Program Overview

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Overview

Contemporary Dental Hygiene

The BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene is delivered in partnership with the Eastman Dental Hospital. It presents with academic and clinical training pathways working in dental hospitals, general dental practices, and local communities aiming to meet the dental care needs of society today and in the future.

This programme is designed to be a leader and driver in the delivery of dental health care by supplying training and patient service (within the remit of the Dental Hygienist) with innovative ideas that foster our Trust values of – safety, kindness, improving and teamwork.

The BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene (DH) programme aims for graduates to be ‘safe beginner’ clinicians, registerable with the General Dental Council. Training is constructed to intertwine clinical skill with building a resilient clinician who is able to meet the increased demands of a changing population. By encouraging a focus on personal development and harnessing transferable skills you will become an adaptable member of the workforce who can work autonomously as well as undertake a whole host of health care employment opportunities.

This course has been provisionally accepted for accreditation by the General Dental Council. It is undergoing the normal process for full approval.

You will be able to:

• Train in a world-leading and state of the art facilities
• Be trained by a team who are leaders in the field of dentistry
• Focus on personal qualities enabling you to be an autonomous learner and competent clinician
• Experience a personalised learning journey with a small cohort size

Why Dental Hygiene at LSBU?

• Working with our highly experienced dental teams allowing you to experience the real-world work environment.
• Our course leads to professional registration with the General Dental Council as a Dental Hygienist.
• Dedicated facilities for simulation training laboratories at our Central London sites offering highly realistic virtual reality training.
• Access to patients in year one.
• A range of clinic placements within the Dental Hospital, Primary Care and the community allows for a diverse patient mix and experience.
• LSBU Health and Social Care graduates are the second highest paid amongst all London Modern university graduates, and the sixth highest in the UK one year after graduating (DfE LEO data 2022).
• Students on this course could be eligible to receive a non-repayable amount of up to £11,000 per academic year with the NHS Learning Support Fund.

Course Accreditations

• General Dental Council

Location

• Southwark Campus

Entry Level Requirements

• UK Qualifications
• International Qualifications
• A Level BBC (must include Biology) or;
• BTEC National Diploma DMM in Science
• T-levels - Merit in Science
• Access to HE Diploma in Science or similar with 18 level 3 credits which must be in science; 18 Distinctions, 24 Merits and 3 Pass or;
• Equivalent science based level 3 qualifications also considered worth 112 points.
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths, English and Science or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
• Applications are welcome from those with a nationally recognised dental nursing qualification; 2 years post qualification relevant dental experience, 1 post registration qualification and a further level 3 qualification worth 32 points which must include science. Level 2 Maths and English which must be in place at the time of application.

IELTS

All students whose first language is not English, must have IELTS-Academic English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 in each component (must be within two year validity).

Overseas students

The course is currently not open to international students.

European students with indefinite leave to remain may apply however we will not be able to confirm this until after validation and you will also need to already have a NARIC certificate in place alongside your overseas qualifications.

Application via UCAS and following the admission and enrolments procedure.

Advanced entry

If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.

Fees

Full-time

full-time

year 1

year 2

year 3

BSC (Hons) Dental Hygiene (FT) - Year 1

The fee shown is for entry 2025/26 UK fee: £9535 | International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 5622 | Session code: 1FX00 Total course fee:

• The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. UK: £28605

BSC (Hons) Dental Hygiene (FT) - Year 2

The fee shown is for entry 2025/26 UK fee: £9535 | International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 5622 | Session code: 2FX00 Total course fee:

• The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. UK: £28605

BSC (Hons) Dental Hygiene (FT) - Year 3

The fee shown is for entry 2025/26 UK fee: £9535 | International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 5622 | Session code: 3FX00 Total course fee:

• The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. UK: £28605

The international fee for this course shows as "£0" because this course is not open to international students.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.

Application

Personal statement

Your personal statement helps us to assess your interest, knowledge and insight into the specific profession you are applying for (Dental Hygiene or Dental Therapy) and is an important part of our selection process. You should ensure that you demonstrate the personal qualities / skills to becoming a healthcare professional and the values embedded within the NHS constitution and General Dental Council Standards.

As part of your commitment to the course we would normally expect that you have undertaken some independent research and work experience / observation in a clinical setting, this can include placements, voluntary work or virtual experiences.

See our top tips for writing your personal statement.

Considering your application

Your application will be circulated to a number of potential supervisors who will look at your academic qualifications, knowledge, experience and insight to the profession.

There will also be a face-to-face interview at the Eastman Dental Hospital (held during February 2025) which will consist of 2 parts, including a range of questions and a test which will assess your communication and comprehension.

