gained in previous years.
The assessment strategy for the academic components of the programme adopts a varied approach including: Multi-response format; Constructed Answer; and OSCE (Observed Structured Clinical Examination).
All summative assessments are preceded by formative assessments, after which you will receive detailed feedback. With regards to clinical activity, students must pass an assessment of basic clinical competence before being allowed to use these newly acquired skills on a patient. From this point clinical activity is continually monitored using a computerised data gathering tool. Outreach reports are also used to contextualise clinical monitoring. An important aspect of these assessments is their integrated nature, and their use in multiple clinics. This latter point is crucial to the fairness and robustness of the assessments.
Furthermore, the system ensures that all Liverpool graduates are in the advantageous position of being able to take their activity portfolio into the work place to aid their ongoing development. We use technology to facilitate online marking and feedback of assignments, deliver online tests, and collate and deliver OSCE data, providing students with more useful feedback as a result.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
You will be based in the Institute of Clinical Sciences and the Institute’s research directly influences your teaching. You’ll be taught by our most experienced practising clinicians, so you can be confident you’ll graduate as the complete dental professional. Our problem-based approach and excellent network of clinical placements mean that, alongside academic and professional skills, you will gain practical experience and apply your knowledge early in your studies, preparing you to become an excellent dentist from day one.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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There are a wide range of career opportunities within the profession. The majority of graduates will choose general dental practice within the NHS and in the private sector, whilst others might choose one of the hospital specialities, the community dental service, university teaching, or the armed forces.
Studying to become a dental professional encourages students to develop valuable, transferable skills which provide a strong foundation for their careers and their continuing professional development.
Key skills students will develop include:
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £9,250 |
Year in industry fee | £1,850 |
Year abroad fee | £1,385 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £44,550 |
Year abroad fee | £22,275 |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes costs for additional sets of scrubs, travel to placements, and occupational health clearance.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
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The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
Prior to applying for a place on the Bachelor of Dental Surgery BDS course, applicants should read the admissions information on the following web page:
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/dentistry/study/undergraduate/bachelorofdentalsurgery2025entrya200/
Please note that all applicants are required to sit the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in the year of application.
No, examinations should be taken in one sitting after two years of study, unless significant corroborated extenuating circumstances are submitted.
Module resits taken within the normal 2 year A level period e.g. an AS module retaken in the A2 year would be acceptable.
No, applications are only considered if all academic criteria is met.
No we do not have a set UCAT score cut off point at Liverpool School of Dentistry. The UCAT scores will be considered along with the personal statement and academic attainments.
No we do not accept transfers onto the BDS.
We do not consider AS levels when looking at applications.
If you do the resits while studying for your A levels then this will not affect your application.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
Your qualification | Requirements |
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A levels |
AAA including Chemistry and Biology, taken at first sitting, after two years of study. We do not accept A level resits or consider applicants who have retaken either Year 12 or Year 13. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course. Available foundation years: |
T levels |
T levels are not currently accepted. |
GCSE | Requirements in respect of GCSEs must be met. Applicants who have not taken GCSEs are required to have completed equivalent qualifications. For further information please read the admissions information on the following web page: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/dentistry/study/undergraduate/bachelorofdentalsurgery2025entrya200/ |
Subject requirements |
A level Chemistry and Biology are required. The 3rd subject may be from the Arts or Sciences. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Vocational/Applied A levels are not accepted. For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required. |
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma |
Not accepted |
International Baccalaureate |
36 Points with 6 in Higher level Chemistry and Biology |
Irish Leaving Certificate | H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 including H1 in Chemistry and Biology |
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher |
AAAAA at Higher level and AA at Advanced Higher level including Chemistry and Biology. |
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | Will be accepted in place of one A level, in addition to Biology and Chemistry A levels |
Access | Applicants offering Access to Higher Education Diplomas should present from courses with significant Biology and Chemistry content at level 3. Candidates are expected to achieve a distinction in 45 credits at level 3. For the full Access course requirements please read the admissions information on the following web page: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/dentistry/study/undergraduate/bachelorofdentalsurgery2025entrya200/ |
Work Experience Requirements |
Evidence required |
Duty of Care |
The University has an obligation to undertake health screening of all prospective dentistry students. Any offer of a place is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This includes some obligatory immunisations and blood tests, in line with recommendations from the Department of Health. All students also need to undergo an enhanced DBS check before admittance to the programme. Mature Students View our Mature Students and Access courses pages for more information. |
International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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IELTS | IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 7.0 |
TOEFL iBT | 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 24, writing 24, reading 24 and speaking 26 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 69 with no component below 69 |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 6 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall. |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall. |
International Baccalaureate | Standard Level grade 5 or Higher Level grade 4 in English B, English Language and Literature, or English Language |
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 30 September 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions