Dental Surgery (BDS)

We use a variety of methods to enrich your learning experience. These include lectures, small-group seminars and tutorials, individual teaching on clinics and e-learning. Project work allows you to work in groups or individually and you will be encouraged to research topics and present work to your peers. Other methods include problem solving exercises and practical classes. Simulation is used to deliver and develop key skills such as managing medical emergencies.

How will I be supported?

You will receive pastoral support from personal tutors throughout your undergraduate training. When on placements, you will be supported by an experienced clinical lead. Furthermore, you will benefit from individualised academic support from the supervisors, topic and year leads.

General communication will typically be delivered using Learning Central, the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, to which all students have access. Notes from lectures and other course material, as well as online assessments, will be available on Learning Central.  Our SMS Service also allows important information to be communicated from the USC directly to mobile phones.

The School of Dentistry operates an inclusive curriculum policy. This means that, for most academic assessments, reasonable adjustments can be made in line with recommendations from the Student Support Unit. High professional standards are expected, and although reasonable adjustments will be met as far as possible, the School will need to consider the requirements of the General Dental Council. If you have concerns regarding adjustments you may need, we are happy to discuss the nature, implications and potential solutions as part of the pre-application process.

Feedback

Formative feedback is provided on every preclinical and clinical session, and following assessment tasks at all stages and students are encouraged to use personalised feedback to inform their future learning. Assessments at each level are scheduled at appropriate stages, and are identifiable within an assessment blueprint so that students can plan their studies.

How will I be assessed?

The assessments will be an opportunity to show that you’ve reached the required standards to  receive your Bachelor’s degree, and have achieved the General Dental Council’s (GDC) required competency and standards to qualify as an independent practicing dental surgeon.

You will be assessed across four areas identified by the GDC, which include clinical knowledge and skills, interpersonal skills, professionalism and self-management (Safe practitioner framework 2023).

Assessment tasks could include written examinations and assignments, case reports, practical skills tests, projects, portfolios, online assessments, oral presentations and clinical oral examinations.

What skills will I practise and develop?

• Clinical skills - You will develop the clinical skills required to graduate as an independent practising dental surgeon
   
• Team-working - You will undertake a variety of group-based activities, working in pairs and alternating between operating and assisting. This develops your ability to work collaboratively. We ensure that you work closely with the wider Dental Team, including; NHS Consultants, Dental Care Professionals, Dental Nurses, Dental Technicians and administrative staff.
   
• Communication skills - You will develop the ability to communicate effectively throughout the course, from formal lectures to interaction with individuals from different backgrounds. You are expected to demonstrate this ability through a commitment to a reflective practice ePortfolio.
   
• Self-directed learning - You are expected to commit a substantial amount of time to self- directed learning, using the vast information resource provided. Your ability to drive your learning and development will be vital in continued personal and professional development.
   
• Information technology - Skills will be developed through Computer Aided Learning, Word Processing, Statistical Packages, Presentation software, information skills and the computer-based patient booking and electronic record system SALUD.
   
• Interview skills - You are prepared for interviews by dedicated sessions with actors. This gives valuable practice for scenarios you could face during OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) along with techniques for formal interviews.

• Project work - You will develop scientific writing skills and literature review skills during project work. 

Upon graduation, as a result of engaging fully with the course, you will be able to:

• practise safely and effectively, making the high quality long term care of patients your first concern;
• recognise the role and responsibility of being a dental practitioner, and demonstrate professionalism through their education, training and practice in accordance with GDC guidance;
• demonstrate effective clinical decision making;
• describe principles of good research, how to access research and interpret it as part of an evidence based approach to practice;
• apply an evidence-based approach to learning, practice, clinical judgment and decision making, using critical thinking and problem solving skills;
• accurately assess your capabilities and limitations, demonstrating reflective practice in the interest of high quality patient care;
• recognise the importance of lifelong learning and apply it to practice.