If you are successful you will be offered a place on a course and informed of the next enrolment date. The whole process normally takes between six to eight weeks, from receipt of your application to a decision being made about your application at the School.

Results

If you are unsuccessful in your application to LSBU for this year you cannot apply through UCAS Extra or Clearing. However, you can apply for the following year. It is important that you read the comments in the results statement so that you are prepared for any other interviews you may have.

Course Content

Year 1

• Biomedical Science - 20 credits The module provides the knowledge of human general anatomy, physiology, diseases / disorders along with relevant pharmacology which commonly impact general and oral health. The contents of this module has been selected and developed to equip students with the underpinning information which will resonate throughout the entire course. All clinical delivery is grounded on the knowledge of biological and chemical processes and thus here commences the skills to embrace biological advances and catalyse the skills of becoming a life-long learner.
• Foundations in Clinical Skills & Practice - 40 credits The Foundations in Clinical Skills and Practice Module provides the introduction to the essential range of fundamental skills needed by the Dental Hygienist to deliver safe patient. Students will the knowledge and skills to undertake and deliver treatment safely in the dental setting. This module enters the student into the simulated clinical setting in conjunction with the knowledge of the policies and principles required by a dental professional.
• Oral and Dental Sciences - 40 credits This module provides an understanding of the structure and function of the craniofacial and oral anatomy. Developing a sound knowledge base of oral and dental sciences exploring the pathology of oral and dental disease. This knowledge will enable students to go on to develop a good understanding of the different dental specialties and pharmacology.
• Personal & Professional Practice 1 - 20 credits The Personal and Professional Practice 1 module introduces students to the fundamental skills required of a competent student dental clinician under the General Dental Council’s Communication and Professionalism domain. It encompasses knowledge of good communication, legal, ethical and professional aspects of dental practice relevant to a beginner student dental clinician. Students will develop skills for learning, working in a health care setting, self-development and well-being care.

Year 2

• Applied Clinical Practice in Dental Hygiene - 40 credits Following the successful completion of Foundations in Clinical Skills and Practice students begin treating patients uniting their knowledge base and practical skills to manage patient’s needs pertaining to periodontal diseases and oral health management. This module also incorporates the additional skills of dental radiology and imaging, as well as clinical photography. Students must comply with health and safety legislation and demonstrate professional conduct and clear communication methods with patients, staff and peers.
• Dental Specialities - 60 credits This module encompasses the various dental specialities incorporating both a patient and population focus, thus considering the wider context of providing the most appropriate care. Dental Specialities offers the opportunity of inter-professional learning and working with multi-disciplinary teams and offers access to the wider facets of the healthcare profession. Alongside this, students develop the skills and evidence base to promote and maintain health at the individual and population level. To achieve this end, students will analyse the needs of populations including the determinants of health and their impact. Health promotion principles and interventions will be critically evaluated according to their impact, ability to achieve health gain, and the limitations. This incorporates exploration of the wider context of health systems, dental care and policy. It will examine epidemiological methods in health and their application providing a baseline for the research module in Year 3.
• Personal & Professional Practice 2 - 20 credits Personal and Professional Practice 2 module builds upon knowledge gained in year one of the programme to enhance the personal and professional attributes required as a dental registrant. Advanced guidance on application of knowledge is offered in teamwork, interprofessional collaborative practice, legal and ethical requirements of a dental professional. Students will develop opportunity to exercise judgement in self-evaluation of performance, performing within a team and acting in the patients’ best interest while upholding the standards of the profession. Students will be guided through self-evaluating modes, theories and take responsibility for personal development, recording, planning strategies and quality improvement measures.

Year 3

• Consolidated Clinical Practice in Dental Hygiene - 60 credits The Consolidated Clinical Practice module builds on the skills learnt in Year 1 and 2 to provide students with the knowledge and operative clinical skills to diagnose , treatment plan and treat adults and children within their scope of practice of a dental hygienist. This module provides a route for students to increase clinical competence and demonstrate proficiency in the breadth of skills applicable of a remit of a qualified dental hygienist, therefore clinical activity is a core part of this module. Students will learn in a variety of settings including a combination of supervised clinical practice, outreach placements and classroom teaching which will cover the contemporary underpinning of theoretical knowledge required to meet the General Dental Council’s requirements.
• Research and Dissertation - 40 credits Final year students will undertake an independent research project relevant to oral health. This module introduces students to the field of research and the experience to conduct ethical research. Students will source, select, and critically appraise relevant literature to produce a dissertation, poster and presentation. Experiences will include individual and group-based interactive activities, external engagement, and one to one supervision. The majority of this module is student-led relying on self-directed learning, motivation and project management skills.
• Personal & Professional Practice 3 - 20 credits Personal and Professional Practice 3 module incorporates non-clinical skills associated with delivery of healthcare. It explores leadership skills, resource management and quality improvement processes which are embedded in every student clinical session. It consolidates the student’s application of skills gained from previous two years in the General Dental Council’s (GDC) domain of Communication and Professionalism. Students become highly self-aware individuals, with a wide peripheral view of the healthcare environment and adopt an effective teamwork approach. This module will look at legislative impact on the dental health framework and prepares students for transition into a practising career.

