Dentistry
Dentistry provides a rewarding career in the provision of oral health care and is satisfying not only in terms of performing high-standard clinical procedures but also in terms of social interaction. The dentist also fulfils an important function in educating patients regarding their oral care.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
5 years, full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate entry requirements
At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.
Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements in the same sitting:
English O6/H7
Irish O6/H7
Maths O6/H7
Other Language O6/H7
Chemistry H4
Physics or Biology H4
Students are subject to Garda vetting.
Students are subject to Fitness to Practise Policy.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP
Distinction 66 points
Merit 46 points
Pass 28 points
Careers / Further progression
Skills and Careers Information
On graduating from this course, you will have developed an ability to listen to and engage with your patients. You will also be able to deliver clinical care for your patients to a high technical level. This clinical care is grounded in a deep theoretical knowledge base reinforced by key problem-solving skills. The undergraduate degree will serve as a solid foundation to pursue further career options upon graduation.
The NUI offers, through the University Dental School and Hospital, Cork, the postgraduate degrees of MDS, MDPH, DClinDent and PhD.
Qualified dentists may enter general practice, may enter the community dental service, or may undertake further study with a view to specialising in a number of disciplines or becoming university academics.
Our dental graduates may work in EU countries, Australia, Singapore, or Canada.
Further information
September 2026
Approximate Available Places 3
Find out about the mature entry requirements at https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/entryreqs/matureapplicants/
Approximate Available Places Overall 26
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Dentistry provides a rewarding career in the provision of oral health care and is satisfying not only in terms of performing high-standard clinical procedures but also in terms of social interaction. The dentist also fulfills an important function in educating patients regarding their oral care.
Dentistry will appeal to students who have empathy for people, who are interested in their welfare and who like carrying out precision work with their hands. The University Dental School and Hospital encourage applications from mature students and from qualifying students with special educational backgrounds.
This five-year course incorporates the vertical integration of traditional pre-clinical and clinical subjects to deliver an educational experience and training which follows contemporary best-practice teaching methodologies.
Year 1 Modules
AN1005 Principles of Human Structure for Dentistry (5 credits)
AN1006 Topographical Anatomy (10 credits)
BC1024 Introduction to Biomolecules and Metabolic Pathways (10 credits)
PL1001 Introduction to Physiology for Dentistry I (5 credits)
PL1002 Introduction to Physiology for Dentistry II (10 credits)
OH1001 Fundamentals of Dentistry I (15 credits)
OH1002 Fundamentals of Dentistry II (5 credits)
Year 2 Modules
Neuroanatomy and Embryology for Dental Students; Mammalian Cell and Tissue Structure; Dental Morphology, Histology, and Embryology; Molecular Biology; The Nervous System; Physiology for Dental Students; Foundations of Medicine; Mechanisms of Disease; Principles of Pharmacology; Introduction to Clinical Dentistry.
Year 3 Modules
Dental Pharmacology; Manifestations of Systemic and Oral Disease; Practical Restorative Dentistry; Development of Clinical Skills; Theoretical Basis for Clinical Dentistry; Behavioural and Ethical Dental Practice.
Year 4 Modules
Clinical Medical Sciences in Dentistry; Introduction to Dental Surgery; Introduction to Oral Health and Development I; Clinical Adult Oral Health; Theoretical Adult Oral Health I.
Year 5 Modules
Dental Surgery; Oral Health and Development; Clinical Restorative Dentistry; Theoretical Dentistry.
Ann-Marie Doran
dentalschooloffice@ucc.ie
+353 (0)21 490 1163
http://www.ucc.ie/en/dentalschool/