The University of Liverpool School of Dentistry offers a unique research-connected learning environment that is primarily focused on developing each individual, so that they can each realise their personal potential as well as qualify as a professional capable of providing compassionate, evidence-based, holistic dental care to patients.
Introduction
Welcome to the School of Dentistry.
Students from different dental disciplines have the opportunity to work side-by-side and develop their skills in state-of-the-art simulation suites. Student growth is supported by our world-leading learning technology systems that provide personalised developmental progress information so that learning needs can be tailored by the individual. This personalised and supportive approach enables our students to have early access to patients, in their first year, so that developing skills can be authentically consolidated and integrated in the real-world situation. At Liverpool we take a blended approach to learning; this means that we use some online learning but with a predominance of in-person face to face teaching.
The School’s educational approach is driven by an ethos of continuous professional development because we strongly believe that our students need to learn how to continually adapt, so that they can appropriately respond to the current, as well as future, challenges in a dynamic world.
On successful completion of the programme you’ll be granted a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree that is registrable with the General Dental Council.
Programme in detail
This innovative programme has been specifically designed to facilitate the development of real-world clinical, team working, and leadership skills, along with essential personal growth. The BDS programme embraces the University’s hallmarks of active learning, confidence, authentic assessment, and research-connected teaching, as well as having many notable and unique design elements.
The programme shares a three year Collaborative Learning Core (CLC) with dental therapy students, where learning and collaborating in teams builds mutual respect and understanding of the varied roles of the dental team. The remaining two years of the programme will prepare you to undertake the scope of practice of a dentist.
Components within the programme are closely integrated and provide clear steps for you to develop, integrate and demonstrate your skills before building to the next level of clinical capability. Clinical experience commences in the first year of the programme and is underpinned by aligned medical and anatomical knowledge; communication skills; professionalism; ethics and clinical safety.
During the programme, you will also have opportunities to experience and develop your skills in a primary and secondary care setting and engage with the local community. Quality improvement projects are also included in the programme to ensure an in-depth understanding of clinical governance.
Learning and assessment are supported by state-of-the-art technology to provide a personalised mechanism for monitoring your progress and allowing you to take control of your own learning.
Through embedding continuous personal development within the curriculum, you will understand the importance of self-reflection, goal setting and on-going professional development, an ethos aimed at ensuring that you will be prepared for the demands of both the profession and life after University.
Admissions procedures
To apply for a place on the Bachelor of Dental Surgery BDS programme, applicants should read the admissions document and submit it as per the instructions provided on the form.
What you'll learn
The knowledge, skills and values essential for a confident dental career in a 21st-century healthcare environment.
An understanding of the human body that will underpin your future skills.
In-depth understanding of clinical governance.
Communication skills, professionalism, ethics and clinical safety.
The ability to provide holistic patient care in the context of the primary care services.
How to provide compassionate, evidence-based, holistic dental care to patients.
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a
Gold rating for educational excellence.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
The aim of the first year is to transition students to learning in higher education, whilst ensuring that they gain a core knowledge base, skills, and understanding, fit for learning in the clinical environment and their future careers.
Teaching of Clinical Sciences is designed to enable students to understand clinical practice. Problem based learning is used to guide students’ understanding of the human body that will underpin their future skills. Teaching is supported through attendance to HARC (the University’s Human Anatomy Resource Centre). Students receive teaching in personal development and wellbeing, communication skills, equality and diversity, management of medical emergencies, infection control, preventive care, and periodontal health, and patient care provision. Students develop their clinical skills via blended and simulation learning before attending clinic to deliver care to patients. Students observe and assist students in senior years in order to enhance their communication skills and prepare them for learning that lies ahead.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Year two
In year two, blended learning continues as established in year one. Students will expand upon their experience and skills to enable them to deliver a more diverse range of restorative care for child and adult patients. In addition to working within Restorative Care, they attend Paediatric, Oral Diseases, and Radiology clinics to develop further clinical and diagnostic skills, and to understand a range of acute systemic conditions with oral features that may present to the dental team.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Year three
In year three, students will develop skills in extraction of primary teeth, safeguarding, management of patient anxiety, dental trauma, management of pain, health promotion, quality improvement activity and in understanding clinical research. Students will attend placement in the General Dental Services. Teaching continues to enable students to apply the basic sciences in order to understand clinical practice, to safely manage medical emergencies, and to support their personal development and wellbeing.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Year four
In year four, students will expand their restorative and surgical skills to fulfil the complete remit of a dentist. This activity includes the extraction and pulpal management of permanent teeth, the replacement of missing teeth, and the restoration of teeth using laboratory made crowns and bridges. Students will attend placement in the Community Dental Services.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Year five
The final year is spent consolidating knowledge and gaining further clinical experience. Students will attend placement in the General Dental Services, in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Aintree University Hospital, and in Paediatric Dentistry at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Students will gain knowledge and skills in clinical governance, implant dentistry, whilst engaging with activities designed to prepare them to graduate to practice as a safe beginner with a career in dentistry.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Theoretical teaching on the programme is employed via a combination of blended learning approaches, such as problem-based learning (PBL), research skills development, personal development and wellbeing, communication skills, and flipped classrooms, all of which are supported by lectures. Practical teaching approaches include peer observation and assist, management of medical emergencies, attendance to the human anatomy resource centre, placements in primary and secondary care, simulated patients, and the supervised treatment of patients on clinic.
The School is at the forefront of technology enhanced learning. We use virtual learning environments to support small group and didactic learning, a digital feedback platform, and simulation of restorative and surgical techniques to provide our students with the best possible experience, whilst preparing them for the technological developments that will shape their future careers in healthcare.
