The Student Room Group

dentistry vs dental surgery

this might sound dumb, but are these the same courses? if not, what are the differences in the degree and job?
because I was researching about what universities offer dentistry, and a few universities came up such as the university of leeds, university of plymouth etc. but when I went on the UCAS website, dental surgery comes up for these universities, not dentistry.

Reply 1

Original post
by nellymohammed
this might sound dumb, but are these the same courses? if not, what are the differences in the degree and job?
because I was researching about what universities offer dentistry, and a few universities came up such as the university of leeds, university of plymouth etc. but when I went on the UCAS website, dental surgery comes up for these universities, not dentistry.

That's an interesting question!

A dentist is a bit like a GP, but with pliers. They tend to do preventative care, fillings, and some tooth extractions.

A dental surgeon is the one who does the really big stuff, removing very stubborn teeth, gum and mouth surgery, things like facial reconstruction and other specialities fall under this as well.

There are overlaps and specialisations like anything medical.

However, they are two descriptions of the same thing: a dentist. Again, think of a GP and a Surgeon, both are medical doctors.

Check out the Scope of practice from the General Dental Council or https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/dentist

Remember to brush your teeth carefully and eat healthy, or the pliers come out! 😅🦷

Liz ✒️


***EDIT*** Check the university course pages and modules out, which will give you a good idea of what kind of things they will train you for.
(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 2

Original post
by CCCU Courses
That's an interesting question!
A dentist is a bit like a GP, but with pliers. They tend to do preventative care, fillings, and some tooth extractions.
A dental surgeon is the one who does the really big stuff, removing very stubborn teeth, gum and mouth surgery, things like facial reconstruction and other specialities fall under this as well.
There are overlaps and specialisations like anything medical.
However, they are two descriptions of the same thing: a dentist. Again, think of a GP and a Surgeon, both are medical doctors.
Check out the Scope of practice from the General Dental Council or https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/dentist
Remember to brush your teeth carefully and eat healthy, or the pliers come out! 😅🦷
Liz ✒️
***EDIT*** Check the university course pages and modules out, which will give you a good idea of what kind of things they will train you for.

Thank you!

Reply 3

Original post
by nellymohammed
this might sound dumb, but are these the same courses? if not, what are the differences in the degree and job?
because I was researching about what universities offer dentistry, and a few universities came up such as the university of leeds, university of plymouth etc. but when I went on the UCAS website, dental surgery comes up for these universities, not dentistry.


they are the same tbh

Reply 4

BDS dental surgery/dentistry are same

Reply 5

They are all regulated couses so will have little difference in content, practically no-one in the UK cares what UK dental school you went to once you are fully qualified.

Quick Reply

How The Student Room is moderated

To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.