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Contact: Margaret Ross

Email: oralug@ed.ac.uk

Phone: + 44 (0)131 536 4997

Web: www.ed.ac.uk/medicine-vet-medicine

Introduction

Oral Health Sciences leads to a qualification in dental hygiene and dental therapy.

The degree programme combines dental science with research exploring the prevention and treatment of oral disease.

The clinical practice and research elements of the course attract students interested in both clinical dentistry and academic research.

You will study courses from the four main areas of Health & Disease, Clinical Skills, Personal & Professional Development and Preparation for Practice.

The small class sizes provide a supportive learning environment and you will work with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis in your third year as you explore specialist areas of dentistry.

There are lots of opportunities for practical experience, and clinical placements start in your first year.

What you'll study

Year 1

You will study biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, human disease, oral biology, immunology and dental biomaterials science. You will develop both your laboratory skills and practical experience and will start to treat patients in the second semester.

Year 2

You will study genetics, general pathology, pharmacology, preventive dentistry, oral health promotion and dental public health. You will develop your skills in clinical treatment and start laboratory-based work looking at paediatric dentistry and clinical imaging.

Year 3

You will build on first- and second-year courses and will study oral medicine and pathology, oral surgery and special-care dentistry. You will complete outreach placements in various locations and settings throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. You will also undertake a supervised research project on a subject of your choice. To enter the senior honours year you must successfully complete the first three years of the programme.

Year 4

You will concentrate on a supervised major research project and on further developing your clinical skills. You will have the opportunity to work in specialist departments and observe procedures, for example, in oral surgery, oral orthopaedics, head and neck surgery and implantology, among others.

Learning and assessment

You will be taught through lectures, small-group seminars, case studies, one-to-one teaching and student-led learning.

Your academic and clinical progress will be assessed through exams, case reports, work-based assessment and a clinical work portfolio, and through 360-degree feedback.

Careers

Career opportunities for Oral Sciences graduates in the UK exist within the NHS and private practice. On graduating, you must become a registrant of the General Dental Council and will be able to pursue a career in any area of dentistry from community and hospital care, to general dental practice. The degree programme’s broad research base also prepares you for a career in university-based research or teaching. It also provides a robust platform for consideration to graduate-entry dentistry.

Our facilities

Teaching takes place in the newly completed Edinburgh Dental Excellence Centre located in the city centre. There are also opportunities to complete specialist clinical placements in the Edinburgh Dental Institute and hospitals throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.