Careers

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

On successful completion of the course you will gain your BSc (Hons) in Dental Hygiene, which means you can register with the General Dental Council (GDC). You can then work as a registered Dental Hygienist in the public and private sector. As your career progresses, you could move into other areas such as owning your own dental practice, dental company representative, key speaker, clinical advisor and advance in your clinical and academic career moving towards and MSc or a PhD.

As a graduate from this course, you can apply for further study at postgraduate level.

This course is designed to meet the requirements set out by the General Dental Council for students to be put forward for registration.

The teaching faculty are actively involved within the profession nationwide via various networks which include:

• General Dental Council
• Professional Bodies - British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy (BSDHT), British Association of Dental Therapy (BADT), British Society of Periodontology (BSP)
• Board member
• External Examiners
• Higher Education Academy
• Editorial boards on publications committees

The Eastman Dental Hospital Education Centre is closely linked with Health Education England which allows widening of networks and uptake of new opportunities from clinical to strategic level.

Within your curriculum you may be taught by guest lecturers who may include representatives from other health care disciplines within and externally to the Trust and market leading dental companies.

The course has received initial approval from the General Dental Council (GDC) and final accreditation will be provided upon completion of the first cohort.

Placements

Clinical placements are embedded throughout the program and commence following the successful completion of the pre-clinical patient safety gateway assessments. The clinical placements provide a rich learning environment to prepare students for professional practice. Students will be able to develop their clinical skills working towards the competence of a dental hygienist.

Year 1

You will undertake clinical patient care within the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals. Prior to each placement you will have an induction and meet the clinical supervisors and support teams.

Year 2

You will have several placements within the different dental specialities at the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals including Radiology/Dental Imaging departments. There will be opportunities to undertake clinical service within the Community Dental Services and general dental practices presenting real-world experience of the dental hygienist.

Year 3

The final year returns to two main placements both within the main dental hospital and primary dental care. The overall aim allowing you to prepare for working life in dental workforce as an independent practitioner.

Teaching and Assessment

The programmes adopt a spiralling modular approach to the delivery of its content allowing the opportunity for progressive upskilling and revisiting vital aspects of dentistry, allowing for key areas to be embedded within the three years. Teaching and learning activities are patient and student-centred and provide opportunities for genuine and contextual learning.

Staff deliver education in a variety of teaching and learning methods (blended learning) throughout the programme. These are designed to match the learning outcomes and to provide each student with experience of methods best suited to their own learning style, supporting the move to an independent and self-directed mature learner.

You will come across various modes of assessment which includes some of the below:

• Written examination papers
• Written reports
• Reflective writing
• Presentations (individual and group)
• Practice Based Learning record
• Personal and professional development portfolio
• OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations)
• Dissertation
• Case based discussions
• Case Presentations (seen and unseen)
• Assessments of Clinical Competence (ACC).
• Clinical targets
• Group work activities

Personal tutoring

As a one of our students, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.

Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time on the programme, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University. They should be the first person that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You can contact your tutor for additional support by email.

Assessment

The programme is structured in a modular framework encompassing a mixture of formative and summative assessments. In conjunction to assessing the learning outcomes the assessment framework is driven by ‘who the student will become’, it is imperative the students make connections across modules, enhancing their meaning and drive. The formative and summative assessments have been selected to ensure the appropriate level of knowledge being achieved corresponding to each year group.

Prior to entering the clinical environment, patient safety must be assured at the appropriate level by assessing academic and clinical competence. Various methods of assessment have been included to ensure measures are contextual and relevant to support the candidate transitioning from simulation to clinical service.

The range of assessments reflects the range of learning outcomes and achieves both self-knowledge and allows the ability to monitor abilities and progression.

Throughout the programme students will be assessed in each practice placement against specific standards applicable for the year group. Clinical competences are carefully designed at each level to facilitate progressive development and relate to the achieving specific skills required for a set task demonstrating independent practice for that level.