The Universities you applied to:

University of Glasgow

The University of Liverpool

Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (Graduate entry)

The University of Central Lancashire (Graduate entry)

The Offers you gained

University of Glasgow

The University of Central Lancashire (Graduate entry)

Why you choose this University

I decided to go to University of Glasgow for a number of reasons. The main reason being it was ranked number 1 out of the Dental schools.

Another factor was, I was unable to attend their open day due to work commitments. I therefore, decided to stay the day before the Multi Mini Interviews (MMI). The relaxed atmosphere and friendly demeanour was very appealing to me and gave me a great opportunity to experience what life would be like if I lived there.

Also, it is within walking distance to the 2 Gurdwaras (Sikh temples). This allowed me to integrate within the community by participating in ‘Seva Scotland’ which is a charity run at the Gurdwara to give food to the homeless.

On the day of my MMI I spoke to one of the BDS students who were helping out. She told me she played field hockey and Glasgow had one of the best University hockey teams with a few players who play nationally. This interested me as I have played field hockey for 10+ years.

Compared to the other MMIs, I was more relaxed during Glasgow’s. I believe this was due to it being my second MMI and the staff made me feel at ease. One of the things I noticed were a number of students in my group who were nervous. So, I got everyone to sit together and we all talked and shared experiences which helped everyone get to know each other and relax. 

What my year of training entails

In the morning we have clinical sessions:

• 2 x 3h sessions to see patients with most dental issues (ranging from periodontal issues to restorative)

• Dedicated sessions with specialist in:

  • Prosthodontics – contains a 1h tutorial at the start with a specialist demonstrating a stage of treatment on a patient. 

  • Orthodontics – consists of 3 stations (patient orthodontic assessment, emergency treatment and observing a CT).

  • Oral surgery – consists of patient assessment and extraction of teeth.

  • Radiology – taking different forms of x-rays.

  • Paediatric – consists of patient assessment and treatments.

  • Periodontology – consists of patient assessment and treatments. 

In the afternoons we have a mixture of:

• Lectures – usually 45mins-1 hour per topic, with Q&A.

• Tutorials are in smaller groups with specialists – pre prepared questions on specific research papers are discussed.

What the course is like

The course is more lecture based than PBL. The content of the years roughly follow the below format:

Year 1 – Biomedical Sciences (how all the systems in your body work), tooth morphology, patient management health promotion and a little experience with handpieces

Year 2 – Clinical techniques on phantom head (simulated teeth) 

Year 3 – Clinical sessions with patients (very basic treatment) and Head and neck anatomy (dissection on cadavers)  

Year 4 – More clinical sessions with slightly more advanced treatment with dedicated session in each dental discipline. You also get a 4-week period of elective study where you do a presentation on an area of your choice. 

Year 5 – practical based year with a 50:50 split of your time between the dental hospital and community outreach centre. Areas of focus are more complicated treatments.  

How many students in your year: 

Approximately 80 students 

When do you start treating patients: 

At the end of 2nd year, beginning of 3rd year 

Challenges of being a dental student

For me going back into education was daunting. I had been out of education and working full time for 4years. I was worried I would struggle to revise again. However, I practised different learning methods in year 1-3 and found flash card and group study worked best for me.

What you have gained being a student

Firstly, an appreciation for the knowledge a Dentist should have. It is a lot more than the stereotypes you hear and explains why it’s a 5-yr course.

I have been fortunate to have been given opportunities to learn how different esteemed organisations work, from which I have been able to become the representative for the: 

• British Association of Cosmetic Dentistry

• British Society of Periodontology (where I am also the Undergraduate secretary) 

• University of Glasgow (all 4 years)

• Make a Dentist Ambassador - Dental roots

I have also been lucky enough:

• To have been selected for courses such as Ash Parmar’s Bespoke 2-day course for dental students. 

• To create the first cosmetic group for University of Glasgow’s dental students.