Dental Surgery BDS

Clearing - How to apply

What is Clearing?

Each year, universities may have spaces left on their courses after the application window has closed in June.

UCAS Clearing is your opportunity to snap up one of these places, even if you didn't apply to the university prior to the June deadline.

It also gives you a second chance to go to university if you didn't get the grades you needed for your firm and insurance offers.

How do I get in touch?

Our Clearing entry requirements may differ from those advertised; contacting our friendly advisers is the best way to find out if you’re eligible for a place.

You can get in touch through live chat or our hotlines. Call us on 0800 073 5050, or if you’re an international student calling from outside the UK, call: +44 191 222 5000.

Not available in Clearing

This course is not available in Clearing 2024.

This means there are no spaces available for Clearing 2024. If you can't find vacancies in your original course or subject area, try exploring other subjects in a related field.

Search our courses in Clearing

Course overview

This degree is professionally accredited by the General Dental Council. It entitles graduates to practice anywhere in the UK and in many other countries.

At Newcastle, our work has worldwide impact. You'll be taught by some of the top academics and internationally renowned experts in their field.

You'll study and practice in world-class facilities including our hi-tech Clinical Simulation Unit. You'll also attend lectures and clinics in purpose-built facilities at one of the largest integrated teaching and hospital complexes in the country.

This course involves high levels of clinical practice in our specialist clinics, alongside theoretical aspects of dentistry, covering:

• Sciences related to dentistry
• Human health, disease, and behaviour
• Clinical dental studies
• Professionalism and ethics

Download information about this course as a PDF

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions

Please note that this programme does not offer optional modules.

Stage 1 provides knowledge and understanding of a range of subjects that form the scientific basis of dentistry.

Subjects studied include:

• cell biology
• metabolism and homeostasis
• anatomy of the head and neck
• interpersonal skills and communication
• dental physiology
• neurobiology

We promote early clinical exposure. Later in Stage 1 you will shadow senior students on the clinics to observe treatment of patients and to start to relate the knowledge you are acquiring to clinical problems.

Stage 2 builds upon the foundations of Stage 1. It differs by focusing more on the scientific background to evidence-based dentistry. It will also provide the knowledge and understanding to support your clinical training.

You will study the following subjects:

• immunology and health
• basic pharmacology
• craniofacial and tooth biology
• behavioural science
• microbiology for the dental team
• dental materials science

Towards the end of Stage 2 you will undertake training in various clinical procedures. These include periodontal management and the initial stages of root treatments, and using phantom heads with artificial teeth. The training also involves other important aspects of patient care including communication skills and reflection. This training is vital preparation before taking responsibility for your own patients in Stage 3.

In Stage 3, you'll start managing your own patients by providing simple treatment under close supervision.

You'll learn how to:

• prevent disease
• plan treatment
• treat dental decay and place fillings
• undertake root treatments
• treat gum disease
• make dentures

You also learn how to extract teeth and even undertake simple surgery. We teach you how to use radiographs (X-rays) safely, to administer local anaesthetics, and how to deal with problems of cross-infection.

Initially the teaching of the different clinical disciplines is kept separate, but as the course progresses your cases will become increasingly complex and demand greater integration between the various skills.

Stage 3 courses in pathology and microbiology will give you an initial grounding in disease processes. You'll also have lectures and further practical courses in areas such as:

• radiology
• preventive dentistry and public health
• periodontology
• crown and bridgework
• advanced endodontics
• gerodontology
• oral medicine.

By the end of Stage 4, you'll be spending approximately half of your time on patient care and clinical dental practice, with supporting clinical-related teaching.

In stages 4 and 5 you'll be exposed to advanced techniques such as orthodontics, dental implants and intravenous sedation. Your clinical commitments will occupy much of your time, especially in the later years, but the teaching of important theoretical aspects of dentistry continues.

In stages 4 and 5 you'll be exposed to advanced techniques such as orthodontics, dental implants and intravenous sedation. Your clinical commitments will occupy much of your time, especially in the later years, but the teaching of important theoretical aspects of dentistry continues.

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2023-24.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

Intercalated study and electives

Intercalation opportunities

Our dental students have the opportunity to enrich their personal and professional development further by taking time out of their dental studies to pursue an intercalated degree.

