(*including Dental Hygiene ETP, Dental [DMD and IDDCP], and Clinical Graduate & Post-Graduate Students)
This document provides an overview about what to expect as a student in the Faculty of Dentistry. It doesn’t replace official information that can be found in the University Calendar or elsewhere on the Faculty’s website. Please visit these sites to learn your rights and responsibilities.
- Information about UBC: UBC Academic Calendar
- Information specific to Dentistry: UBC Academic Calendar — Faculty of Dentistry
How Should I Prepare? (After Acceptance)
- Applicants with a bloodborne infection (e.g. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV) MUST acquaint themselves with the Faculty’s policy (see our website). Highly infectious Hepatitis B may prevent admission to a clinical program, while other bloodborne infections may impede a student’s ability to complete the clinical requirements of their program.
- Vaccinations are required in order to treat patients and you will need to provide evidence that you have been vaccinated before being admitted.Prospective dental students are advised of a mandatory Hepatitis B vaccination program, which includes a requirement for proof of seroconversion. At the beginning of September, all incoming students must provide evidence of immunizations (Tetanus/Diphtheria-Toxoid, Polio, MMR, COVID) and provide results of a negative TB skin test. If the skin test is positive, a chest x-ray is required.
- In addition, annual influenza vaccinations will be required in order to attend many clinical sites.
- You will need to be certified in CPR early in your program and you’ll need to recertify as required.
- Applicants with a documented or suspected disability should advise the Faculty so that referral for assessment and/or determination of appropriate accommodation can be made. While many disabilities can be accommodated, in a clinical program some cannot; it makes sense to find out what accommodation can be provided before starting your program.
- You will be required to undergo a Criminal Records Check in order to provide patient care at certain sites and in order to be licensed in BC.
- As a state-of-the-art facility, UBC Dentistry makes extensive use of computers in learning and in patient care. If your computer skills are limited or rusty, it’s best to improve them before starting your program.
- Students are not currently required to purchase a laptop, but you must have reliable computer access with high-speed internet access. You may have to undertake online courses and/or computer-based learning and assessment.
- Review the financial commitments for your program, and the financial assistance available, on our website and sort out your finances before starting classes.
- Because of your full schedule and heavy academic workload, part-time work during school is strongly discouraged.
What Should I Expect in the Clinic?
- You will be required to treat patients as assigned, irrespective of sex, age, racial or ethnic background, health status (including those with infectious diseases), political beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.
- You will be expected to follow specific dress protocols (e.g. surgical scrubs) in patient care environments in order to meet infection control standards.
- You will need to use only instruments, scrubs, and materials provided and recommended by your program.
- In addition to leasing required instrumentation, you will also be required to purchase program-specific items (all program costs are estimated on our website).
What Kind of Learning Environment Should I Expect?
- You will be assigned to learning groups and teachers of both sexes and from varied racial and ethnic backgrounds. Learning group and teacher assignments cannot be changed based on student preference.
- All Dentistry programs emphasize small-group and self-directed learning. If you don’t like participating in group learning activities or taking responsibility for your own learning, UBC Dentistry will not be a good fit for you.
- In addition to being assessed on your Knowledge and Clinical Skills, you will also be assessed on your Professional Behaviour, which includes working collaboratively and respectfully with all classmates, staff and teachers, irrespective of sex, age, sexual orientation, political beliefs, race, or ethnicity.
We endeavour to provide as much information as possible in order for our applicants to make an informed decision about attending UBC Dentistry. Please review this information carefully and ask us if you have any questions. We want your time with us to be a positive and enriching educational experience.