school of dentistry undergraduate - cardiff universityaffordable/cost effective student destinations...

School of DentistryUndergraduateProgrammeswww.cardiff.ac.uk/dentistry

II www.cardiff.ac.uk/dentistrywww.cardiff.ac.uk/dentistry

ACADEMICexcellenceTransferable SKILLS

WORLD LEADING

research

Cardiff University School of Dentistry

HIGH EMPLOYABILITY

1www.cardiff.ac.uk/dentistry 1www.cardiff.ac.uk/dentistry

We have one of the strongest BDS employability records among our competitor dental schools in the UK.

Friendly Supportive environmentModern teaching laboratories

Student BloggersFrom study tips to where to eat, to societies, weekend trips and where to get your books, our student bloggers are real students talking about the reality of being a student at Cardiff. Don’t miss their latest blogs for the chance to find out more about what it’s like to study and live in Cardiff.

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2 www.cardiff.ac.uk/dentistry

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Contact usFor students from the UK and EU:Tel: 029 2087 4455Email: [email protected]

For students from the rest of the world:Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 4432Email: [email protected]

Discover the Cardiff ExperienceA leading university . . .

◗ You’ll be part of a Russell Group university – one of the UK’s world-class universities.

◗ You can choose from more than 350 degree programmes. The Cardiff University degree is known and respected worldwide with a substantial number accredited by the professions and other external bodies.

◗ You’ll benefit from outstanding teaching in a research-led environment – Cardiff is ranked in the UK’s top 5 universities for research quality.

◗ Staff include a Nobel Laureate and numerous Fellows of the Royal Society and other prestigious institutions.

in an outstanding city . . . ◗ You’ll live in a friendly, compact and safe

city with all your study, living and leisure needs within walking distance.

◗ Your money will go further at Cardiff with capital city attractions at provincial prices – Cardiff is amongst the most affordable/cost effective student destinations in the UK.1

with able and motivated students . . . ◗ You’ll be at a first choice university

where demand for places is strong.

◗ You’ll be studying in an environment with able and motivated students who have high grades at A-level or equivalent.

◗ You’ll be at an international university with students from more than 100 countries who have excellent career prospects.

who have excellent career prospects. ◗ You can be confident of your future

prospects – 95% of our students were employed or had entered further study within six months of completing their studies.2

◗ You’ll be in demand – Cardiff is among the top 25 universities targeted by employers seeking high calibre graduates.3

Notes1. Research by

Natwest 2018

2. HESA Destination of Leavers Survey 2016/17

3. High Fliers Research The Graduate Market 2017

3www.cardiff.ac.uk/dentistry

ContentsCardiff: A capital city 4

Cardiff: A leading university 6

The Heath Park Campus 8

Living in Cardiff 10

Studying at the School of Dentistry 12

Undergraduate ProgrammesDental Therapy and Hygiene 14Dentistry 16

What do our students say? 18

Entry Requirements 19

The School of Dentistry at Cardiff has a longstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and clinical care, with a history of undergraduate education dating back over 50 years. This reputation has been enhanced by significant investment in the School’s teaching facilities, including a recent £2.2M refurbishment of the School’s clinical skills laboratories.

The course is clinically led, with the human and oral biology providing an underpinning knowledge on which you build your diagnostic and clinical skills. Clinical teaching takes place within a friendly, supportive and professional environment within the University Dental Hospital.

Throughout the course in Cardiff you will be taught by leaders in their respective fields, ensuring that you achieve your academic and clinical goals.

Thank you for your interest in the School of Dentistry at Cardiff University. I hope this brochure provides you with all the information you need to join us at Cardiff, but please do not hesitate to contact the School directly if you require any further details. I wish you every success in your future studies and look forward to welcoming you to the School in the future.

WelcomeYour time as an undergraduate student should be as enjoyable as it is rewarding. Therefore, it is essential that you make a choice of university that is right for you.

Professor Alastair J SloanHead of School

This brochure will provide you with more details of our programmes. We hope that they will give you more than just a flavour of what we have to offer you. However, we are always ready to answer any questions you may have, by post, telephone or email, or when you come to Cardiff for a visit. You will find the appropriate contacts at the end of this brochure.

