The main emphasis in the last two years of the BDS programme is on clinical dentistry, including Dental Public Health, based on an holistic approach to the oral healthcare of adults and children. Students progressively become aware of the importance of health promotion, prevention together with the acquisition of diagnostic skills for the treatment care planning required as part of the clinical care of patients. They also gain an awareness of treating medically and physically compromised patients.
As clinical experience is gained, based upon ongoing theoretical knowledge and understanding, clinical dental skills are further developed such that students learn and undertake increasingly more complex and comprehensive patient care in preparation for beginning independent dental practice following the end of BDS V.
Throughout the BDS clinical programme there is emphasis on the interrelationship between the different dental specialties, horizontal and vertical integration of knowledge and skills which enable diagnosis and treatment planning with a view to providing total patient care and appreciation of continuing professional development.