Dentistry

Dentistry is the health profession dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions of the mouth, teeth, and oral structures. Dentists work across a wide range of clinical activities, from restorative work and preventive care to oral surgery, orthodontics, and the management of complex oral health conditions. The profession requires a blend of scientific knowledge, manual dexterity, clinical reasoning, and the interpersonal skills to put patients at ease and communicate clearly about treatment.

As a registered dental practitioner, you will be making consequential decisions about people's health and wellbeing from the outset of your career.

At the University of Bristol, this five-year programme leads to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree, which qualifies you to register with the General Dental Council and practise as a dentist. Bristol moved into a new Dental School building in September 2023, designed with input from current students and staff and equipped with the latest facilities and equipment, providing an exceptional environment for clinical education. The programme includes a foundation year, which provides additional academic preparation before the clinical dental curriculum begins.

You will develop the scientific foundations of dentistry, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology, alongside the full range of clinical dental skills, from examination and diagnosis through to the delivery of a wide range of treatments under supervision in clinical settings. Patient communication, professional ethics, and the management of dental anxiety are all part of the curriculum.

On qualifying and registering with the GDC, you will typically complete a Foundation Dentistry year in general practice before developing your career. Pathways include general practice dentistry, hospital dental posts in areas such as oral surgery or orthodontics, community dental service, research, and academic dentistry. Specialist training routes lead to registration in fields including oral surgery, restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, and orthodontics.