Gulf Medical University

Ajman, AE

admissions@gmu.ac.ae +971 6 7431333P.O.Box: 4184 – Ajman, United Arab Emirates.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

College of Dentistry

Bachelor

Overview

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a 5-year undergraduate competency-based program spanning over 15 semesters, offering a total of 200 credits. The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program is fully accredited by the Ministry of Education, UAE, and was awarded international accreditation by the Australian Dental Council in January 2024. The program competencies are aligned with the competency framework of UAE graduates and inspired by the Australian professional competencies of newly qualified dental practitioners. The program is built on a competency-based framework that emphasizes the achievement of specific outcomes through an integrated and immersive learning experience. The program offers pre-clinical training in a cutting-edge dental stimulation laboratory that utilizes the latest technology to provide students with a realistic and practical experience. Students are provided with hands-on clinical training opportunities at the JCI-accredited Thumbay Dental Hospitals, which provides exposure to a wide variety of real-life clinical situations. Additionally, students have the option to undertake elective training within the country or abroad, which provides them with further opportunities to expand their knowledge and gain experience. The college additionally provides a one-year internship program for GMU and non-GMU graduates, specifically tailored to offer maximum clinical exposure to dental students in the region, to further refine their skills and abilities. Furthermore, the Master of Dental Surgery programs (M.D.S) in Endodontics and Periodontics are intensive three years residency programs that blend theory, clinical and research-based learning. Students in this program have the opportunity to develop in their chosen field of study, undertaking rigorous research and scholarly activities. The M.D.S program culminates in the awarding of a Master’s degree in either endodontics or periodontics, representing the successful completion of the program. Throughout their postgraduate study, students are supported by a team of dedicated and experienced faculty members who offer guidance and mentorship. The personalized approach ensures that students receive the support and resources needed to achieve success in their academic and professional pursuits. [link]

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Fall 2026 applications are now open! Apply today and get ready to begin an exciting journey at Gulf Medical University.

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Tuition & Fees

AED 132,300Per year

AED 66,150 Per semester

Program Details

Degree level: Bachelor
Duration: 5 years
College: College of Dentistry

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, graduates will be able to:

Apply ethical standards and comply with national legal and regulatory requirements in the provision of dental care.

Ensure that patient safety is paramount in all decisions and actions.

Recognize professional and individual scopes and limitations of practice or refer patients to professional colleagues when indicated.

Demonstrate empathy and caring behaviour towards patients, their families, and members of the community.

Ensure that all actions focus on the patients' best interests and respect patients' dignity, rights and choices.

Protect patients' privacy and confidentiality.

Maintain effective relationships with peers and respect professional boundaries.

Recognize the importance of continuing education and professional development for self and all members of the dental team.

Apply appropriate interprofessional and communication skills that allow building a teamwork approach to the delivery of oral healthcare.

Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills in mentoring and participating in activities within a health care team.

Document and share written and electronic information about the dental encounter to optimize clinical decision-making and patient safety, ensuring confidentiality and privacy.

Present clear information to patients in a timely manner, that ensures that they are advised of and understand the different treatment options including risks and benefits.

Communicate responsibly and professionally, including when using social media.

Communicate and engage patients, their families, and communities in relation to oral health.

Communicate effectively within the organizational hierarchy.

Recognize cultural diversity and apply cultural competency in caring for patients and communities.

Evaluate the social, cultural, and environmental factors which contribute to health or illness.

Apply the principles of health promotion strategies and disease prevention to promote oral and general health, quality of life and wellbeing.

Collaborate with dental team members and other health care professionals in the management of oral health care and health promotion for all patients.

Assess the risk factors and behaviors such as nutrition, smoking, drugs, and diseases that can have an impact on oral healthcare.

Design, implement and evaluate evidence-based health promotion programs.

Apply caries risk assessment (CRA) on different age groups and design a customized preventive program.

Demonstrate creativity in promoting oral health within the community using a variety of platforms.

Evaluate published clinical and basic science research and integrate this information to improve the oral health of the patient.

Apply the biomedical, physical, and behavioural sciences in relation to oral health and disease.

Design and implement research in a critical and scientific manner relevant to dentistry.

Apply the scientific basis, application, and risks of using ionizing radiation, dental materials and risk management and quality improvement.