Important Legal Information

The contents of this brochure relate to the Entry 2020 admissions cycle and are correct at the time of going to press in June 2019. However, there is a lengthy period of time between printing this brochure and applications being made to, and processed by us, so please check our website [www.cardiff.ac.uk] before making an application in case there are any changes to the course you are interested in or to other facilities and services described here. Where there is a difference between the contents of this brochure and our website, the contents of the website take precedence and represent the basis on which we intend to deliver our services to you.

Any offer of a place to study at Cardiff University is subject to terms and conditions, which can be found on our website [www.cardiff.ac.uk/offerterms] and which you are advised to read before making an application. The terms and conditions set out, for example, when we might make changes to your chosen course or to student regulations. It is therefore important you read them, and understand them.

If you are not able to access information online please contact us:

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 029 2087 4455

Your degree: Students admitted to Cardiff University study for a Cardiff University degree.


Cardiff: A capital city

The Principality (Millennium) Stadium nestles in the heart of the city, and is home to numerous sporting events and concerts throughout the year


Cardiff: A capital city

Cardiff is a thriving and attractive city, which is widely recognised as an outstanding place in which to live and study. It combines all the advantages of a compact, friendly and inexpensive location, with the cultural and recreational facilities of a modern capital city.

Cardiff offers everything from the excitement of the city to the peace and tranquillity of the nearby coast and countryside. With its distinctive character, good quality of life, and growing national and international reputation, it hosts many high-profile cultural and sporting events, including international rugby, soccer, cricket and motor sport.

When it comes to entertainment, Cardiff is well-equipped to satisfy student needs. There is a multitude of cafés, pubs and nightclubs. The city is home to the world-renowned Welsh National Opera, it boasts prestigious concert venues such as the Wales Millennium Centre, St David’s Hall and the Motorpoint Arena, as well as the iconic Principality Stadium, the National Museum Wales, several theatres and the historic Cardiff Castle.

Cardiff is the location for award-winning television productions, including Doctor Who, Sherlock, Torchwood and Casualty.

The city is one of the UK’s best shopping destinations, with St David’s Dewi Sant retail centre standing alongside pedestrianised shopping streets, indoor and outdoor markets, and a fascinating network of glass-canopied Victorian and Edwardian arcades.

Cardiff also has more urban green space than any other UK city, and offers easy access to the countryside, coast and mountains.

Lively, elegant, confident, cosmopolitan and ambitious are all words readily used to describe modern-day Cardiff. Together, the city and the University provide students with the ‘Cardiff Experience’, a lifestyle our students remember long after graduation.

Don’t just take our word for it . . .“Cardiff is one of Europe’s youngest capital cities – small enough to be friendly and big enough to offer the best of living in a major city.” The Complete University Guide 2017

Come and see for yourself . . . Cardiff benefits from excellent road and rail links with Britain’s other major towns and cities. London, for example, is two hours by train, and the M4 links both the West and South of England, as well as West Wales. Travel to the Midlands and to the North is equally convenient. The journey by road from Birmingham, for example, takes only two hours. The main coach and railway stations are both centrally placed, and Cardiff also benefits from an international airport.

“Cardiff is a thriving and attractive capital city, widely recognised as an outstanding place to live.” Complete University Guide 2019

The Principality (Millennium) Stadium nestles in the heart of the city, and is home to numerous sporting events and concerts throughout the year The Wales Millennium Centre is a world-class venue for the arts

The surrounding countryside and coast offer superb opportunities for outdoor pursuits

Cardiff is one of the UK’s best shopping destinations


Cardiff: A leading university


Cardiff: A leading university

Cardiff University has an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research, built on a history of service and achievement since 1883, and recognised by our membership of the Russell Group of leading research-led universities.

With attractive and compact campuses, excellent student accommodation, and a hugely popular Students’ Union, all within easy walking distance of each other in a thriving city, it is not surprising that Cardiff is a first choice university for many.

We admit approximately 5,000 undergraduate entrants each year, the majority of whom are school and college leavers, and have high grades at A-level or equivalent. While competition for entry is strong, Cardiff is an inclusive university with a good record on widening participation and fair access, and we welcome applications, irrespective of background, from everyone with the potential to succeed at Cardiff University.

