Top Dental Schools - Queen’s University Belfast ranked 1st

Queen’s University Belfast has long been regarded as a leading institution in the field of dentistry, and its performance in the Guardian University Rankings of 2017 further solidified its top-tier status. Ranked first for dentistry in the UK, Queen’s University Belfast has built a strong reputation for its commitment to academic excellence, outstanding clinical training, and cutting-edge research in dental sciences. The university’s dental program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that spans the theoretical, practical, and clinical aspects of dental care. Queen’s School of Dentistry emphasizes an integrated approach to learning, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the challenges of the modern dental profession. This includes both rigorous academic coursework and extensive clinical experience, which is gained through the university’s close partnerships with dental hospitals and community-based health centers.

One of the key features of the dental program at Queen’s University Belfast is its emphasis on research. The university has a long history of conducting world-class research in various areas of dental science, including oral health, dental materials, and public health. Students are encouraged to engage with ongoing research projects, giving them the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in the field. Additionally, the university’s dental school is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs and clinics where students can practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment. This combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and research exposure ensures that Queen’s graduates are not only highly competent dental professionals but also capable of contributing to the evolution of dental practice and education.

Plymouth University, which secured second place in the Guardian University Rankings for dentistry in 2017, is another institution that has established itself as a leader in dental education. Plymouth’s dental program is known for its holistic approach to dental training, focusing not only on technical proficiency but also on the broader aspects of patient care. The university offers a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, which is accredited by the General Dental Council, ensuring that graduates are eligible to practice dentistry in the UK. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the scientific principles behind dental practice, as well as the opportunity to develop practical skills through clinical placements and simulations.

Plymouth University’s commitment to patient-centered care is a standout feature of its program. Students are encouraged to develop strong communication skills, empathy, and a compassionate approach to patient treatment. This focus on the human aspects of dentistry ensures that graduates are well-prepared not only to treat dental conditions but also to build lasting relationships with patients. The university’s dental school is equipped with modern facilities, including advanced clinical training rooms and a teaching clinic where students can work with real patients under the supervision of experienced faculty members. Moreover, Plymouth’s close connections with local dental practices and hospitals provide students with ample opportunities to gain valuable experience in diverse clinical settings.

Queen Mary University of London’s School of Medicine and Dentistry holds a distinguished position in the 2017 Guardian University Rankings, being ranked first for medicine and dentistry in London and third overall in the UK for dentistry. Queen Mary’s dental school is part of the larger Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious dental schools. The school’s comprehensive approach to dental education ensures that students are well-prepared for a career in dentistry, with opportunities for clinical exposure, research, and specialized training. Queen Mary’s dental program places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, with students working alongside medical, dental hygiene, and dental therapy students in collaborative settings. This fosters a team-based approach to patient care, which is increasingly important in modern dental practice.

One of the distinguishing features of Queen Mary’s dental program is its focus on research and innovation. The school is renowned for its contributions to dental research, particularly in the areas of oral health, dental materials, and oral surgery. Students are encouraged to engage with ongoing research projects, providing them with a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of dental science. Additionally, Queen Mary has invested heavily in state-of-the-art facilities, including modern clinical training rooms and advanced simulation technology. This ensures that students receive the best possible hands-on training, preparing them to handle a wide range of dental procedures and patient needs.

The University of Dundee, ranked fourth for dentistry in the Guardian University Rankings of 2017, is considered the best place in Scotland to study dentistry. The university’s dental program is well-regarded for its academic rigor and its focus on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of dental science. Dundee’s dental school is part of the larger College of Medicine, Dentistry, and Nursing, which is known for its commitment to high standards of education and research. The university offers a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, which is accredited by the General Dental Council and enables graduates to pursue a career in dentistry both in the UK and internationally.

One of the key strengths of the University of Dundee’s dental program is its emphasis on clinical training. The university operates a number of teaching clinics where students can work with real patients under the supervision of experienced faculty members. These clinics provide students with the opportunity to develop their clinical skills in a supportive and professional environment, ensuring that they are well-prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation. In addition to its strong clinical training, Dundee is also recognized for its contributions to dental research. The university’s dental school is home to several research groups that focus on areas such as oral health, restorative dentistry, and periodontology. Students are encouraged to engage with these research projects, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of dental research.

Dundee’s dental program is also notable for its commitment to patient-centered care. Students are taught to approach dental treatment from a holistic perspective, considering not only the clinical aspects of care but also the emotional and psychological needs of patients. This emphasis on patient care ensures that Dundee’s graduates are not only technically proficient but also compassionate and empathetic professionals who are capable of building strong relationships with their patients. Additionally, the university’s dental school is well-equipped with modern facilities, including simulation labs and clinical training rooms, ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to succeed in their studies.

Top 5 UK universities for dentistry:
1. Queen’s University Belfast
2. Plymouth University
3. Queen Mary University of London
4. University of Dundee
5. Cardiff
Source: Guardian 2017