Dentistry
Imagine yourself as a dental professional, equipped with the clinical experience and confidence to make a real difference to the lives of people across Wales, the UK, and beyond.
‘Croeso’ is the Welsh word for welcome, and you’ll feel it everywhere you go in our Dental School.
Whether your goal is to work as a dental professional helping people on a daily basis, shape the future of dentistry through research, or specialise in a particular area of dentistry, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Join our collection of brilliant minds all working to make the world a better place, from preventing tooth decay in children and making dentistry more patient friendly to - believe it or not - reducing violent crime on the streets of Cardiff and changing attitudes towards alcohol.
Together we can tackle some of society’s greatest challenges.
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Why study with us
£2.2 million clinical simulation suite
Where you can safely practice your clinical skills before getting stuck into real clinical placements.
Early clinical exposure
We're based in a working dental hospital, where you'll have access to a range of patients and clinical scenarios.
Firm choice
As part of our offer to you, if you choose us as your firm university choice we promise to save your place for the following year’s entry if you miss your offer grades to allow you to resit your exams.
Fully funded places available
A full NHS bursary, including tuition fees and non-repayable bursary for living costs, is available for Dental Therapy and Hygiene students.
Top 4 in the UK
For Dentistry (The Complete University Guide 2025).
34th in the world
For dentistry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
Learning beyond the classroom
Studying at Cardiff is so much more than lecture theatres and textbooks.
You’ll safely practice your clinical skills in our dental simulation suite, on mannequins that are fondly known as ‘phantom heads’, before getting stuck into real clinical scenarios with a range of patients thanks to our strong links with the NHS.
You’ll also embark on clinical placements in Wales, where you’ll be surrounded by an experienced team of clinicians, supporting you to become the best dental professional you can be.
These practical, real-world experiences will make sure you’re fully prepared for life as a dental professional, and have the clinical skills and confidence to excel in whatever career route you choose.
Courses
Entry year
Studying dentistry
Hear from some of our dentistry students, who will give you an insight into what you can expect from life as a BDS Dental Surgery student at Cardiff.
Studying dental therapy and dental hygiene
Hear from some of our dental therapy and dental hygiene students, who will give you an insight into what you can expect from life as a student at Cardiff.
Starting clinical rotations and treating my own patients has been incredibly rewarding. It’s refreshing to step away from the university environment occasionally and gain practical experience in real-world settings, working alongside experienced dental nurses!
The chance to change lives
As a student with us you can get involved with community projects and outreach initiatives that make a real difference to people’s lives, and may even have the chance to embark on overseas study opportunities, where you’ll be immersed in a new community, absorb another language, and develop your clinical skills.
From visiting local schools and teaching children about oral health, to delivering dental hygiene care packages to homeless communities across Cardiff, our students are making a lasting change, and working to build a better tomorrow.
Forging lifelong friendships
Our Cardiff Dental Student Society (CDSS) is led by dental students, for dental students.
When you start your journey with us, you’ll join this close-knit community of dental surgery, hygiene, and therapy students, and forge friendships and connections that will last a lifetime.
You’ll get stuck into loads of activities, from ski trips, summer balls and sports days with other dental schools, to charity events and outreach projects in local communities where you’ll make a real difference.
As a first year student, you’ll also be given dental ‘parents’ - students in other years who will be there to support and mentor you every step of the way.
The journey to becoming a dental professional is both exciting and challenging, and we’re in it together.
Cardiff Dental Student Society is a fantastic way to socialise with people across all years, and with events such as the annual CDSS ski trip, winter ball, charity events, and many more - there is something for everyone to get involved with!
Discover more
Explore Cardiff University
Next steps
Download our brochure
Find out more about life at our Dental School.
Contact us
Ask a question via our enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
How to apply
Everything you need to know about applying to study with us.
Undergraduate
Join a community of open-minded thinkers and doers, where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. Together, we’ll work hard to build a better future—for you and the wider world.
Undergraduate prospectus 2026
Order or download a copy of our prospectus, subject brochures and other guides.
Contact us
Get in touch if you have a question about studying with us.