Building on the graduate’s prior knowledge in an extended Year One, the School fast-tracks graduates through the medical core of Years One and Two of the five-year programme. The programme develops such that the underlying biomedical sciences are integrated with an increasing proportion of clinical practice. Theoretical learning is carried out in small, problem-based groups and is supported by lectures, together with Communication and Clinical Skills components, the Human Anatomy Resource Centre and laboratory sessions. Students will be integrated with the second year students on the five-year A200 course and will be cutting their first cavities at an early stage of the first term. At the end of Year One, students will undertake the same assessment as those completing Year Two of the five-year programme. Successful candidates will then follow the final three years of the five-year BDS programme (A200). Why this subject? Investment. The School has undergone a major £6 million investment programme, funded by the Department of Health (DoH) and the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), to enhance our teaching facilities and to allow us to accommodate more students. The investment programme included the construction of special care dentistry suites and oral surgery suites, state-of-the-art training facilities, new tutorial rooms, enhanced patient facilities, new research laboratories and a new student common room. Integrated programme. We offer a highly integrated, preventative-orientated programme with Dentistry taught holistically and in the context of the primary care services. Personal responsibility for learning. Supported by the School of Dentistry, you will take a very high level of responsibility for your personal learning and progress, and for the management of your patients’ care. Central location. Most of the teaching is carried out at the Liverpool University Dental Hospital (LUDH), housed within the University precinct a few minutes’ walk from the Students’ Union, libraries and city centre. The hospital has over 60,000 patient attendances annually and contains the most up-to-date equipment and facilities. Hands-on experience. Our problem-based learning (PBL) approach to study ensures ours is a practical approach from day one. In the final two years, BDS students undertake clinical training in clinics of the Community Dental Service and general dental practices around Merseyside, thus easing the transition into post-qualification employment.

There is a wide range of career opportunities within the profession. The majority of BDS 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. Around 80% will go into general dental practice, becoming partners or associates within the practice. Graduates in Dental Hygiene/Therapy find equally varied and rewarding careers as dental hygienists and therapists. The majority work in dental practice where they undertake an increasingly wide range of dental procedures. Postgraduate opportunities For students who wish to continue their studies at postgraduate level, Dental Sciences at Liverpool offers the Professional Doctorate programme, which is delivered in a modular format. In addition, we currently offer research degrees leading to MPhil, MDS and PhD, which may be studied on a full or part-time basis in a selected area of study, drawing on the specialisms of members of staff. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short courses are also run which are non-credit bearing. Qualifying you for life Studying dentistry encourages students to develop valuable, transferable skills which provide a strong foundation for their careers and their continuing professional development. Key skills displayed by all of our graduates include: Communication skills (both oral and written) Critical reasoning skills Clinical skills Professionalism Team working Lifelong learning