Introduction to the Dental Hygiene Program

The Dental Hygiene program at Bangor University is a two-year Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to practice competently as a dental hygienist. The program is fully aligned with the General Dental Council (GDC) Standards for Education and is designed to equip students with the skills and confidence to work in a variety of dental care settings.

Course Overview

The program consists of a combination of theoretical and clinical modules, with a focus on developing students' knowledge and understanding of dental hygiene practice. The course covers topics such as human anatomy and physiology, oral health and disease, and dental radiography. Students will also develop their clinical skills through simulation-based training and clinical placements in a range of settings, including dental practices and community clinics.

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following admission criteria:

• GCSEs: minimum of five GCSE grades A*-C/9-4, including English, Mathematics, and Biology/Science
• A-Levels: minimum grades BB, including Biology
• BTEC National Extended Diploma: minimum MMP in a science-related subject
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: including minimum grade H4 in Biology
• Access to HE Diploma: Pass with a Distinction/Merit profile in a science-related subject

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the program is ｣9,790 per year for UK and Ireland students. Additional costs may include books, printing, photocopying, and equipment.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program will be eligible to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) and work as a dental hygienist in a variety of settings, including general dental practices, community clinics, and hospitals. With further experience and training, graduates may also pursue careers in specialist dental practices, teaching, or research.

Research Areas

The program has a strong focus on evidence-based practice and research-informed teaching. Students will have the opportunity to engage with research in dental hygiene and related fields, and to develop their critical thinking and research skills.

Welsh Provision

The program is available to study through the medium of Welsh, and students may be eligible for scholarships and bursaries to support their studies. The University offers a range of support services for Welsh-speaking students, including language support, study skills support, and student support.

Conclusion

The Dental Hygiene program at Bangor University is a comprehensive and well-structured program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to practice competently as a dental hygienist. With its strong focus on evidence-based practice, research-informed teaching, and clinical skills development, the program is an excellent choice for students who wish to pursue a career in dental hygiene.

The programme is taught using a blended approach. This approach uses face-to-face real time teaching alongside home learning to provide training in a collegiate, flexible, learning environment. The programme is made up of theoretical, practical, and clinical components. This mix of components is set to achieve an approximately 50:50 balance of theory and practice.

Theoretical components are delivered using a mix of methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and e-learning. You will be part of a small cohort allowing you to form a close group, where peer-learning and support is encouraged and nurtured. Mandatory elements of the programme are delivered in an interdisciplinary environment, sharing learning with students from Nursing, Midwifery and Radiography programmes.

Practical elements of the programme are taught using structured progression to ensure that you are competent, safe and supported. In the first year you will undertake essential training using clinical skills labs and phantom head facilities. Following this, you will begin a placement circuit in a range of primary and secondary care settings where you will learn and develop your clinical skills in an applied environment. These clinical placements continue throughout the duration of the programme.

You will be supported by programme tutors throughout your learning. These tutors are the first point of contact for all academic, practical, and pastoral matters. In clinic, you will be assigned a clinical mentor who will be an existing dental registrant. This mentor is trained to facilitate you safely and thoroughly through the completion of your clinical learning portfolio.

All elements of the programme are mapped to the requirements of the General Dental Council. These set out the minimum requirements for a ‘safe beginner’ with respect to clinical, communication, professional and management & leadership domains.

What will you study on this course?

Below is an example of the programme structure for years 1 & 2.

Year 1

Biomedical Science

Clinical Practice 1

Clinical Skills

Dental Radiography

Human Diseases

Year 2

Clinical Practice 2

Dental Public Health

Oral Medicine and Pathology

Patient Management

Assessment

Assessments are conducted using a range of methods. For taught components of the programme, assessment includes multiple choice questions, group discussion boards, written examination, and case-based presentation. For clinical components you are required to complete gateway assessments, OSCEs and a digital clinical portfolio.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

Bangor University

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Overview:

Bangor University is a public research university located in Bangor, Gwynedd, North Wales. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious degree awarding institutions in the UK, founded in 1884. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence and its beautiful location surrounded by nature.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Bangor University offers a vibrant student life with a welcoming community. Students can enjoy a range of social activities, including free events and trips organized by the International Student Support Office. The university has a variety of clubs and societies, with over 200 to choose from, catering to diverse interests. Bangor's location between mountains and the sea provides unique opportunities for outdoor activities and sports.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

Bangor University is recognized for its high-quality teaching and world-leading research.

Beautiful Location:

The university is situated in a picturesque location surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Vibrant Student Life:

Bangor offers a diverse and welcoming community with a wide range of clubs, societies, and social events.

Strong Career Prospects:

The university provides resources and support to help students achieve their career ambitions.

Guaranteed Accommodation:

International students are guaranteed accommodation in the university's vibrant student villages.

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Academic Programs:

Bangor University offers a wide range of courses across the sciences, arts, business, humanities, and law. These include undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research programs.

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