Program Overview

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Course summary

Bristol Dental School has been a successful training provider for Dental Hygienists and Therapists for many years, attracting significant interest from applicants wishing to train in state-of-the-art clinical facilities. To further strengthen the integration between Dentistry and Dental Hygiene and Therapy, the BSc Dental Hygiene and Therapy recently underwent a review; the School now offers applicants the option of applying for the Bachelor of Dental Hygiene or Bachelor of Dental Therapy.

The newly named Bachelor in Dental Hygiene (BDH) will commence in September 2026. Please note you cannot apply for both programmes.

The Bachelor of Dental Hygiene (BDH) is a full-time 3-year programme which equips Graduates to work safely as a registered Dental Hygienist. Students are taught through a combination of asynchronous material, supported by in-person lectures, small-group tutorials, seminars and practical classes. Students are offered pastoral support from their individual person tutor. It is expected that each student meets with their tutor to discuss outcomes from each of the termly progress committees, as well as to engage with a personal development plan (PDP). There is a named Senior Tutor for the programme; this avenue allows a student to escalate issues to gain further support as needed.

Based in the new Dental School, which is in the city centre and located close to excellent transport links, you will benefit from an integrated curriculum with BDS students, and the concept of team training starts from year one term one. Teaching and Learning are enhanced by: By early introduction of clinical activity; Integrated academic and clinical teaching; Opportunities for community engagement.

Teaching and Assessment is delivered through a variety of evidence-based methods and includes the following:

• interactive lectures;
• flipped classroom;
• small group learning and tutorials;
• discussion groups;
• clinical Simulations in the Clinical Skills Laboratory; and
• chairside clinical teaching in a variety of locations and disciplines.

We assess students using a variety of assessments, which include:

• e-assessment;
• short answer questions (SAQ’s);
• single Best Answer;
• multiple Short Answers (MSA’s); and
• case presentations.

Upon successfully completing the programme Graduates will register as a Dental Hygienist with the General Dental Council.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: ABB
• A-level contextual offer: BBC
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 3 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• UCAS (Code: B770)

Location

• Clifton campus, Placements

Fees

• £9535 per year, home students
• £31300 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

The Bachelor of Dental Hygiene has 3 units, one unit each year, with 4 themes in each unit. Year 1 introduces the fundamentals of biomedical sciences relevant to the Dental Hygienist. Once competent in the pre-clinical setting students begin patient care under supervision (Year 1 term 2), which includes understanding pain and anxiety control. Each patient session is entered into a Complete eAssessment Framework System (CAFS), with supervisor feedback, allowing for reflection and development. Critical Appraisal is introduced.

Year 2 provides opportunities to continue patient care, building on the periodontal skills acquired in year one. Patient care is delivered across a number of clinical settings, which develops knowledge and understanding of treatment modalities in both paediatric and adult patients. Personal and Professional Development builds upon knowledge gained in year one to enhance the personal and professional attributes required of a safe practitioner. Students complete an Evidence Based Summary.

The final year of the programme provides students the opportunity to consolidate underpinning knowledge to practice safely and competently using skills and clinical knowledge to diagnose, treatment plan, and treat adults and children within their scope of practice. Lectures and tutorials reduce allowing for a strong focus on clinical skills and completion of a Dissertation. From Term 2 Students undertake a clinical placement under supervision to consolidate clinical practice and complete the theoretical knowledge and clinical requirements needed to graduate.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• ABB including Biology. We will accept certain Dental Nursing or Dental Technician Level 3 professional qualifications plus BB in two A-levels including Biology. Please contact the University for full details.

A-level contextual offer

• BBC including B in Biology

BTEC

• DDM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Biology units

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in Biology

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in Biology

European Baccalaureate

• 77% overall, with 8.0 in Biology

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AB including Biology, and Standard Higher: AABBB

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 15 credits at Distinction and 30 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from Biology units

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Dental Hygiene can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade B or 6
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level A.

Additional requirements

• Work experience is required - please see the Admissions Statement.