Studying Dentistry in Bristol - A Students Perspective
"Biochemistry, Physiology, Anatomy, Pathology, Microbiology and Pharmacology." Some people view the first two years of studying Dentistry in Bristol in these terms. The following is our way of showing that there is more to this list than one's first impressions.
The key to why we enjoy our time studying our course in this city is the union between academic studies that engage and enthral and a student lifestyle that provides freedom and yet security.
Our first year and part of our second year are pre-clinical and spent in the Medical School and its teaching labs on University Walk. Here, we get the chance to mix and mingle with students of Medicine and the Medical Sciences and also spend lectures and practicals with our Dental year group. There is also a Foundation year available to mature students and those who haven't studied the required A levels. If successful they enter the general first year of Dentistry.
If you are interested in applying for the undergraduate Dental course then see the University's Admissions Information and Prospectus entry for Dentistry.
The course excels in many ways, but the key is the depth and plethora of information it offers. The Medical Sciences studied here are presented with relevance to dental life, but there is scope for feeding an appetite for further study as part of background reading, Intercalating and future Postgraduate studies.
The first year will probably be spent living in Halls of Residence (on two main sites) or possibly living at home if you're Bristolian. Life here is a perfect complement to the course. The University days are usually 9am-5pm, but the University's Halls of Residence provide ample opportunity to broaden horizons. The corridors, floors and flats are usually an eclectic mix of students studying different subjects, although there is often another dentist nearby. Friends from Halls, like Course friends act like an extended family whilst away from home.
Extracurricular activities can consist of socialising and/or being a member of societies and clubs. The University of Bristol Union (UBU) and the Student Union building act as a sound base for these pursuits. Moreover, Bristol's position as a cosmopolitan and vibrant city is reminiscent of a youthful London to city-dwellers, with similarities in social life but all in a manageable size. Without the smog and with green spaces instead, for those of rural background Bristol has a certain rustic tranquillity that other big cities sadly lack.
Life moves quickly but memorably as a Dental Student – one day a fresher, then soon a Clinical student (3rd Year and upwards), and then swapping your green coat (working on models) to white coats (in Clinics). This is where the Dental Society (UBDSS) comes in as a forum for all students to come together, socialising, playing sport, travelling, etc and so adding to the sense of camaraderie within our faculty's department.
A few questions answered by a Dental student:
Please note the information below has been written by a current Year 5 student and both the curriculum and intake numbers have altered since 2006. Please see New Developments for the latest information.
Why dentistry? This is certainly one question that’s frequently arisen during my three and a half years at Bristol University!
Personally, I chose to study dentistry for a variety of reasons. I enjoyed science at school, but I somehow couldn’t imagine myself becoming a “pure scientist” as such. Something vaguely medical seemed to appeal, but I wasn’t quite sure what. I became more aware of the dental profession when the whole question of braces arose in my class at school. Not having any dentists in my immediate family, I decided to do some work experience and spent some time at a local general dental practice. This was vital in helping me to make the decision to go for dentistry. It gave me an opportunity to see not only the practical and technical aspects involved in being a dentist, but also the skills involved in managing patients and working with other members of the dental team.
Now as a dental student, it becomes clearer each day that I have chosen the right career. The course is challenging, but I enjoy trying to meet those challenges and I think that as a result, it is hugely satisfying. So, in my opinion, instead of asking “Why dentistry?” try asking yourself “Why NOT dentistry?”!
So why should you come to Bristol?
The city of Bristol is a great place to study. It is big enough to have everything you need or want, yet small enough to see familiar faces when you’re out. Besides which, Bristol is beautiful. The University area is one of the most pleasant areas of the city, with stunning buildings and plenty of open green spaces. One of the best things about studying here is the great range of extracurricular activities available; whether that’s just socialising, or getting involved in music, sport, dancing or outdoor activities. There are a huge number of student societies, which enable you to meet like-minded people who study all sorts of subjects. There’s also, of course, the UBDSS (our dental student society) which plays a great role in organising social and sporting events for dental students from all the years.
So what is it like being a dental student at Bristol?
At the start of the course you will come to have a thorough understanding of the science underlying dentistry. A lot of time at this stage is spent in the School of Medical Sciences. However, early on in the course, students also have the benefit of clinical teaching in the Dental Hospital. Students then progress to spending most of their time in the Dental Hospital itself, first of all, learning dental techniques in the state of the art “phantom head laboratory”, then gradually caring for and being responsible for patients from all the departments of the hospital.
So what are my tips for prospective students?
First and foremost, make use of the Dental School open day and come and see Bristol for yourself. If you decide you’d like to apply for Dentistry here, keep up to date with dentistry items in the news and try to get as much work experience as you can.
My time studying Dentistry at Bristol has been fantastic and I can’t recommend it to you enough!
Hope to see you here soon!
Jennifer Haworth (4th year dental student) - 2007