The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Dentistry in its inaugural year starting Fall 2025, will equip students to deliver excellence in dental care for patients in the community, improving their oral and general health. This innovative five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme will ensure RCSI graduates are clinically competent, and aware of their professional responsibilities and their role in the wider healthcare system.
RCSI has a strong heritage in dental education and training, running an undergraduate dental school for close to 100 years and granting a License in Dental Surgery. Theodore Stack, the first Professor of Dentistry in either England or Ireland was appointed at RCSI in 1884.
Good dental healthcare provision is essential to both dental health and general health. Ireland and many countries face an acute shortage of dentists. RCSI will explore the potential to offer a Degree in Dental Surgery, which would educate and train students in a bespoke, primary care, patient-oriented setting to deliver the best training and improvements in oral health. Through a community-based approach to dental education, our graduates will be ready to work in the primary care environment where they will practice.
Undergraduate Degree
Applicants who hold (or expect to hold by September of the year of entry) an undergraduate degree with a significant science component, including courses in Chemistry and Biology are eligible to apply. Applicants must meet the minimum undergraduate cGPA of 3.0 (for Canadian applicants, please see the OMSAS conversion table for GPA calculation). More information about Entry Requirements can be found on the RCSI Dentistry page.
Applicants who pass RCSI’s initial evaluation will be invited to an in-person interview. Atlantic Bridge will provide specific guidance on your eligibility based on the information you submit on your Application Request Form.
Candidates are strongly advised to present some dental practical/shadowing experience on their CV/Resume and preferably a Letter of Recommendation from a practicing dentist.
High School with IB diploma
Applicants must present a minimum score of 36 IB Diploma points (inclusive of bonus points). The IB Diploma must comprise a minimum of six subjects* (three subjects at Higher Level and three subjects at Standard Level), which must include Chemistry at Higher Level (with a minimum score of 5) and another laboratory science subject (Biology or Physics) or Mathematics** at Higher Level.
If Mathematics is presented with Chemistry at Higher Level, another laboratory science subject (Biology or Physics) must also be presented at Standard Level.
*All IB Diploma subject examinations must be taken within two consecutive academic years (i.e. school years 11 and 12). Any repeat examinations taken outside of these two years will not be considered.
**Both Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation are acceptable for application to RCSI.
More information about Entry Requirements can be found on the RCSI Dentistry page.
Applicants who pass RCSI’s initial evaluation will be invited to an in-person interview. Atlantic Bridge will provide specific guidance on your eligibility based on the information you submit on your Application Request Form.
Candidates are strongly advised to present some dental practical/shadowing experience on their CV/Resume and preferably a Letter of Recommendation from a practicing dentist.
> Small group teaching: Our approach to small group teaching supports curriculum delivery, and enables you to get to know your lecturers and receive regular feedback in a supportive learning environment.
> Early patient contact: Early patient contact is one of the standout characteristics of the programme. Students experience contact with patients from Year 1 on allowing for the early development of clinical and communication skills under close supervision.
> State-of-the-art facilities: RCSI’s Simulated Dental Learning Environment (SDLE) enables students to develop and consolidate their clinical skills in a safe, low-risk environment before going on to treat actual patients.
> Community focus: Students engage closely with local communities throughout the course which develops professionalism and social accountability skills and gives a deep understanding of the needs and demands of different groups in the population.
> Multidisciplinary environment: Study alongside your future colleagues in Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and Advanced Therapeutic Technologies, ensuring that the multidisciplinary nature of patient care is reflected in your education at RCSI.
> Career readiness: Students develop transferable skills for lifelong learning and a career in dentistry, and you will also receive intensive support in choosing your own future career path.
The five-year full-time programme will be underpinned by a curriculum built on the award-winning Peninsula Dental School programme at the University of Plymouth.
It uses a blend of teaching and learning methods, combining clinical skills training with the acquisition of knowledge, skills and professional attributes. Students will experience contact with patients from their first year, giving them the chance to develop their clinical and communication skills at the earliest opportunities.
The first two years will lay down the scientific and technical foundations upon which the later, more clinically intensive years of the course are built. Across Years 2 to 5, students will gain extensive experience of a wide range of oral and general dental conditions, with continued reference to the scientific base underpinning dental practice.
Learn more about the program on RCSI’s website!
Copyright ©️ 2016–2024
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
