BDS Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Students should have completed their secondary education with a minimum overall percentage of 60% or above in a relevant qualification equivalent to the UK's General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or A-levels.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7, with no individual component score below 7.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80, with with no band less than 10.
• PTE: A minimum overall score of 61, with no individual score below 59.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan):

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship awarded to high-achieving international students. This scholarship provides a significant tuition fee reduction for the duration of the student's program. The selection is based on academic merit, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program at UCLan.

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is aimed at international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. This scholarship offers a tuition fee reduction for the first year of study and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The selection criteria include academic achievements, personal statements, and references.

Country-Specific Scholarships: UCLan offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships aim to promote cultural diversity and encourage international students from specific regions to study at UCLan. The eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship.

Sports Scholarships: UCLan recognizes the achievements of talented student athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and sporting pursuits. These scholarships are available for international students who demonstrate outstanding sporting ability and academic potential. The scholarships provide financial support, mentoring, and access to sports facilities and training programs.

Alumni Loyalty Discount: UCLan values its alumni and offers a tuition fee discount to international students who have previously completed a full degree program at UCLan and wish to pursue further studies at the university. The discount is applied to the tuition fees of eligible postgraduate programs.

External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to the scholarships offered by UCLan, international students can also explore external scholarship opportunities and funding options. Various organizations, foundations, and governments provide scholarships for international students studying in the UK. UCLan's International Office can provide guidance and information on external scholarship opportunities.

It is important to note that the availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for scholarships may vary each year.

The BDS program equips graduates with the clinical skills, knowledge, and professionalism required for a successful career in dentistry. The diverse career prospects enable graduates to choose pathways aligned with their interests, strengths, and goals, contributing to the improvement of oral health and overall well-being in their communities and beyond.

1. General Dental Practice: Many BDS graduates choose to work in general dental practice, providing comprehensive dental care to patients. They diagnose and treat various dental conditions, perform routine procedures like fillings and extractions, and educate patients on oral hygiene. General dentists may also refer patients to specialists when necessary.

2. Specialist Dentistry: With further training and specialization, BDS graduates can pursue careers as specialists in areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, or pediatric dentistry. Specialists focus on specific aspects of dental care and may work in private practice or hospitals.

3. Hospital Dentistry: Some BDS graduates work in hospital settings, where they treat patients with complex dental needs, including trauma cases, oral cancer, or special care dentistry. Hospital dentists may collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide integrated patient care.

4. Academic and Research Careers: Graduates interested in academia and research can pursue teaching or research positions in dental schools, universities, or research institutions. They may contribute to dental education, mentor students, conduct research on oral health, or participate in clinical trials.

5. Public Health Dentistry: BDS graduates can work in public health settings, focusing on community-based oral health initiatives, preventive programs, and promoting oral health awareness. They may work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or dental public health departments.

6. Dental Industry: Some graduates opt for careers in the dental industry, working for dental equipment manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, or dental product suppliers. They may be involved in sales, marketing, product development, or clinical training.

7. International Opportunities: The BDS degree is recognized internationally, allowing graduates to explore career opportunities abroad. They may work in countries facing shortages of dental professionals or participate in humanitarian dental missions.

8. Entrepreneurship: BDS graduates with entrepreneurial ambitions can establish their private dental practices, clinics, or dental care facilities. They may specialize in niche areas of dentistry or offer innovative services to meet specific patient needs.