The University’s Cathays Park Campus is located in and around the impressive Portland stone buildings, parks and wide tree-lined avenues that form Cardiff’s attractive civic centre. The majority of academic schools are located here – just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. The three academic schools offering healthcare courses (excluding

Optometry and Pharmacy) are based at the Heath Park Campus, approximately one mile away, which is also home to the University Hospital of Wales.

Although dating from 1883, Cardiff is focused on the 21st century, and has modern state-of-the-art buildings and facilities. The University has invested substantially in its estate in recent years and continues to do so today. Most academic schools have benefited from major refurbishment, including new and well-equipped laboratories, lecture theatres, libraries and computing facilities. International opportunities are available via our Global Opportunity Centre. These include study, work and volunteering placements in 27 EU countries as well as international exchange opportunities. All students also have the opportunity to study a language, in addition to their degree, through the University’s Languages For All programme.

The University takes its environmental, safety and security responsibilities very seriously. It has comprehensive policies in place which are making great savings in energy consumption and, to support the safety and security of all members of the University community and their property, there is 24-hour security cover throughout the campus.

What the Guides say . . .

“Cardiff University is a hugely popular UK university…[it] has a reputation for world-class research and provides an excellent experience for its student body.” Telegraph University Guide 2018

“Cardiff University is highly rated on a local and global scale.”The Telegraph 2018


Study in a multi-professional healthcare environment

The Heath Park Campus

Facilities include a state-of-the-art radiography suite


The academic schools based at our Heath Park Campus share a 53-acre site with the University Hospital of Wales, a 900-bed hospital which is one of the largest in the UK. Progressive healthcare education and patient care are successfully integrated with world-famous research facilities in this major teaching and research centre.

Our academic staff, many of whom are acknowledged international experts in their particular field, provide valuable clinical services to the people of Wales and further afield. We have close relationships with general and specialist hospitals and other healthcare institutions across Wales, allowing you to obtain excellent clinical experience in different environments, both urban and rural, in hospitals and in the community. Naturally, our closest links are with the Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, which incorporates the University Hospital of Wales, and which also has responsibility for community health services.

This arrangement is important, as not all clinical experience is hospital-based. We place great emphasis on teaching in the community and primary care settings, with some of our students being attached to general practices and community clinics.

Undergraduate programmes are available at the Heath Park Campus in virtually all of the professions underpinning the National Health Service, including Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Operating Department Practice, Physiotherapy, Radiography and Radiotherapy. Optometry and Pharmacy are available at the Cathays Park Campus.

Location and FacilitiesThe Heath Park Campus provides an excellent range of teaching facilities from its location alongside 100 acres of parkland and playing fields.

Within the main hospital building are four medical lecture theatres, and the great majority of medical academic departments. The Dental School and Hospital, opposite the main building, house the dental academic departments, 130 operating surgeries, two lecture theatres and one of the few separate dental libraries in the country.

The School of Healthcare Sciences features outstanding clinical facilities, including a kinesiology lab, X-ray suite, physiotherapy room, mould room, 3D radiotherapy suite and even a mock operating theatre and hospital ward, featuring cutting-edge healthcare simulation mannequins.

Teaching is split between two sites: Ty Dewi Sant at the Heath Park Campus and Eastgate House near the city centre.

The striking Cochrane Building provides an outstanding range of facilities, including the three storey Health Library, computing suites, study rooms and clinical skills/simulation laboratories. There is a range of support services onsite which include confidential counselling, welfare advice and disability support. Students have access to the hospital’s occupational health service and also the interdenominational chaplaincy service.

Relaxation is provided on campus at the Sports and Social Club’s swimming pool, therapy suite, fitness suite, squash and badminton courts and large sports halls. In addition, the IV Lounge incorporates a deli bar and provides an ideal place to meet between lectures.

The Heath Park Cam

pus

The £18m Cochrane Building provides an outstanding range of facilities including a new library, clinical skills and simulation laboratories and seminar space

Courses in virtually all of the healthcare professions are offered at the University


Living in Cardiff


Living in Cardiff

AccommodationCardiff offers guaranteed University accommodation of good quality and value, and a range of residences to suit individual preferences and budgets.

All undergraduates who accept their offer of a place from Cardiff, on a firm basis, are guaranteed a single occupancy place in University residences during their first year of study.

