Dental Surgery (DDS)
Programme Overview
Programme Objectives
Admission Requirements
Applicants must normally have attained a minimum age of 18 years at the commencement of the academic year of entry to the UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL PROGRAMME. Applicants must submit their applications to the Senior Assistant Registrar, Student Affairs, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica, by the end of the second week of January each year. For procedures concerning applications and for further information,candidates should write to the Senior Assistant Registrar, Student Affairs.
Applicants who wish to begin the degree programmes must fulfil the general University regulations concerning matriculation and, in addition, the specific requirements of the Faculty set out below.
The academic requirements for admission to the UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL PROGRAMME is based on the applicant’s proficiency and attainment in any of the following, hereinafter referred to as "approved examinations": Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE)/General Certificate of Education Advanced (“A”) Level Examinations or their equivalent. UWI Preliminary or Introductory Level Courses in the appropriate subjects in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences (Mona), the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences (Cave Hill) or the Faculty of Science and Agriculture (St. Augustine) (see UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL PROGRAMME Regulations 2.3 and 2.4).
Programmes/Courses which are considered equivalent at institutions recognized by the University of the West Indies (see UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL PROGRAMME Regulations 2.9).
The applicant must have obtained three (3) passes in the approved examinations including Biology/Zoology and Chemistry. The third subject can be Physics, Mathematics or any other approved subject including one from the humanities or social sciences provided that passes have also been obtained in Physics and Mathematics at the CSEC(CXC) or GCE O Level.
The minimum academic standard for entry is an average of two 3’s and one 2 at Unit 2 CAPE or one B and two C’s at GCE Advanced Level Students currently studying at UWI in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences (Mona), the Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences (Cave Hill) or the Faculty of Science and Agriculture seeking to be transferred to the UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL PROGRAMME shall only be considered from the Preliminary and/or Introductory level courses.
All such students must complete and submit a Transfer Form by the end of the second week of January in the calendar year of proposed entry. Applicants holding UWI first degrees in the natural sciences and BBMedSci Degree Programmes with a minimum of lower second class honours may be considered for entry. Applicants holding professional degrees in allied Health disciplines may also be considered for entry provided that they have attained a minimum average grade of B+ or grade point of 3.3 in the appropriate science subjects during their degree programme or Grade 3 passes in Biology/Zoology and Chemistry at Unit 2 CAPE /A Level or equivalent.
Applicants holding degrees other than degrees in the natural sciences may also be considered provided that they have attained a minimum average grade of B+ or grade point of 3.3 in the appropriate science subjects during their university programme or Grade 3 passes in Biology/Zoology and Chemistry at Unit 2 CAPE/A Level or equivalent.
Applicants with first degrees from institutions other than the UWI shall also be eligible provided that:
The programme of study has been accredited by a relevant body or agency and is considered acceptable by the UWI.
Credits have been obtained in Biology/Zoology and Chemistry.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 or its equivalent has been obtained.
All applicants are required to submit a short 250 - 300 word autobiographical summary outlining the reasons for their career choice.
An applicant’s chances of entry will be enhanced by documented and certified involvement in extracurricular activities in the years prior to his/her application.
Each activity should be listed on the application form and must be accompanied by original letters of certification from principals, supervisors or employers for each activity. Both the duration of involvement and the level of responsibility of the applicant in each activity shall be taken into consideration and certifying documents must state these clearly.
In considering these activities, the University places emphasis on applicant’s voluntary participation in community/social projects although consideration shall also be given to other extracurricular activities, experiences and abilities (such as music, sports, drama, and debating or proficiency in a foreign language).
Applicants may also be required to attend an interview.
Applicants may also be required to sit for a psychometric test.
