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Dentistry

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After obtaining a degree in dentistry (BDS or BChD) most dental students will remain in practice and some may choose to gain further qualifications recognised by the GDC. Some will go on to train to become consultants in the hospital setting in dental specialities of orthodontics, child dental health, dental public health and restorative dentistry, with a few becoming doubly qualified as medics and going on to become maxillofacial surgeons. Small numbers may also train in the mono-specialties such as endodontics, periodontics and prosthetics to become specialists in practice or hospital settings. A small percentage may look towards other careers and, in addition to many professional and clinical capabilities specific to dentistry, they will develop transferable skills so as to be able to:

  • exercise initiative and personal responsibility
  • communicate effectively in both scientific and professional contexts
  • use IT for communication, data collection and analysis and for self-directed learning
  • analyse and resolve problems, and deal with uncertainty
  • manage time, set priorities and work to prescribed time limits
  • make decisions based on sound ethical, moral and scientific principles
  • acquire, analyse, process and communicate information in a professional manner to solve problems and to guide decision-making
  • communicate effectively with peers, other professionals and the public in general
  • apply interpersonal skills appropriate for working within a multi-skilled team
  • understand the importance of clinical audit, peer review and continuing professional education and development
  • know the broad principles of scientific research and evaluation of evidence that are necessary for an evidence-based approach
  • learn and apply a very substantial body of scientific and practical knowledge.

Dentistry is a professional clinical discipline concerned with prevention, detection, management and treatment of oral and dental diseases and maintenance of oral and dental health, in individuals and in society. It is based on sound scientific and technical principles with the clinical aspects of dentistry underpinned by knowledge and understanding of the biological and clinical medical sciences. Graduates from dental schools are required to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the importance of ethical practice and professionalism, high levels of ability in communication skills and competence in the clinical and technical aspects of dentistry.

There are 13 dental schools in the UK providing undergraduate dental education under guidance from the General Dental Council, which regulates the practice of dentistry through Acts of Parliament. Most practical clinical training of students takes place in the dental hospitals associated with these schools. Some clinical education and training is undertaken in community dental clinics and other primary or secondary care settings. Other components of the degree programme take place in the wider university setting, covering the biological and life sciences as well as medical, surgical and related subjects. The clinical components of the latter are taught within primary care facilities and acute NHS Trusts.

The primary dental degree represents the first stage in an educational continuum, which should last throughout a dentist's practising life. As well as vocational or general professional training, the dentist may further choose to undertake a period of specialist training. It is in this context that the undergraduate phase of dental education should be placed.

To check the growing range of resources produced by the Subject Centre to support employability and the use of this profile (including the Skills and Attributes map) go to www.medev.ac.uk

This profile, produced in 2006, is based on the QAA benchmark to be found at www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/honours/default.asp


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