Please see our website for full details of our accommodation guarantee and associated deadlines: www.cardiff.ac.uk/residences

The University is continually investing in its student residences, and the views of students are taken into account at the design stage. Unusually for a civic university, most of our residences are within easy walking distance of lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, the Students’ Union and city centre.

There are 15 different residences, providing more than 5,500 study bedrooms and students can apply for the residences which best suit their preferences, interests and budgets. Some 70% have en-suite shower and toilet facilities and all halls of residence have computer network connection points and access to Wi-Fi.

Fees depend on the facilities included and whether catered, part-catered or self-catered, but prices compare very favourably with those of other UK universities. Besides managing University property, the Residences Office maintains close links with the private sector and provides assistance to students seeking to rent or share houses or flats.

Student LifeThe Students’ UnionCardiff Students’ Union is one of the biggest, best and most active in Britain. A multi-million pound investment has been made in Union facilities in recent years,

which has included a new venue called Y Plas, which at night becomes a nightclub. Hosting live music, club nights, stand-up comedy, fashion shows and awards ceremonies, there’s lots to keep you entertained from your first day to your last.

Other facilities include a food court, a bank, a print shop, a hair salon and a bookshop. The Lounge offers IT and Skyping facilities, meeting rooms and a “chill-out” area, as well as snooker tables and multi-faith prayer room. The Union also has its own letting agency and an Advice and Representation Centre. In addition, it is home to CU TV and Xpress Radio (the students’ own TV and radio stations) and more than 200 cultural, political, religious, social, sporting societies and clubs.

JobshopJobshop is the Union’s own student employment service and provides casual, clerical and catering jobs around the University to hundreds of students.

As a fast developing capital city, Cardiff is a great place to be a student. It’s large enough to offer you an exciting variety of activities and entertainment, but small enough for you to feel comfortable in.

What the Guides say . . .“Cardiff has one of the biggest, best and most active students' unions in the UK, with high quality facilities including Y Plas, a 2,150 capacity nightclub; and the Great Hall, a major concert venue.”Complete University Guide 2019

Cardiff is amongst the most affordable/cost effective student destinations in the UK.Research by NatWest 2017


Studying at the School of DentistryAt Cardiff we offer an excellent student experience and our BDS students have one of the best employability records amongst UK dental schools.


The School is located in the University Dental Hospital on Cardiff University’s Heath Park Campus, a 53-acre site shared with the University Hospital of Wales.

This is where the majority of clinical teaching takes place on our three undergraduate programmes. With around 100 undergraduate students per year, we are still a relatively small dental school. We believe that this helps facilitate a friendly and supportive sense of community that helps ensure that our students succeed. In the 2018 NSS, 94% of our dental students agreed that staff were good at explaining things.

As the only Dental Hospital in Wales you will have the opportunity to serve and manage patients of diverse ages and backgrounds with a wide range of dental diseases, including some of the more unusual oral cancers.

Clinical skills are developed in the School’s recently refurbished £2.2M clinical skills laboratory, a facility that closely simulates the real clinical experience, allowing you to prepare and practise for patient care throughout the programme. The opportunity exists here for you to train alongside Dental Therapists, Dental Hygienists and Dentists learning the same skills. This will also give you an opportunity to understand how your role fits into the dental team environment you will work in when you qualify and commence practice.

A dedicated Dental Library can be found within the Dental School that houses an extensive collection of books and journals to aid your learning. You will also have access to an undergraduate IT suite and to a new £1.5M redevelopment of lecture theatres and student social spaces on the Heath Park Campus.

You will be taught by a dedicated team of dental, therapy and hygiene staff with further interactions under the supervision and support from consultants and primary care supervisors. The School has a staff of more than 100. Many are internationally renowned in their areas of expertise, as reflected in the School’s

recent performance in the Research Excellence Framework, ranking first in the UK in its Unit of Assessment.

Our students have one of the best employability records amongst the UK Dental Schools. In 2016/17, 100% of our BDS student secured a UK position 6 months post qualification. Key destinations include Primary Dental Practice, Hospital Dental Practice, Academic or Research Posts.

