| Code | CK702 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 Years |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | BDS (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| Fees | See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| CAO Points | 2024: 618 |
| CAO Points Range | 2024: 618-625 |
Course Outline
Dentistry provides a rewarding career in the provision of oral health care and is satisfying not only in terms of performing high-standard clinical procedures but also in terms of social interaction. The dentist also fulfills an important function in educating patients regarding their oral care.
Dentistry will appeal to students who have empathy for people, who are interested in their welfare and who like carrying out precision work with their hands. The University Dental School and Hospital encourage applications from mature students and from qualifying students with special educational backgrounds.
This five-year course incorporates the vertical integration of traditional pre-clinical and clinical subjects to deliver an educational experience and training which follows contemporary best-practice teaching methodologies.
Year 1 Modules
- AN1005 Principles of Human Structure for Dentistry (5 credits)
- AN1006 Topographical Anatomy (10 credits)
- BC1024 Introduction to Biomolecules and Metabolic Pathways (10 credits)
- PL1001 Introduction to Physiology for Dentistry I (5 credits)
- PL1002 Introduction to Physiology for Dentistry II (10 credits)
- OH1001 Fundamentals of Dentistry I (15 credits)
- OH1002 Fundamentals of Dentistry II (5 credits)
Year 2 Modules
Neuroanatomy and Embryology for Dental Students; Mammalian Cell and Tissue Structure; Dental Morphology, Histology, and Embryology; Molecular Biology; The Nervous System; Physiology for Dental Students; Foundations of Medicine; Mechanisms of Disease; Principles of Pharmacology; Introduction to Clinical Dentistry.
Year 3 Modules
Dental Pharmacology; Manifestations of Systemic and Oral Disease; Practical Restorative Dentistry; Development of Clinical Skills; Theoretical Basis for Clinical Dentistry; Behavioural and Ethical Dental Practice.
Year 4 Modules
Clinical Medical Sciences in Dentistry; Introduction to Dental Surgery; Introduction to Oral Health and Development I; Clinical Adult Oral Health; Theoretical Adult Oral Health I.
Year 5 Modules
Dental Surgery; Oral Health and Development; Clinical Restorative Dentistry; Theoretical Dentistry.
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Why Choose This Course
Dentistry is a highly satisfying and rewarding career. It affords you the opportunity to provide a high standard of clinical care for patients. Coupled with this is the potential to alter the patient’s lifestyle to enhance their oral health.
The course marries a high degree of technical knowledge with clinical expertise and patient interaction. As the course progresses, you undertake clinical care for your patients which is progressively more complex, challenging and rewarding.
Small-group teaching is provided which gives you the opportunity to share learning experiences with fellow students and experienced staff.
Skills and Careers Information
On graduating from this course, you will have developed an ability to listen to and engage with your patients. You will also be able to deliver clinical care for your patients to a high technical level. This clinical care is grounded in a deep theoretical knowledge base reinforced by key problem-solving skills. The undergraduate degree will serve as a solid foundation to pursue further career options upon graduation.
The NUI offers, through the University Dental School and Hospital, Cork, the postgraduate degrees of MDS, MDPH, DClinDent and PhD.
Qualified dentists may enter general practice, may enter the community dental service, or may undertake further study with a view to specialising in a number of disciplines or becoming university academics.
Our dental graduates may work in EU countries, Australia, Singapore, or Canada.
Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements
At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.
Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
| English | Irish | Maths | Other Language | Chemistry | Physics or Biology |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O6/H7 | O6/H7 | O6/H7 | O6/H7 | H4 | H4 |
EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications
EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.
Mature Students
To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February. The application should include a statement of interest. Applicants may also be called for interview.
Applicants must have achieved a H4 in Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) Chemistry and either Physics or Biology. (HC2 if presenting a pre-2017 Leaving Certificate).
Further information on applying as a mature student is available on the Mature Applicants and Mature Student Entry support pages.
Fitness to Practise
This programme is subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy.
Student Garda Vetting
All students on this programme will come into contact with the public and assume positions of trust through educational and training opportunities. To ensure the protection of the public, and to justify public trust and confidence, UCC is committed to ensuring that only suitable candidates are allowed to undertake this programme.
Vetting is carried out by the Admissions Office in UCC under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016 (the Acts) once a student has accepted their place on the programme. This involves a police check to establish whether the individual being vetted has had criminal convictions in the past or whether any criminal proceedings are pending. The Garda Siochána provide this information for students who have resided in Ireland for a period of six months or more (including permanent residence).
All students who have resided outside Ireland for a period of six months or more must furnish a Police Clearance Certificate from their country or countries of residence. This certificate should state that the student has had no convictions recorded against them while residing there.
Further information can be found on our Student Garda Vetting page.
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.
Fees and Costs
- Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
- The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
- See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
- Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
- Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.
Note that there is a total charge of €4,000 for the use of Dental Hospital equipment and instruments over the duration of this course. Payments are spread across Third Year to Fifth Year. Payments of €1,500 are due in both Third Year and Fouth Year, followed by the final €1,000 due in Fifth Year. These payments can be made during registration week. You will also need to order scrubs in First Year.
How To Apply
Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.
Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.
QQI/FET Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process.
Non-EU Applicants
If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.