Program Overview

Program Overview

The Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc(Hons) course is designed to meet the diverse needs of today's healthcare landscape, equipping students with the expertise, skills, and professional confidence to become registered Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists.

Course Details

• Duration: 3 years full-time
• Start Date: 22 September 2025
• Entry Requirements:
  • A Level: ABB-BBB, including a relevant Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Human Biology, or Applied Science) and excluding General Studies.
  • BTEC: DDM in Applied Science, Medical Science, or Biomedical Science.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits at Merit or above, including at least 15 credits at Distinction in a relevant Science.
  • International Baccalaureate qualifications, including a relevant Science at Higher Level at grade 6.
  • Qualified Dental Nurse with post-qualifications in Dental Radiology/Radiography, Sedation, Oral Health Promotion/Practitioner/Education, or Special Care Dental Nursing.
• GCSE Requirements: English Language or Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Students must be at least 18 years old at the start of the course due to legal and safety considerations related to radiation exposure.
  • Offers are subject to an interview and references.
  • Students must undergo a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances prior to registration on the course.

Course Structure

The course consists of modules that provide a comprehensive education in dental hygiene and dental therapy, including:

• Anatomy and Physiology: Foundations of scientific knowledge for Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy.
• Dental Radiology and Radiography: Fundamental sciences used in dental radiology, including the physics of radiation and radiation protection.
• Foundations and Clinical Practice 1: Development of clinical skills using phantom head simulation and initial patient contact.
• Oral Disease Prevention: Essential knowledge about the prevention of oral diseases and key skills such as communication and empathy.
• Professional Development and Research 1: Introduction to the role of research and evidence-based practice, exploring different research methodologies and ethics within healthcare research.

Placements

• Clinical Placements: Invaluable part of learning, offering a range of experience and expertise in various settings, including the onsite clinic, general dental practices, specialist clinics, and hospital settings.
• Placement Hours: 850 hours of practice across the course, gaining hands-on experience in different environments.

Career Opportunities

• Vocational Course: Direct pathway to becoming a registered Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist.
• Job Roles: Opportunities in paediatrics, special care dentistry, oral surgery, prison service, community dental service, NHS general practice, corporate practice, private practice, research, academia, and the armed forces.

Fees and Finance

• Tuition Fees: £9,535 per year for full-time students (subject to parliamentary approval).
• Funding: Information about funding, fees, and finance for UK students, including what tuition fees cover.

Accreditations and Professional Links

• General Dental Council (GDC) Approval: The course is awaiting approval by the GDC, the regulatory body for dental professionals in the UK.
• GDC Registration: Successful completion of the course gives eligibility to apply for GDC registration as a Dental Hygienist and/or a Dental Therapist.

Research Excellence

• World-Leading Research: The University of Huddersfield is in the top 50 UK universities for Research Power.
• Research Areas: Various research areas, including music, biological sciences, architecture, and social work.

Student Support

• Support Networks: Dedicated staff and resources to help students navigate their personal student journey.
• Services: Range of support services, including careers advice, student finance, and disability support.