Studying at the School of Dentistry

The School provides the following undergraduate programmes:

Programme UCAS Code Length of Course

Dental Hygiene (Diploma) B750 Dip/DH 2 years

Dental Therapy and Hygiene (BSc) B752 BSc 3 years

Dentistry (BDS) A200 BDS/Dent 5 years

Dentistry (BDS) A204 BDS/Dent 6 years

Mountain Ash Teaching Unit


Dental Therapy and Hygiene programmes


Both courses have been validated by the General Dental Council as recently as 2015. Our aim is to educate you in becoming practicing Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists/Hygienists eligible for unsupervised clinical practice (under the prescription of a Dentist) integrated within dental teams.

Our students must possess a high level of manual dexterity and demonstrate attention to detail. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work as a team are critical. You must also have a genuine interest in the empathetic care and treatment of patients.

Programme StructureThe modular courses make integrated use of lecture-style teaching, interactive seminars, clinical simulation and clinical practice.

Year 1 (Common to both)Your time is spent in teaching of biomedical sciences, human disease subjects and oral disease and its prevention. An introductory module to clinical practice takes place in term two

with its aim of preparing you for your first patient contact in term three.

Year 2 (Common to both)Course subjects include dental radiology, oral medicine and dental public health, taught before the focus turns to periodontology (gum disease) and its clinical treatment. During this year you will also be managing your own patients under supervision.

Year 3 (Therapy only)Emphasis continues with both paediatric and adult clinical practice as well as a year-end research project.

Years 2 and 3 offer opportunities for you to attend clinical placements at local ‘outreach’ dental clinics, providing treatment to the public in situations closely allied to the general practice arena. In some of these areas you will work alongside dental students in a teamwork approach to patient care.

Throughout the programmes the teaching and implementation of professionalism is critical, you will be taught aspects of law and ethics in dentistry as well as the practicalities of dental treatments, and to

recognise the importance and necessity of your lifelong and professional development. Your opportunity to engage and motivate patients and provide contemporary clinical treatments make Dental Therapy and Hygiene a stimulating career.

Your CareerDental Hygienists and Therapists work closely with other members of the dental team. A Dental Hygienist can carry out treatments such as scaling and polishing, oral health promotion and preventive fissure sealants for both adults and children. In addition to the duties described for Dental Therapists are able to carry out a variety of restorative treatments (fillings) on patients. They may also extract deciduous (baby) teeth, undertake pulpotomies (nerve treatments) and place preformed crowns on badly decayed children’s teeth.

On qualification, clinicians register with the General Dental Council and are able to work in various areas of the dental sector: general practice; community dental clinics; teaching hospitals and dental schools as well as opportunities in the armed forces.

We offer two closely allied programmes: a Diploma in Dental Hygiene (2-year programme) and a BSc in Dental Therapy and Hygiene (3-year programme), both of which are modular, running in parallel for their first two years.

Dental Therapy and H

ygiene


Dentistry (BDS)


BDS programmesThe five year BDS programme is for applicants that have undertaken Chemistry and Biology at A-level.

The six year BDS programme is for applicants who have no science subjects or a maximum of one science subject at A level. The preliminary year gives you an opportunity to build on your sciences to progress to the full BDS programme.

During the preliminary year you will study 120 credits alongside students from other science disciplines. Your combination of modules will depend on your prior qualifications, but this usually includes modules on biological and chemical sciences, mathematics and optional modules in subjects such as psychology and languages. A 10 credit module has been developed to allow early integration with clinical practice, where you will shadow year 4 and 5 students at St David’s Hospital in Cardiff.

Provided you satisfactorily complete the Preliminary year, you will progress onto Year 1 of the five year BDS programme.

TeachingTeaching on the BDS programme is integrated, so you will learn the scientific and pathological processes underlying oral and dental disease at the same time as you acquire the skills to manage patients appropriately. 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.

Programme StructureYear 1During Year 1, you will spend much of your time pursuing your studies in the Biomedical Sciences Building at the Cardiff School of Biosciences. Here you will learn about the human body in health and disease as well as disease of the teeth and the supporting tissues. You will spend every Friday in the School of Dentistry, where you will be introduced to clinical dentistry. As you progress through the programme, you will learn more professionalism and skills in patient management, the importance of whole patient care, and their long-term management – just as if you were a qualified dental surgeon.

