Dentistry What would I study and how do courses differ? Dentistry is the branch of Medicine that is involved in the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is widely considered necessary for complete overall health. Most dental schools adopt a similar structure in their courses but key differences have begun to emerge in the teaching methodology and delivery of course content. It is therefore important for students to research the details of each course carefully and appreciate the key features and differences via university websites. A dental course lasts five years and most dental schools offer one or two years of pre-clinical study, often taught outside the school covering the following: Anatomy, Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, Biochemistry, Oral Biology, Pharmacology, First aid and Introduction to Clinical Skills. In addition, students cover the effects of anaesthetics and other components common to Medicine and Dentistry such as Psychology. As the course progresses the amount of clinical work carried out increases and most universities offer meaningful contact with patients after the third year. Oral Biology, Disease and Pathology are taught alongside the clinical work, as well as social and psychological aspects of patient care. During the clinical years students are given the opportunity to study some of the following courses: Behavioural Science, Computing and Statistics, Dental Materials, Dental Public Health, Dental Prosthetics, Haematology, Operative Techniques, Children’s Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Oral and Medicine Surgery, Orthodontics, Forensic Dentistry, Sedation, Radiology and Pain and Anxiety Management. The final year consists of a common core of academic work and clinical dental practice and is designed to consolidate and enhance all the work and experience of the previous years of study. Near the end of the clinical course a personal study (an elective) is carried out on a topic of interest. At the end of the five years a professional examination is taken to qualify. What are typical entry requirements? There is fierce competition to secure a place at any of the 13 dental schools in the United Kingdom. From Haberdashers’ students most dental schools prefer A and A* grades at GCSE, (particularly in English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry) and again A grades at A Level. It is probable that over the next few years offers for dentistry will include at least one A* at A Level. In addition, a number of dental schools require applicants to sit the pre-admissions test, the UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test), full details of which are given in the most recent edition of the book ‘Getting Into Dental School’, published by Mander Portman Woodward.
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