Sir, I was disappointed to read of Miss Westcott's experience in applying to study medicine (BDJ 2006; 200: 125). It would appear that the admissions tutor was unaware of the position of the BDS in the national qualifications framework. The BDS is an honours degree but it is not classified at the request of the regulatory body. There is agreement at the University of London that those awarded BDS with honours, or with distinction, have the equivalent of a first class degree.