Year 2 and 3In Year 2 onwards you will be based in the School of Dentistry. Initially in Years 2 and 3 you will develop your clinical skills and knowledge through a variety of lectures, seminars and simulated clinical activities. Under close supervision you will see your first patient in Year 2 and from then on you will have patients allocated to you to manage and treat. To underpin this you will need to understand the basics of disease, including those that affect the dento-facial area, their management and prevention, along with the diagnostic tools required for clinical practice. Fundamental to clinical practice is the requirement to work professionally and ethically and to be able to communicate effectively to patients and staff. These essential skills are explored in detail at many points during the programme through innovative and exciting interactive sessions.

Year 4 and 5In Years 4 and 5 the emphasis is on developing clinical skills in a variety of environments including the School of

Dentistry, community dental clinics, district general hospitals and dedicated outreach teaching facilities in and around Cardiff. A deeper understanding of the treatment planning process, the management options, including preventive orientated patient care, are developed giving our students a very broad based education to prepare them for their exciting careers.

PlacementsCardiff has had a long tradition of clinical teaching and experience outside the School. These experiences are valued by employers. As you become more experienced in your fourth and fifth year, you will spend time away from the Dental School in primary care settings for a period of around five weeks. These placements give you the opportunity to observe and treat an extended range of patients in community dental practice and district general hospitals throughout Wales and England. In addition, the School has two dedicated outreach centres located in the city centre and surrounding areas where you will manage your own patients in a primary care setting regularly over the last two years of your course.

Your CareerOnce you have qualified there are a number of different careers open to you. Everybody needs to undergo a period of foundation training whatever branch of dentistry they initially take up. Advice to help you make the appropriate choice is available from your tutor as well as other members of staff.

In 2018, 100% of our BDS students secured a Dental Foundation Training (DFT) placement, ensuring that we have one of the strongest BDS employability records among our competitor dental schools in the UK.

Dentistry (B

DS)

Dentistry (B

DS)


What do our students say?

“The facilities in the Dental School & University are excellent with newly re-furbished surgeries and modern equipment that allows each session on clinic to be completed with ease, also catering for left handed clinicians. The libraries are full to the brim with every dental or dental-related book needed to support your studies or to further your education on topics of interest.”

Coming to Cardiff University to study Dental Therapy & Hygiene has been an amazing experience. The city itself is big and has loads to do but still manages to maintain a homely feel. Being quite a small course has meant that I’ve gotten to know staff and students really well, and being a close-knit group has made for a good atmosphere in the both the classroom and clinics.

Starting clinics early in the course and working independently under the supervision of a clinical tutor really enabled my confidence to grow quickly and something that I am continually thankful for. I would really recommend Cardiff and the Dental Therapy & Hygiene programme to anyone who wants to pursue a career in healthcare.

Tim ForshawDental Therapy & Hygiene

The Dental Therapy and Hygiene programmes at Cardiff provide a nice mix between academic study and early patient contact. Within your first couple of weeks on the course you will be starting to develop your clinical skills in the new state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Suite. During such clinical sessions and when you go onto see patients, instant feedback is provided giving you the chance to reflect and discuss with your supervisor and develop your skills based on the feedback provided. The support from the tutors and lecturers within the Dental Therapy & Hygiene programme is excellent and all staff are approachable.

The early introduction to the clinical environment increases motivation in academic learning and can help with your understanding of topics, consolidating knowledge learnt during lectures.

As well as providing me with the teaching and clinical experience to soon be qualifying with the therapy/ hygiene qualification, the course has also contributed to my personal development. By the end of the course, students are very well-rounded professionals ready to enter the world of work and ready to start practising within their therapy or hygiene role.

Cara McNamaraBSc Dental Therapy & Hygiene

In our 1st year Cardiff students learn anatomy by dissection. This is very hands on way to learn and gives you an immense appreciation of the human body from a really young age. Once you’ve done dissections, you can never go back to learning from pro-sections and text books!

It’s a great city with lots of little hidden gems. Welsh people are also very friendly and easy going, making them ideal as first patients for any new dentists!

Shyam KariaDentistry

I feel privileged to have been able to study at one of the top dental schools. We are given earlier and more clinical exposure than other universities and the staff members work closely together to ensure that we are supported throughout, so that we are safe and confident dentists when we graduate. As a result, we love what we do.

Magenta Merrony Dentistry

The best part of studying at the School of Dentistry in Cardiff is all the opportunities it has provided me to gain some of the most memorable experiences whilst here.

