Orthodontics (MScD)

Admissions criteria

Eligibility: Home students applying alongside an StR application will find further details about the StR post via Orthodontic StR national recruitment.

Please note: The programme does not come with a National Training Number and therefore will not permit automatic or any guarantee of entry to the Specialist list in the relevant dental monospecialty. Completion of the course does not automatically entitle entry to the GDC specialist list.

In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided. 

With your online application you will need to provide: 

1. A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a primary dental qualification (BDS/DDS or equivalent).
2. An academic reference which demonstrates your suitability for the programme. References should be signed and dated.
3. A clinical reference to evidence 2 years’ full-time equivalent post-qualification experience at the time of application. References should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
4. An up-to-date CV which details your full education and work history.
5. Evidence that you are a registered dental practitioner, such as a professional registration record or certificate.
6. Evidence that you have passed the MJDF/MFDS/FDS qualifications of a Royal College of Surgeons or alternative post-graduate qualification.
7. A personal statement which describes your clinical experience, and a statement of understanding that you agree to comply with the University’s and Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust’s Occupational Health clearance including Exposure Prone Procedures (EPP).

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is set by the regulatory body, the General Dental Council (GDC). In line with GDC guidelines, acceptable English language evidence includes:

• IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 with 6.5 in all subskills; 
• A primary dental qualification which has been taught (in its entirety) in a country on the UKVI list of exceptions and is no more than 2 years old prior to the start of the programme;
• A pass in a language test for registration with a regulatory authority in a country where the first language is English, no longer than 2 years prior to the start of the programme;
• Evidence of 2 years’ experience of practising in a country where the first language is English.

If you provide evidence other than those listed above, it must meet the criteria set out by the GDC (ie; the evidence must be robust, recent and readily verifiable by the GDC).

You must meet the English language requirement at the point you submit your application, pending tests are not accepted.

Application Deadline 

The application deadline is 31 December each year for entry the following September. If you submit an application after this date, we will only consider it if places are still available.

Selection process 

We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements, we will invite you to an interview. Following interview, offers will be made to the highest scoring candidates.  Interviews are prioritised for those that have completed both Part 1 and Part 2 of MFDS/MJDF/MFD of a Royal College of Surgeons.  Applications from those with Part 1 only or postgraduate qualifications not obtained from a Royal College of Surgeons may be considered, subject to availability of places.

Find out more about English language requirements.

Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.

Criminal convictions

You will be required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check if your application is successful. If you are applying from certain countries overseas, a Certificate of Good Conduct may be required.

If you have a relevant criminal conviction, this will be stated in the check and may affect your ability to enrol on the course. Applicants who are on the barred list should be aware that applying to this course is likely to be considered a criminal offence.

Next steps