Dentistry

Ireland offers a world-class undergraduate education in a safe, welcoming and globally connected country. Dentistry programmes are delivered through English at leading institutions, including RCSI.

Students benefit from early patient contact, close clinical supervision and access to modern facilities, positioning graduates for global opportunities.

To become a dentist in Ireland you will need to complete an approved undergraduate or graduate-entry dentistry degree, typically five to six years, then register with the Dental Council of Ireland.

International graduates, who qualify from Irish dental schools, may apply to practise in Ireland or other jurisdictions, subject to accreditation and regulatory requirements.

Undergraduate programmes take five years, combining academic learning with progressive clinical training. After graduation, registration with the Dental Council of Ireland is required to practise.

Yes. International (non-EU) applicants apply directly via the RCSI website or Atlantic Bridge (for residents of Canada or the United States). Students join a diverse campus community and benefit from dedicated support services throughout their studies.

The BDS is awarded by the National University of Ireland and aligned with Level 8 of the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.

The Dental Council of Ireland is supportive of the RCSI BDS programme. Following successful completion of the accreditation process – a requirement for all new healthcare programmes in Ireland – graduates may apply to register as dentists with the Dental Council. Recognition outside Ireland depends on local regulatory authorities and may possibly require additional steps.

Following accreditation by the Dental Council in Ireland, BDS graduates may apply to practise abroad, subject to the requirements of the relevant jurisdiction. The programme provides strong clinical foundations and a global outlook, supporting further training or professional practice internationally.

As with all healthcare professions, registration requirements vary by country and may include additional assessments or periods of supervised practice.

From Year 1, students engage in supervised patient interactions, developing clinical and communication skills. Clinical responsibility increases progressively, with advanced procedures under supervision. By the final year, the focus is on integration, confidence and readiness for practice.

Students learn in purpose-built Dental Education Centres (DECs) and the Simulated Dental Learning Environment (SDLE). Teaching is supported by access to anatomy facilities at St Stephen’s Green, integrating dental education within RCSI’s health sciences campus.