Intercalation provides an opportunity to study a subject that interests and excites you as well as develop new perspectives on healthcare delivery, research and education. We offer a broad range of Biomedical Science BSc degrees and masters' degrees that cover aspects of dental practice.

We encourage you to develop skills that will be useful throughout your future career and offer options to undertake your own research project.

Find out more about intercalated study on the Faculty of Medical Sciences website.

Electives

At the end of Stage 4, you have the opportunity to undertake a period of elective study, exploring a topic of particular interest to you in depth. This can be anywhere in the world and is a great opportunity to experience dentistry in another country.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Teaching is by a combination of:

• lectures and seminars
• laboratory demonstrations (including closed-circuit TV)
• practical laboratory work
• clinical demonstrations

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assessments

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Case studies

• 

  Coursework

• 

  Essays

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Group work

• 

  Interviews

• 

  Portfolio submission

• 

  Practical sessions

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Projects

• 

  Reflective report/journal

• 

  Reports

• 

  Seminar tasks/exercises

Skills and experience

Clinical dental practice

Time in clinical practice increases as you progress through the course.

In Stage 1, you'll observe simple procedures such as fillings and root treatments, and see patients in the Dental Hospital while shadowing a senior student.

In Stage 3 you'll start managing your own patients under close supervision.

In stages 4 and 5 you'll be exposed to advanced treatment techniques including dental implants and intravenous sedation. By the end of Stage 4, you'll be spending approximately half of your time on patient care.

You'll gain experience in a full range of dental procedures, with clinics run by specialists in:

• oral and maxillofacial surgery
• oral medicine
• paediatric dentistry
• orthodontics
• restorative dentistry

You can find out more about clinical dental practice on the School website, where you can also read about a day in the life of one of our dental students.

Business skills

An integrated course on Professionalism and Personal and Professional Development runs through all stages of this course.

Facilities and environment

Facilities

Based within Newcastle Dental Hospital, The School of Dental Sciences at Newcastle is one of the most modern and best equipped in the country. By training in one of the largest integrated teaching and hospital complexes in the country you'll gain a true insight into your future profession.

Our School is part of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which is also home to Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology and Pharmacy, encouraging inter-professional collaboration.

Clinical training facilities

You'll access cutting-edge clinical training facilities, comprising of a:

• conservation clinic
• cell and molecular biosciences laboratory
• children's clinic
• clinical skills unit
• Fell Cluster
• dental learning resource unit

Research laboratories

Within the School there are a range of research laboratories, undertaking work in:

• oral biology
• anthropology
• dental materials science

We also have a dedicated clinical research facility. We can offer clinical training and research opportunities of the highest international standard.

Find out about our laboratories and research facility at the School of Dental Sciences.

We also foster strong collaboration with research institutes in the Medical School and University.

Take a virtual tour of our dental teaching and learning facilities.

Support

Your future

Once graduates of our Dental Surgery BDS degree have qualified, and subject to registration with the GDC, 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.

Dentistry is a fairly flexible career and selecting one particular branch does not mean that you cannot venture into others later on in your career. Advice, to help you make the appropriate choice, is available from your tutor as well as other members of staff and through our links with Health Education England.

You could go into:

• general practice - most graduates initially join a Dental Foundation Programme where you will join an established practice and work with a trainer who will guide you in those early months
• publicly funded services - the Community Dental Service is a complementary service to the general dental services. Dental Officers working in this publicly funded service provide dental care for those people either unwilling or unable to obtain care elsewhere
• teaching students in universities
• providing specialist care in hospitals

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

The 2025 home fees have not yet been confirmed (see ‘Home Fee Students’ information below).

Qualification: BDS
Home students full time 5 years	Tuition fees (per year) Not set
International students full time 5 years	Tuition fees (per year) 46000

Home Fee Students

Home students starting in 2024 entry
£9,250 is the maximum fee that we are currently permitted to charge for home fee-paying students. This is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Home students starting in 2025 entry
The 2025 home fees have not yet been confirmed. In November 2024 the government increased the maximum fee level to £9,535 for 2025/26. We expect to confirm our Undergraduate Home fees for 2025/26 in December 2024.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

International Fee Students

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

UCAS admission procedure for Dentistry

You are permitted a maximum of four choices on the UCAS form for Dentistry.

The deadline for applications is 15 October. Candidates who are considered, on the basis of their application form, to be particularly promising are interviewed to establish suitability for the course prior to an offer being made.