RCSI lecturer and dentistry student)

Dentistry

Bachelor of Dental Surgery, BDS (Hons)
School of Dentistry

Your future

A career in dentistry offers a rewarding blend of science, clinical skill and patient care, making it an ideal path for those who want to make a meaningful impact on people’s health and confidence. Working as a dentist opens the door to a future that is both professionally fulfilling and continuously evolving. As oral health becomes increasingly recognised as a vital part of overall well-being, dentists play a central role in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Graduates of this programme receive the award of Bachelor of Dental Surgery, BDS (Hons) from the National University of Ireland (NUI) at RCSI. You will have the scope to work and travel worldwide (although some countries such as the US may require that an exam is passed before a dentist qualified from Ireland may practice). If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), you may practice anywhere in the EU.

A group of RCSI Dentistry students dressed in maroon scrubs are shown how to examine teeth on a patient simulator by a lecturer

Your dentistry degree

A wide variety of career options will be available to you upon graduation. Youcan decide to work in general dental practice as a private practitioner or in the salaried public dental service. Unlike medicine, after qualifying there is no mandatory 'intern year'.

You can also choose to continue your education with the aim of becoming a specialist in disciplines within dentistry such as:

  • Orthodontics
  • Oral surgery
  • Endodontics
  • Paediatric dentistry
  • Prosthodontics
  • Periodontology
  • Dental public health
  • Special care dentistry

Career development

RCSI has a dedicated Careers Development Team who will work with you on career planning as you progress through your studies. Our careers service includes confidential 1:1 appointments with a qualified career professional. You will also be able to attend themed workshops and clinics, and presentations on topical events throughout the academic year. All of our career-related activities and communications are supported by a dedicated CareerHub IT platform. Through this, we encourage and empower you to develop your own career plan and to build a personal career e-portfolio.

All of these supports are available to you from your first year at RCSI right up to three years after you graduate.