I’ve had the opportunity to be exposed to clinical experiences very early on in the course, to be taught by skilled, experienced clinicians and to learn so much about the variation in patient demographics, needs and expectations in Wales through the clinical sessions within the dental school itself as well as all the outreach programmes.

The support from peers as well as staff has been amazing, and not to forget the warm Welsh hospitality I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy.

Shin KuaDentistry


Entry RequirementsTypical Entry Requirements

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)GCSE/IGCSE: Must include A grades in the single sciences or a minimum of AA grades to be achieved in the Double Award plus a B grade in English Language or Welsh first language, with a preference given to applicants with A grade.

A-level: 5 year programme (A200): Grades AAA including Chemistry and Biology.

6 year programme (A204): Grades AAA including no more than one in Chemistry, Biology or Physics.

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Five year course: Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate. This is no longer a pass it is grades either A, B or C.

Six year course: Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate. This is no longer a pass it is grades either A, B or C.

IB: Diploma 5 year programme (A200): 36 points with a minimum score of 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry and Biology.

6 year programme (A204): 36 points with a minimum score of 6 at Higher Level in ONE of Chemistry or Biology.

Other: We welcome applications from international students.

UCAT: Applicants for the BDS Programme are required to take the UCAT aptitude test before applying and the test must be taken in the same year of application: (www.ucat.ac.uk).

Therapy and Hygiene ProgrammesB752: All applicants must have obtained a minimum of five GCSEs/IGCSEs (or their equivalent) including:◗ English Language or Welsh First

Language at grade B or above.◗ Four other GCSEs/IGCSEs in any

subjects at grade C or above.

All applicants must also have one of the following:◗ Either three A-levels at grade B or

above which must include either Biology or Human Biology.

OR◗ A nationally recognised dental

nursing qualification Level 3 (or equivalent) plus two A-level grade Bs, one of which must be in Biology or Human Biology.

B750: All applicants must have obtained a minimum of 5 GCSEs/IGCSEs (or their equivalent) including:

◗ English Language or Welsh First Language at grade B or above.

◗ Four other GCSE/IGCSE in any subjects at grade C or above.

All applicants must also have one of the following:◗ Two A-levels at grade C or above

which must include either Biology or Human Biology.

OR◗ A nationally recognised dental

nursing qualification Level 3 (or equivalent), plus one A-level at grade C in Biology or Human Biology.

Please contact us for details of equivalent qualifications that are not listed on this page.

Admissions and ApplicationsOpen DaysOpen Days give you an opportunity to visit the School, located in the University Dental Hospital and to have a tour of the clinical and teaching facilities that will support you throughout your training. You will also be able to meet with members of the School’s teaching staff and chat to our current students who will be able to provide a personal insight into the life of a Cardiff student across all three undergraduate programmes.

Please note that tours of the School are not possible on weekend open days due to the closure of the Dental Hospital. Further information is available on our website at: www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate

Selection PolicyThe aim of Cardiff School of Dentistry is to educate individuals to safely practice as a dentist, therapist or hygienist in a training environment appropriate to their professional aspirations. They should be able to combine and use knowledge, skills and judgement and have appropriate attitudes to deliver a high standard of professional care.

The School operates the same selection policy for entry for our three undergraduate programmes.

At Cardiff, we are seeking to admit students from all backgrounds who can demonstrate the following qualities:◗ Evidence of and potential for

high academic achievement◗ An understanding of the demands

of dental training and practice◗ A caring and committed

attitude towards people◗ Excellent communication skills◗ A willingness to accept responsibility

◗ Evidence of a broad social, cultural or sporting interests

Along with your UCAS application the selection policy involves making a judgement about your ability to meet the qualities listed above. If you meet the interview threshold your suitability for the profession will be assessed via Multi Mini Interviews (MMIs). It is important for you to know that there are no right or wrong answers for many scenarios you participate in. Underpinning these principles is a commitment that the selection criteria and its operation should be open and that the process is equitable and applied fairly to all.

The final decision, based on a combination of rankings from your academic profile, and MMI performance will be made by the School’s Lead Admissions Tutor. By using the combined rankings, we aim to ensure that no single aspect of your application, whether academic ability, personal qualities or ability to communicate will predominate in the selection process.

