UK · Bachelor's
Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London
BDS Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London
Course Overview
King's College London Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences is the largest dental school in Europe and consistently ranked #1 in the world for Dentistry in QS World Rankings by Subject. The 5-year BDS combines pre-clinical foundations (Years 1-2) at the Guy's, King's and St Thomas' campus with clinical training (Years 3-5) at Guy's Hospital Dental Institute, King's College Hospital, and St Thomas' Hospital. Students treat real patients from Year 2 onwards under registered-dentist supervision, with rotations in oral surgery, paediatric dentistry, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and dental public health.
Sri Lankan applicants — typically top-tier Biology / Chemistry / Physics A-Level streams from Royal College / Visakha / Trinity / Methodist / Ladies' College / Wesley — choose KCL Dentistry for the unmatched global reputation, the UK General Dental Council (GDC) registration pathway, and the Sri Lanka Dental Council reciprocity (GDC-registered dentists can register with SL Dental Council with minimal additional steps). UK Graduate Route (2 years) on graduation allows VT / dental foundation training in the NHS before potential return to Sri Lanka or move to Australia / Canada / Singapore via GDC-recognised pathways.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle A Level: A*AA — must include Chemistry and Biology (one at A*), with the third subject typically Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology.
- check_circle IB Diploma: 38 points with 7,6,6 at Higher Level including HL Chemistry and HL Biology.
- check_circle UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) — KCL uses this for shortlisting; competitive applicants score 2700+ with Band 1-2 in Situational Judgement.
- check_circle Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) — typically conducted in December / January.
- check_circle UCAS application via the 15 October dentistry deadline; one of four UK dental schools can be applied to.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 6.5 in each band) — GDC mandated for clinical practice.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 100 Overall (min 25 in each section).
- check_circle Cambridge English C1 Advanced: 185 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your secondary schooling was in English for the final 7+ years — but GDC registration requires IELTS / OET regardless of waiver.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (£) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | £57,000 | Rs. 22,800,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, London) | £16,000 | Rs. 6,400,000 |
| Student Visa & IHS Fee (5 years) | £4,200 | Rs. 1,680,000 |
| Clinical Kit / Books (Year 1) | £800 | Rs. 320,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | £78,000 | Rs. 31,200,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the 2-year UK Graduate Route. KCL BDS grads automatically qualify for GDC registration and Dental Foundation Training (DFT) — 1-year NHS-funded paid VT post (£36,000/year salary). Career paths: NHS dentist (£50,000-100,000+), private practice (£100,000-400,000+ as principal), specialist training pathways (orthodontics, oral surgery via NHS). Sri Lankan returnees register with Sri Lanka Dental Council and run premium practices in Colombo, Kandy, Galle.
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