Demonstrate foundation knowledge as relevant to clinical skills in operative/conservative dentistry.

Demonstrate foundation knowledge as relevant to clinical skills related to pediatric and preventive dentistry.

Demonstrate foundation knowledge as relevant to clinical skills related to oral surgery.

Demonstrate foundation knowledge as relevant to clinical skills related to orthodontics.

Demonstrate foundation knowledge as relevant to clinical skills related to endodontics.

Demonstrate foundation knowledge as relevant to clinical skills related to periodontics.

Demonstrate foundation knowledge as relevant to clinical skills related to prosthodontics.

Demonstrate foundation knowledge of dental public health.

Perform an extra-oral and intra-oral examination for health, disease and abnormalities of the dentition, mouth, and associated structures, including assessment of vital signs.

Identify and record the chief complaint, history of the present condition, medical, oral and social history of the patient.

Select, take, and interpret diagnostic images and other diagnostic procedures relevant to the patient's condition.

Maintain accurate, consistent, legible, and contemporaneous records of the patient.

Formulate and record a comprehensive, patient-centred, evidence-based oral health treatment plan.

Diagnose disease or abnormalities of the oral cavity and associated structures and identify conditions which require management and referral.

Recognize the manifestations of systemic conditions and how these and their management may affect the management of dental care.

Apply the principles of preventive care as part of comprehensive treatment plan.

Ensure and record patient informed consent for treatment and their financial obligation.

Identify patient's anxiety and pain related to the oral cavity and associated structures and respond appropriately.

Evaluate and manage the periodontium with surgical and non-surgical treatment plans.

Perform surgical and non-surgical endodontic treatment of the pulp and periapical conditions.

Perform preventive therapeutic procedures to preserve the vitality of the pulp.

Utilise patient removable and/or fixed prostheses to rehabilitate, restore appearance and function, prevent injury, and stabilize the occlusion.

Apply principles of management of developmental or acquired occlusal abnormalities.

Manage uncomplicated tooth extractions and perform minor oral surgical procedures.

Administer and/or prescribe pharmaceutical agents relevant to routine dental practice.

Evaluate and monitor the progress of the dental treatment and aftercare.

Prevent, recognize, and manage medical and dental emergencies.

Apply universal infection control guidelines for all clinical procedures.

Manage restorative procedures that preserve tooth structure, replace defective tooth structure, maintain function, aesthetics, and promote soft and hard tissue health using direct or indirect methods.

Recognize and manage acute dento-alveolar and mucosal infection.

Manage patients from different age groups, medically compromised patients, and people of determination according to their needs.

Administer local anesthesia in the oral cavity as needed and manage potential complications.

Undertake an orthodontic assessment, including an indication of treatment need and interceptive orthodontics treatment.

Academic Requirements9

1Completion of minimum 12 years of school education
2Passed any one of the following English Language Proficiency Tests
3Minimum 80% in English in Grade 11/12
4TOEFL CBT 173 – iBT 61 or 5.0 in IELTS for Academic
5Submission of Equivalency Certificate from Ministry of Education, UAE
6Completion of written situational assessment
7Interview with Admissions Committee
8Remedial course completion if needed
9Foundation program if lacking two science subjects

Required Documents19

All of these are required to apply.

1Attested High School Transcript of Grades 10 or 11, & 12 covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics & English.
2Equivalency Certificate from the Ministry of Education, UAE for international curriculum
3Passport copy (Applicant and Parent)
4Emirates ID Card (if UAE Resident)
5English Language Proficiency Score (English High school marks/IELTS/TOEFL, etc.)
6One Passport Photograph with white background
7All UAE Nationals shall submit a copy of UAE nationality ID (Khulasat Al-Kayd) and family Book/card with identification number
8Good Conduct Certificate from school
9Medical Fitness Certificate from Thumbay Hospital
10Medical Insurance certificate (for UAE residents)
11Recognized baccalaureate degree and transcripts attested from the Ministry of Education, UAE
12Certificate of Recognition from MOE, UAE for international bachelor’s degree
13Passport copy and Emirates ID Card (if UAE Resident- Family book)
14Valid English Proficiency Score sheet or evidence of undergraduate degree medium of instruction
15Passport-size Photograph
16Curriculum vitae
172 Recommendation letters
18Statement of Purpose
19Relevant academic or professional experience certificates if any