Entry Requirements


Health ChecksAll offers made by the School will be conditional upon a satisfactory health check. Health questionnaires are sent to applicants when offers have been firmly accepted.

RequirementsAll UG students are required to attend Student Occupational Health for enrolment screening, including screening for blood borne viruses and tuberculosis shortly after enrolment and those that are non-immune to Hepatitis B will be required to complete a full immunisation programme before becoming involved in clinical procedures. This will be administered by the Occupational Health Service. Cardiff University has responsibility for ensuring that the programme is completed. However, prospective students might enquire beforehand with their local General Practitioner or Travel Centre to begin the vaccination programme before joining the university (a charge may be made for this).

Please note enrolment screening forms part of your entry conditions and there is a possibility that the results of screening for BBV could prevent a student from undertaking the course.

Tetanus VaccinationApplicants who decide to accept an offer from the School should check with their GP that they have an up-to-date Tetanus vaccination (i.e. within the last ten years). If a vaccination is required you will need to arrange for this to take place at least six weeks before the start of the programme (i.e. by mid-August).

Disclosure and Barring Service CheckAdmission is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) Section 4 (2) (exemption) Order 1975 and DHSS Circular HC (88) 9 guidelines regarding child protection and police checks. It is also considered important to ensure that applicant’s attitudes and values are such that he or she can reasonably be admitted to the Dental Profession. All offers given to applicants will, therefore, include a condition relating to a satisfactory criminal record check.

This condition must be satisfied before an offer is finally confirmed. Applicants will be required to complete the Disclosure and Barring Service application process (at the “Enhanced” level). Detailed information will be sent to applicants in the spring of the year of entry. Information on the Disclosure process can be found on the Disclosure & Barring Service Website:www.homeoffice.gov.uk/dbs.

All information will be treated in absolute confidence and applicants with convictions to declare will be assessed individually as to their suitability.

Notes for Welsh Language ApplicantsWe recognise that if you are a Welsh speaker you may feel more comfortable speaking to a Welsh speaking personal tutor. Provided there are Welsh speaking members of staff in your subject area, every effort will be made to allocate a Welsh speaker to you. If you wish, you can also submit your assessed work and take your examinations through the medium of Welsh, regardless of the language of tuition of the course you are following.

Some of the accommodation at Talybont and Senghennydd Court students residences has been allocated for Welsh speakers and learners who would like to be grouped together. If you would like to take advantage of this please make a note of this on your accommodation form.

Further Information please contact:Mrs Victoria OcockUndergraduate Programme and Admissions OfficerSchool of DentistryCollege of Biomedical & Life SciencesCardiff UniversityHeath Park CampusCardiff CF14 4XY

Tel: (029) 2074 6917/2468Email: [email protected]


How to find the SchoolThe School of Dentistry is located at the University Dental Hospital on Cardiff University’s Heath Park Campus, a 53-acre site shared with the University Hospital of Wales.

Terms and ConditionsEvery effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this brochure is correct at the time of going to press . However, the University does not accept any liability for any errors that it may contain, or for any subsequent changes to the University or Government policy that may affect the information given. Cardiff University expressly excludes any representations or warranties (whether expressed or implied) and all liability including direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of the information on these pages, to the fullest extent possible under law.

DENTL/0619/2000

Key

■School of Dentistry

■University and NHS Buildings

■Student Residences

■School of Biosciences

Cardiff University is a registered charity, no. 1136855

This brochure is printed on paper sourced from sustainably managed sources using vegetable-based inks. Both the paper used in the production of this brochure and the manufacturing process are FSC® certified.

The printers are also accredited to ISO14001, the internationally recognised environmental standard. When you have finished with this brochure it can be recycled, but please consider passing it onto a friend or leaving it in your careers library for others to use.

Thank you.

This document can also be made available in large print (text), Braille and on audio tape/CD. To request an alternative format, please contact Laura Roberts:

Tel: 029 2087 4455

Email: [email protected]

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EnquiriesTel: (029) 2074 6917/2468Email: [email protected]

School of DentistryCardiff UniversityHeath Park CampusCardiff CF14 4XY

To find out more about the School of Dentistryplease visit our website: www.cardiff.ac.uk/dentistry

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