We value the personal and professional development of our student colleagues. Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor to support their leadership development, self-reflection skills and their ability to set achievable goals. Students have the opportunity to stand for election to leadership roles within the School and to work with the Staff Student Liaison Committee to ensure the voice of the student is heard and to work with teaching colleagues to inform positive change. The School has a novel personal development and wellbeing module to further support this learning.
Many of our staff have received awards in recognition of our approach to teaching.
How you're assessed
The curriculum is built on milestones, which build in complexity each year. Students are assessed based on the milestones for that year of study, which spirally build on the knowledge they have gained in previous years.
The assessment strategy for the academic components of the programme adopts a varied approach including: Multi-response format; Constructed Answer; and OSCE (Observed Structured Clinical Examination).
All summative assessments are preceded by formative assessments, after which you will receive detailed feedback. With regards to clinical activity, students must pass an assessment of basic clinical competence before being allowed to use these newly acquired skills on a patient. From this point clinical activity is continually monitored using a computerised data gathering tool. Outreach reports are also used to contextualise clinical monitoring. An important aspect of these assessments is their integrated nature, and their use in multiple clinics. This latter point is crucial to the fairness and robustness of the assessments.
Furthermore, the system ensures that all Liverpool graduates are in the advantageous position of being able to take their activity portfolio into the work place to aid their ongoing development. We use technology to facilitate online marking and feedback of assignments, deliver online tests, and collate and deliver OSCE data, providing students with more useful feedback as a result.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
You will be based in the Institute of Clinical Sciences and the Institute’s research directly influences your teaching. You’ll be taught by our most experienced practising clinicians, so you can be confident you’ll graduate as the complete dental professional. Our problem-based approach and excellent network of clinical placements mean that, alongside academic and professional skills, you will gain practical experience and apply your knowledge early in your studies, preparing you to become an excellent dentist from day one.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place to study
One of the largest dental schools in the UK
State-of-the-art facilities with £6million recent investment
Provides specialist clinical training with taught and research components
Internationally recognised qualifications with a wide range of programmes
There are a wide range of career opportunities within the profession. The majority of 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.
Studying to become a dental professional encourages students to develop valuable, transferable skills which provide a strong foundation for their careers and their continuing professional development.
Key skills students will develop include:
Communication skills (both oral and written)
Critical reasoning skills
Clinical skills
Professionalism
Team working
Lifelong learning.
98% of dentistry students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£9,535
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£48,550
The UK full-time tuition fee and international course fee shown are correct for 2025/26 entry.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes costs for additional sets of scrubs, travel to placements, and occupational health clearance.
Please note that all applicants are required to sit the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in the year of application.
FAQs
Do you accept A level resit applications for dentistry?
No, examinations should be taken in one sitting after two years of study, unless significant corroborated extenuating circumstances are submitted.
Will it affect my application if I retake some of my A level modules but still complete my A levels in 2 years?
Module resits taken within the normal 2 year A level period e.g. an AS module retaken in the A2 year would be acceptable.
I do not have the GCSEs or A levels listed on the website will I still be considered for undergraduate study?
No, applications are only considered if all academic criteria is met.
Do you have a UCAT cut off score?
No we do not have a set UCAT score cut off point at Liverpool School of Dentistry. The UCAT scores will be considered along with the personal statement and academic attainments.
If I accept an offer to another degree ie; biomedical, pharmacy can I transfer onto the Dental Course?
No we do not accept transfers onto the BDS.
I have not achieved good grades in my AS exams does this matter?
We do not consider AS levels when looking at applications.
Will it affect my application if I resit AS exams because my grades are not good?
If you do the resits while studying for your A levels then this will not affect your application.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.
Change it here
AAA including Chemistry and Biology, taken at first sitting, after two years of study. We do not accept A level resits or consider applicants who have retaken either Year 12 or Year 13.
You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.
Requirements in respect of GCSEs must be met. Applicants who have not taken GCSEs are required to have completed equivalent qualifications. For further information please read the admissions information on the following web page: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/dentistry/study/undergraduate/bachelorofdentalsurgery2025entrya200/
Subject requirements
A level Chemistry and Biology are required. The 3rd subject may be from the Arts or Sciences. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Vocational/Applied A levels are not accepted.
For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
Not accepted
International Baccalaureate
36 Points with 6 in Higher level Chemistry and Biology
Irish Leaving Certificate
H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 including H1 in Chemistry and Biology
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher
AAAAA at Higher level and AA at Advanced Higher level including Chemistry and Biology.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Will be accepted in place of one A level, in addition to Biology and Chemistry A levels
Access
Applicants offering Access to Higher Education Diplomas should present from courses with significant Biology and Chemistry content at level 3. Candidates are expected to achieve a distinction in 45 credits at level 3. For the full Access course requirements please read the admissions information on the following web page:
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/dentistry/study/undergraduate/bachelorofdentalsurgery2025entrya200/
Work Experience Requirements
Evidence required
Duty of Care
The University has an obligation to undertake health screening of all prospective dentistry students. Any offer of a place is conditional on completion of a health questionnaire and a satisfactory assessment of fitness to train from the University’s Occupational Health Service. This includes some obligatory immunisations and blood tests, in line with recommendations from the Department of Health. All students also need to undergo an enhanced DBS check before admittance to the programme.
Mature Students
Studying for a degree later in life can be highly rewarding and our mature students are among some of our most successful. At Liverpool, we are committed to extending opportunities to all adults with the desire and ability to succeed at university.
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 7.0
TOEFL iBT
100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 24, writing 24, reading 24 and speaking 26. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Pearson PTE Academic
69 with no component below 69
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500
Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990
Grade 6 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511
0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991
0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature
Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B
Grade 7 at Higher Level
Alternative entry requirements
If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
