Program Overview

Program Overview

The Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy Higher Education Diploma is a 27-month full-time course that starts in April. This program is designed to provide students with professional accreditation as dental hygienists and dental therapists. Students will learn alongside dental surgery students, preparing them for the realities of working in a dental practice. The outreach program allows students to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds in real work environments.

Course Description

The course is divided into three years, with the first year focusing on essential anatomy and physiology, as well as clinical skills training. Students will learn about law, ethics, and professionalism, health promotion and education, and oral disease. The second year is mainly clinical, with students treating their own patients and rotating around different specialist departments within the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital. The third year consists of one term and focuses on principles of practice, preparing students for the workplace.

Modules

The course includes a range of modules, including:

• Study Skills and Personal Development
• Dental Foundation
• The Human Body in Health and Disease
• Law, Ethics and Professionalism
• Pre-Clinical Skills I
• Health Promotion and Education I
• Clinical Practice
• Oral Disease I
• Pre-Clinical Skills II
• Pre-Clinical Skills III
• Health Promotion and Education II
• Dental Radiology and Radiography

Learning and Assessment

Students will learn through lectures, clinical skills teaching, clinical sessions, and tutorials. A strong emphasis is placed on directed self-learning. Assessment methods include written and practical examinations, assignments, and an extensive project. Students will also be assessed on their clinical competence in a range of key clinical skills.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the program, students must meet the minimum entry requirements, which include:

• 5 GCSEs at grade C/grade 4, including Mathematics, English Language, and Science
• One of the following options:
  • Level 3/4 Dental Nurse Qualification plus 1 A Level in a relevant Science subject (preferably Biology) at grade C
  • Level 5/6 Dental Nurse Qualification
  • 2 A Levels to include one in a relevant Science subject (preferably Biology) at grade CC
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (60 credits with 45 at Level 3 at grade Merit) including 36 Level 3 credits in relevant Science units (preferably Biology) at grade Merit
  • BTEC National Diploma at grade MM including 90 credits or 540 GLH of relevant Science subjects (preferably Biology) at grade Merit
  • 2:2 degree in a relevant scientific subject

Graduate Careers

Graduates can register with the General Dental Council and work as dental hygienists and dental therapists in NHS and private dental practices, hospital services, community dental services, or the armed forces. There are also opportunities to work in multinational organizations specializing in healthcare and pharmaceutical products.

School of Clinical Dentistry

The School of Clinical Dentistry is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience. The school has a close working relationship with the adjacent Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, a specialist facility offering dental services to people in Sheffield and surrounding areas.

University Rankings

The University of Sheffield is a world top-100 university, ranked 92nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university is also number one in the Russell Group for student experience, according to the National Student Survey 2025.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry have not been confirmed, but for reference, the 2025 annual tuition fee is £9,535 for home students and £48,500 for overseas students. There are also additional costs, such as travel to deliver oral health promotion/education activities and upfront costs for travel to placements.

Clinical Outreach Programme

The outreach program is one of the most rigorous placement programs in the UK, providing students with the opportunity to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds in real work environments. This program helps students develop both practical and interpersonal skills, preparing them for their future careers.

Application Process

To apply for the program, students must submit an online application, which includes personal statements, education details, and references. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a selection day, which includes a structured interview and an interpersonal skills test. Offers are initially conditional and require the receipt of a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and health clearance. NA