Programme Structure
LEVEL I
DDS Mona Stage 1 - Year 1
Year 1 (Semester 1)
Fundamentals of Disease & Treatment DENT1000
Introduction to Embryology & Histology DENT1103
Introduction to Molecular Medicine DENT1104
The Musculo-skeletal System DENT1105
Cell Biology DENT1201
Introduction to Medical Practice 1 DENT1202
Foundation Course-Caribbean Civilisation or Law, Governance, Economy & Society FOUN1101 FOUN 1301
SSM – Dental Assisting
DDS Mona Stage 1 - Year 1
Year 1 (Semester 2)
Cell Biology DENT1201
Health Care Concepts DENT1203
Neuroscience 1 DENT1206
Haematology & Reticuloendothelial System DENT1204
The Respiratory System DENT1205
Health & the Environment DENT2105
The Cardiovascular System DENT2103
Foundation Course-Critical Reading & Writing in Science & Technology & Medical Sciences FOUN1014
Introduction to Medical Practice 1 DENT1202
SSM – Dental Simulator
DDS Mona Stage 1 - Year 1
Year 1 (Semester 3)
Oral Physiology & Biochemistry DENT3003
Dental Practice DENT3007
Dental Materials Sciences DENT3008
SSM – Community Service
Year 1 Totals
LEVEL II
DDS Mona Stage 1 - Year 2
Year 2 (Semester 1)
Health & the Environment DENT2105
The Cardiovascular System DENT2103
The Digestive System DENT2104
The Endocrine System & the Skin DENT2201
SSM-Dental Anatomy
DDS Mona Stage 1 - Year 2
Year 2 (Semester 2)
Neuroscience 2 DENT2203
The Genito-Urinary System DENT3102
Introduction to Medical Practice 2 DENT2202
SSM-Dental Anatomy
DDS Mona Stage 1 - Year 2
The Genito-Urinary System DENT3102
Human Nutrition DENT3103
Health Services Management (Web-based) DENT3104
Understanding Research DENT3200
Clinical Haematology & Reticuloendothelial System DENT3101
Oral and Dental Anatomy DENT3001
Oral Histology & Embryology DENT3002
Year 2 Totals
LEVEL III
DDS Mona Stage 2 - Year 3
Year 3 (Semester 1)
Oral and Dental Anatomy DENT3001
Oral Histology & Embryology DENT3002
Head and Neck Anatomy DENT3004
Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology DENT3005
Oral Medicine DENT3006
Core Radiology DENT3010
Foundation Course-Caribbean Sign Language LING1819
Preventive Dentistry DENT3013
Dental Auxiliary Utilization DENT4421
SSM-Dental Practice
DDS Mona Stage 2 - Year 3
Year 3 (Semester 2)
Occlusion DENT3009
Sign Language for Medicine & Dentistry LING2821
Removable Prosthodontics DENT3014
Diagnostic Imaging DENT3011
Dental Ethics DENT3012
Dental Jurisprudence DENT4102
Amalgam Restorations DENT3210
SSM-Dental Practice
SSM-Clinical Practice
DDS Mona Stage 2 - Year 3
Year 3 (Semester 3)
Composite Restorations DENT4417
Periodontology DENT4308
Evidenced Based Dentistry DENT3016
Pain Management DENT4100
SSM-Dental Practice
SSM-Clinical Practice
Year 3 Totals
LEVEL IV
DDS Mona Stage 2 - Year 4
Year 4 (Semester 1)
Dental Public Health DENT4202
Orthodontics DENT4307
Exodontia Techniques DENT4501
Coronal Restorations DENT4418
Endodontics DENT4517
Special Needs Dentistry DENT4420
Dental & Medical Emergencies DENT4503
Clinical Dental Pharmacology DENT4316
SSM-Dental Practice
SSM-Clinical Practice
DDS Mona Stage 2 - Year 4
Year 4 (Semester 2)
Pre-Clinical Elective DENT4425
Fixed Prosthodontics DENT4411
Implant Prosthodontics DENT 4410
Forensic Dentistry DENT4311
Dental Practice Management DENT4422
Surgical Techniques DENT4502
Paedodontics DENT4419
SSM-Dental Practice
SSM-Clinical Practice
DDS Mona Stage 2 - Year 4
Year 4 (Semester 3)
Clinical Preparation DENT4423
Clinical Practice DENT 5424
Total Year 4
LEVEL V
DDS Mona Stage 2 - Year 5
Year 5 (Semester 1)
Clinical Practice DENT 5424
DDS Mona Stage 2 - Year 5
Year 5 (Semester 2)
Clinical Practice DENT5424
Clinical Elective DENT5425
DDS Mona Stage 2 - Year 5
Year 5 (Semester 3)
Clinical Practice DENT 5424
DDS Final Examinations-Oral Diseases DENT5900
DDS Final Examinations-Conservative Dentistry DENT5910
DDS Final Examinations-Child Dental Health DENT5920
Total Year 5