Background

My interest in Dentistry led me to carry out work experience in an NHS practice and in a private practice, in order to understanding the workings of a dentist. I found out that Dentistry offered a very varied scope of practice, which I found stimulating. What attracted me mainly to this profession was the strong scientific basis used to diagnose problems, alongside the practical component of delivering treatment.

Whilst I was in my last few years of school, I tried to gain leadership and teamwork skills by becoming a charity rep for my school, and then becoming the Vice President of the Charity Committee in my final year.

I also carried out volunteering experiences in a school for children with special needs and learning difficulties, and at a local nursing home. These allowed me to experience what it was like working with and caring for others – an important role of any healthcare career.

The Universities I Applied To

I applied to the following universities:

1. Dentistry - The University of Sheffield

2. Dentistry - The University of Manchester

3. Dentistry - The University of Leeds

4. Dentistry - King’s College London

5. Anatomy & Human Biology - The University of Liverpool

The Offers I Gained

1. Dentistry - The University of Sheffield

2. Dentistry - The University of Manchester

3. Dentistry - King’s College London

4. Anatomy & Human Biology - The University of Liverpool

Why I Choose Sheffield

Dentistry - The University of Sheffield

I first heard about the University of Sheffield after completing a “Discover Dentistry” online course on the website, Futurelearn – after my work experience, this was my next insight into Dentistry and it made me want to look into Sheffield. The online course was led by tutors at the university and they explained the content really well, which definitely put Sheffield high on my list of potential options.

I went to open days for all of the universities so that I could find out everything I wanted before making such a big decision. Open days allow you to talk to students and tutors about the course, as well as what advice they would give to an applicant.

I chose Sheffield as my first choice as I learnt it had a brilliant reputation as a dental school. I liked the course structure as it was lecture-based and students also had early clinical exposure – this meant I’d be seeing my own patients a lot sooner than students at other dental schools, allowing me more time to build my skills and confidence.

I also loved the city of Sheffield – I’m from Yorkshire so I feel right at home here. It isn’t super quiet, nor is too busy and the Peak District is right on our doorstep!

What 4th Year BDS Entails

Year 4 & 5

• We have regular lectures

• We have restorative, periodontology, oral surgery, radiology clinics in 4th year

• We are allowed into theatre in 4th year to observe and assist in head and neck surgery

• We also have sedation clinics where we apply our sedation training

• We start our outreach placement – Sheffield have a brilliant outreach programme where we have placements in practices in the surrounding region to get a feel for real-life dentistry and what our future work environment will be like. It’s also our first experience treating patients who are paying for their treatment!

• We also have the opportunity to carry out an elective placement anywhere in the world for 6 weeks

• We also have a 2 week regional hospital attachment

What The Course is Like

• The course is lecture-based

• We also have tutorials in labs when we learn microbiology & biochemistry

• We have seminars in small groups when discussing topics like ethics and communication

• We have about 70 students in our year

• I started uni in mid-September in my first year, but after that the academic year starts in the first week of September – similar to when you’re at school

• We don’t have half-term holidays like you do at school, but we get a few weeks off at Christmas, Easter & a longer break for summer.

• We do have a lot of hours at university but our graduates perform very well during their foundation year so it all pays off

• We start treating patients on the Denture course at the start of 2nd year – I think I saw my first patient 2 weeks into my 2nd year

• We start doing treatments like fillings in the Spring of 2nd year 

Challenges of Being a Dental Student

One of the first challenges I faced was something that all students have to go through and that’s settling into uni. You’re probably used to living at home with family so the move to uni can be difficult – but it’s an opportunity hat is going to teach you so many valuable life skills.

The dental society at my university made the transition easier by organising meet & greet and icebreaker events for us in our first week. We also have personal tutors who you meet with from 1st year all the way till 5th year – this is something I really value.

Another challenge I faced was in 2nd/3rd year when we started to have more clinical work and lectures – it was very similar to the workload you’re used to at A-levels so just make sure you’re on top of your time management skills and you’ll find it a breeze!