Dentistry allows you to transform lives, gain a deeper understanding of the factors which affect population health, eliminate pain and empower patients with confidence. It brings together elements of engineering, biology, materials science, medicine and psychology.
We recognise the multi-disciplinary elements of studying dentistry and embrace it in our teaching approach. From early on, students acquire a range of knowledge and skills through clinical exposure and practice in several of our key outreach clinics located in a range of primary care settings.
You will be encouraged to support your understanding of dentistry and oral health by also looking at these things holistically, utilising sociology and psychology to understand and improve a patient’s attitude to oral healthcare and dentistry as a profession. In turn, this equips you with the interpersonal skills needed to build a rapport with and help people. Tying into this is Dental Public Health, a module where you’ll experience the community aspects of dentistry.
In your third and fourth year, clinical practice will form a large and vital part of your learning. Working closely with a diverse patient base in our outreach centres, you will put together strategies for prevention and treatment. Our purpose-built outreach centres are located in Canary Wharf and Stratford. You will also develop your clinical skills in clinical skills labs and two on-site polyclinics where you will broaden the contact you have with patients, treating adults and children alike. In addition to this clinical time, you’ll spend time at The Royal London and St Bartholomew’s Hospitals, where you will be responsible for your own supervised practise.
Clinical contact time is supplemented by seminars, lab work, tutorials, e-learning projects and library activity – all of which are geared to providing you with knowledge you need to adapt to a clinical setting.
As well as your studies, you’ll be prepared for the next step – life after graduation. Throughout your studies, you’ll work as a team with dental hygienists and therapists, which provides you with insight into how teams collaborate in a professional setting. You’ll also get the chance to hear recent graduates talk about their experience of getting a job and share with you the various routes dentists can follow. This is an opportunity to fully appreciate your individual talents and passions, and work out how to apply these to your chosen dentistry path.