🏛️ About the University

The University of Bristol, established in 1876, is one of the UK's leading research-intensive universities. Its Dental School is part of the Faculty of Health Sciences and offers a dynamic learning environment combining research-led teaching with practical clinical experience. Bristol Dental School is committed to producing highly skilled, patient-focused dentists equipped to work in diverse clinical settings.

The dental school is based at the Bristol Dental Hospital and on the Clifton campus, providing students with access to modern simulation clinics, specialized research laboratories, and a vibrant student community. The city of Bristol is culturally rich, with a strong emphasis on healthcare innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.

🦷 Course Content

The Bristol BDS programme spans five years, combining core biomedical sciences with hands-on clinical skills. Years 1 and 2 cover anatomy, physiology, dental materials, and pre-clinical operative skills using simulation labs. Students begin supervised patient treatment gradually to build confidence.

Years 3 and 4 focus on clinical placements in restorative dentistry, oral surgery, periodontology, paediatric dentistry, and orthodontics. Community outreach and student-led clinics allow students to treat a wide range of patients under guidance, enhancing practical experience and public health understanding.

Year 5 prepares students for independent practice with intensive clinical rotations, advanced restorative procedures, and preparation for the UK dental registration exam. Student Selected Components (SSCs) and electives enable exploration of research, specialist clinical areas, or international dentistry.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Style

Teaching integrates lectures, tutorials, simulation-based learning, clinical placements, SSCs, and community projects. Small group workshops and patient-based sessions ensure students develop clinical competence, professional skills, and confidence in practice.

Interprofessional learning with medical, nursing, and allied health students fosters collaboration and prepares graduates for team-based dental care in multidisciplinary settings.

📍 Location & Student Life

Bristol is a lively, diverse city with a thriving arts and music scene, cultural landmarks, restaurants, and sporting activities. Dental students benefit from modern campus facilities, digital dentistry labs, hospital clinics, and access to city-wide community outreach programmes.

Student societies, sports clubs, and dental-specific groups provide social and professional development opportunities, supporting teamwork, research, and networking.

⭐ Unique Selling Points

Bristol Dental School is known for early and intensive clinical exposure, simulation-based training, and strong community engagement. Students gain diverse clinical experience, preparing them for UK registration and international practice.

Graduates leave with advanced clinical, professional, and research skills. The integration of interprofessional learning, student-led clinics, and access to a culturally rich, innovative city makes Bristol a distinctive choice for aspiring dentists.