BDS Gateway to Dentistry
About this course
BDS in BDS Gateway to Dentistry, a dentistry degree designed as a widening participation initiative for applicants who do not meet standard entry requirements. Successful completion of the gateway year leads to automatic progression onto the main BDS Dentistry course, with applicants required to complete a health assessment, a Disclosure and Barring Service check, and the University Clinical Aptitude Test.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC including B in Biology or Chemistry. Applicants with predicted or achieved grades of AAB or above (or points equivalent), or with A in Chemistry, are not eligible for this course. This course has additional eligibility criteria , please check these before applying. IB: 29 points overall with 14 at Higher level, including 5 at Higher Level in Biology or Chemistry. Applicants with predicted or achieved grades of 33 points overall including 16 at Higher Level, or with 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry, are not eligible for this course. This course has additional eligibility criteria , please check these before applying. BTEC: DMM BTEC Extended Diploma Applied Science (RQF): Grades DDM or DMM, including five specified Biology or Chemistry units in any combination. Applicants with predicted or achieved grades of DDD or above cannot be considered for Gateway programmes but could be considered for the five-year standard entry course instead. This course has additional eligibility criteria , please check these before applying. Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
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What students say
Based on about 70 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 95%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 94%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 89%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 41 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 72%
- Working and studying: 16%
Most common jobs
- Other Health Professionals: 87%
- Health associate professionals: 11%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 100%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 100%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 305 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 22%
- South East: 11%
- South West: 28%
- Wales: 7%
- Scotland: 3%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- The General Dental Council quality assures and approves qualifications for registration, for the following registrant groups: Dentists; dental hygienists; dental therapists; dental nurses; clinical dental technicians; dental technicians; and orthodontic therapists.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BDS Gateway to Dentistry at University of Bristol earn?
The median salary is £44,000 after 15 months, £47,000 after 3 years, £52,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £46,000 and £59,000. The £52,500 median after five years is £9,500 more than the UK median for Dentistry.
What do graduates of BDS Gateway to Dentistry at University of Bristol do next?
89% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BDS Gateway to Dentistry at University of Bristol?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BDS Gateway to Dentistry at University of Bristol?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 29 points in the IB. The average entrant had 131 UCAS points.
Is BDS Gateway to Dentistry at University of Bristol accredited?
Yes. The General Dental Council quality assures and approves qualifications for registration, for the following registrant groups: Dentists; dental hygienists; dental therapists; dental nurses; clinical dental technicians; dental technicians; and orthodontic therapists.
How many students continue on BDS Gateway to Dentistry at University of Bristol?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.