Dental Surgery BDS

Communication and professionalism are key attributes to treat patients effectively, and you'll develop these throughout the course. You'll also understand oral disease and preventive care, and take part in clinical sessions, preparing you to apply your knowledge with real patients through our partnership with Birmingham Community NHS Foundation Trust.

• Start observing treatments and interacting with diverse patients from your first year, progressing to treating your own set of patients by the end of second year.
• Train in the £50 million Birmingham Dental Hospital, the UK's first integrated dental hospital and school built in nearly 40 years.
• Access state-of-the-art teaching facilities and a modern learning environment, including a computerised phantom head lab, exclusive clinics, study spaces, and computer clusters.
• Participate in Specialty Clinics with trained specialists and work alongside respected local practitioners and academic staff in broad patient care sessions.
• Follow your interests and choose a special study module in your final year. Expand your knowledge, skills and experience in a clinical area of your choice.

Birmingham University Dental Students Society (BUDSS) 

BUDSS is more than just a society; it's a supportive community dedicated to your well-being, academic success and making the most out of your university experience. As the oldest and largest student dental society in the UK, it is a community like no other. Join sports teams and compete in campus leagues and friendly matches. Enjoy a packed social calendar with events like the sell-out Dental Ball, multicultural celebrations, and talent shows. There's something for everyone!

Varied teaching methods - From lectures and small group work to individual tuition in clinical areas and lab work in our dedicated facilities.

Global expertise - Learn from leading academics, respected clinicians, and published professors including renowned authors and international educators with extensive experience from around the world.

E-Learning - Our custom-made systems empower you to take control of your learning by setting goals and reflecting on your progress. You can upload images of your work to visually track your practical sessions. If you need extra support, we can quickly identify and provide it.

Support during your studies

You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham:

Personal academic tutors – You will be assigned your own personal academic tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.

Student Services Centre - Located within the Medical School, our Wellbeing Officers are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need advice and guidance, referrals to internal and external services, or help with extenuating circumstances, drop into our student services centre for comprehensive support.

Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you transition to a new style of learning. At the start of each module, you'll receive details on your assessments and get feedback within four weeks to help you improve. Assessments may include coursework such as essays, group and individual presentations, clinical work and formal exams. 

Contact hours

• Year 1: Approximately 26% spent in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials and lab practice), 73% on independent study and 1% on placement.
  
  
• Year 2: Approximately 35% spent in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials and lab practice), 55% on independent study and 10% on placement.
  
  
• Year 3: Approximately 28% spent in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials and lab practice), 32% on independent study and 40% on placement.
  
  
• Year 4: Approximately 11% spent in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials and lab practice), 39% on independent study and 50% on placement.
  
  
• Year 5: Approximately 9% spent in scheduled teaching (lectures, small group tutorials and lab practice), 31% on independent study and 60% on placement.

Please note that the percentage of time spent in lectures, seminars and similar reported in the Key Information Sets (KIS) data does not include clinical training, and additional time is allocated for this vital form of learning, which depending on the clinical year ranges from between an additional 20 - 50 per cent.

The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Applying to Dentistry

For a full breakdown of our admissions process, including entry requirements for all applicant categories, how we select for interview as well as more information about the interview process, please visit our dedicated Applying to Dentistry webpages. 

Number of A levels required: 3

Required subjects and grades

A levels must include Chemistry and Biology. These must be obtained in one sitting, in the same exam period of the same year. Human Biology may be offered, but not in addition to Biology. General Studies and EPQ not accepted. A Level resits are not considered.

GCSE

GCSE required subjects to include A*/8 in Biology and Chemistry and A/7 in Mathematics and English Language or Literature. GCSE resits are not considered.

Minimum age requirement

As this programme has a mandatory clinical placement, every applicant for admission to the University must have reached the age of 18 years on 1 October of the year of entry.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• TOEFL iBT tests taken before January 2026: 95 overall with no less than 23 in any band.
• TOEFL iBT tests taken from January 2026: 5 Overall with no less than 5 in each skill
• IELTS*: 7.0 overall with no less than 7.0 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015)***: Cambridge English: Advanced or Cambridge English: Proficiency Minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 185 in any component.
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): Not applicable.
• Trinity ISE II: Not applicable.
• Trinity ISE III: ISE IV: Pass in each Skill.

*Further information on can be found at the IELTS website. IELTS tests must be the Academic version, we cannot accept the General test.

** For more information on the Pearson Test of English visit their website.

*** For more information on Cambridge English exams, please visit their website. For Cambridge English exams taken before 2015, please see under Alternative Qualifications for the accepted grades.

**** Business School programmes require one of the following scores: A TOEFL score of 88 overall with a minimum of 22 in Writing and Speaking, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with minimum of 6.5 in Writing and Speaking, a Pearson Test of English score of 67 overall, with 67 in Writing and Speaking, a Cambridge English score of 176 overall with 176 in Writing and Speaking, a Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI) score of B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in Listening and Reading and 38 in Speaking and Writing, or a Trinity ISE III score of Merit in Speaking and Writing, Pass in other skills.

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

All applicants must:

• Apply through UCAS
• Offer acceptable academic qualifications
• Sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in year of application
• Attend interview if invited

We receive a high volume of applications for the BDS course compared to the number of places available. This means that spaces are extremely competitive and therefore the achievement of the minimum criteria for application does not guarantee an invitation to interview. 

Information for 2027/28 applicants

Applicants should be aware that the government plans to make it a requirement for newly qualified dentists to practice in the NHS for a minimum period, as announced in the 10 Year Health Plan for England. This requirement is expected to apply to individuals entering a dental course of study from academic year 2027/28. More information is expected from the Department of Health and Social Care in due course.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

The five-year BDS Dental Surgery course is followed by a one year compulsory foundation training programme in order to work within the NHS. While entry into foundation training is competitive, our dedicated teaching ensures that many of our graduates secure employment upon completion. Many of our graduates start their careers in general dental practice, with opportunities to advance into salaried dental services, industry, hospitals, and universities. Examples of roles include Dental Surgeon, Specialist Orthodontist, or even a career in education as a Clinical Lecturer or Professor in Dentistry at leading universities worldwide. 

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Flexible programmes to suit you

Not sure what you want to study?

Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work. 

Intercalated years

Our intercalated opportunities offer the chance to take a year out from your existing course to study within another field. This takes place usually between year 2 and year 3 of your programme.