Structure

This five-year degree is designed to help you build the skills you will need as a dental professional. The Institute of Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London follows a new and innovative curriculum: you will study care of the mouth, including prevention and treatment of dental diseases, screening for oral cancers, managing trauma, orthodontics and oral surgery.

Our location in east London means you will serve a population of great diversity and encounter a wide range of disease, including some of the more unusual oral cancers. You will be exposed to patients early on, and as you progress in your studies, you will work in our outreach clinics in Canary Wharf and Stratford. A further centre is due to be operational in the Homerton area in 2023-24.

We encourage you to take a holistic approach to dentistry by studying the human sciences along with your core dentistry modules – including sociology and psychology – to examine patients’ attitude to oral healthcare and the dental profession.

YEAR 1

Scientific basis of clinical practice (Year 1)

We will introduce you to basic biological principles and help you to develop the study skills you will need throughout the programme.

You will cover:

• clinical skills
• critical thinking
• dental materials and their application
• oral biology
• the main organs and body systems
• the effects of illness on people and their families
• the impact of environmental and social factors on health
• the normal biological structure and function of cells
• the impact of systemic health and medication on oral health

YEARS 2 - 4

Scientific basis of clinical practice (Years 2-4)

You will apply the knowledge gained in the first year to body systems in both health and disease, with topic areas geared towards the requirements of a dental practitioner.

Substantial portions of your time will be spent with patients, coupled with complementary educational activities, including seminars, clinical skills laboratory work, tutorials, e-learning projects and library activity.

You will cover:

• abnormalities and diseases of the mouth and how to care effectively for these patients
• oral biology, including the study of normal structures and functions of the adjacent tissues
• specialist areas such as adult and child restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery and orthodontics.

During your third and fourth years you will also work in our outreach centres, devising strategies for prevention and treatment.

YEAR 5

Preparation for independent practice (Year 5)

Your final year consolidates your knowledge and skills in preparation for professional dental practice. You will be exposed to a greater range of cases, including hospital-based treatments. Teaching is delivered through symposia, small group teaching, modules and wide clinical experience.

To prepare for graduation you will hear from graduates on their experiences applying for jobs and learn about the different career routes from dentists working in  specialised fields.

Student-selected components

You will choose particular areas to study in greater depth, based on your own interests.

Examples of student-selected modules currently on offer include:

• Clinical and Communication Skills
• Dental Materials Science
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Prevention of Oral Diseases.

Please note that all modules are subject to change.