Program Overview

Program Overview

The BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene program is a three-year undergraduate degree that focuses on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to register with the General Dental Council as a dental therapist or hygienist upon graduation.

Key Facts

• Dental Therapy and Hygiene (3 Years), Full time
• UCAS Code: A920, Institution Code: Q50, Campus Code: W
• UCAS application deadline: 14 January 2026
• Interview dates: to be confirmed
• Dentistry 1st in London - Guardian University Guide 2026; 15th in the World - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Program Structure

The program is divided into three years, with each year building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive education in dental therapy and hygiene.

Year 1

• Fundamentals of clinical practice
• Introduction to basic biological principles and study skills
• Coverage of:
  • Oral biology and normal biological structure and function of cells
  • Main organs and body systems
  • Effects of illness on people and their families
  • Development of clinical skills using haptics, clinical skills laboratories, and dental clinics
  • Critical thinking
  • Dental materials and their application
  • Impact of environmental and social factors on health
  • Impact of systemic health and medication on oral health

Year 2

• Developing clinical skills
• Application and integration of knowledge gained in the first year to body systems in both health and disease
• Coverage of:
  • Abnormalities and diseases of the mouth and how to care effectively for these patients
  • Oral biology, including the study of normal structures and functions of the adjacent tissues
  • Specialist areas such as adult and child restorative dentistry
• Work in outreach centers, devising strategies for prevention and treatment

Year 3

• Preparation for practice
• Application and consolidation of knowledge and skills in preparation for professional dental practice
• Coverage of:
  • Clinical Practice - Child Oral Health
  • Clinical Practice – Adult Restorative dentistry
  • Advanced skills of a dental therapist, such as emergency care, dental impressions, and more extensive direct restorations
  • A research project

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs (or recognized equivalent): A minimum of 6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or Grade C, including English, Mathematics, Biology (or Human Biology), and Chemistry
• IELTS or equivalent (for European or International applicants): IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.0 in each element of Writing, Listening, Reading, and Speaking
• A-Levels: ABB including Biology, with a pass grade in the practical endorsement of Science A-Levels
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 32 points overall, including 655 in Higher Level Subjects, including HL Biology
• Dental Nursing (NVQ Level 3 Oral Health Care / NEBDN): Accepted in lieu of one A-Level, with A-Level grades AB, including Biology
• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers: ABB from three Advanced Highers, including Biology
• Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate: Accepted in lieu of one A-Level, excluding any specified subjects
• Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subject passes at Higher level, including grades of at least H1, H2, H2, H3, H3, including Biology
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: Considered for entry from students with a Diploma in a Biology-based discipline on a case-by-case basis

Selection Criteria

• Applications are assessed against academic entry criteria and non-academic criteria
• Shortlisted applicants are invited to a remote interview
• Interviews are conducted to explore attitudes, views, and personal qualities suitable for a dental care professional
• Qualities and values set out in the NHS constitution are considered, including:
  • Working together for patients
  • Respect and dignity
  • Commitment to quality of care
  • Compassion
  • Improving lives
  • Everyone counts

Fees

• Tuition fees for Home and EU students: £9,535 (2026 entry)
• Tuition fees for International students: £37,500 (2025 entry), with 2026 international fees to be confirmed shortly

Careers and Experience

• Clinical experience gained within the Dental Hospital and outreach centers, supervised by a variety of clinical lecturers
• Upon successful completion, students are eligible to register with the General Dental Council as a dental therapist or hygienist
• Career options include work in general practice, community, armed forces, education, and dental research or further study
• 100% graduate employability rate

Additional Information

• Students are encouraged to attend at least one conference relevant to their studies and future role as a graduate, which would be self-funded
• Additional costs include:
  • Travel to local placements
  • Clinical uniform and protective eyewear
  • Books, although there is a well-stocked library on site
• The program does not offer the option of an Intercalated degree
• Re-sits, extenuating circumstances, and contextual/EPQ offers are not considered
• No deferred entry is permitted
• Applicants must be aged 18 or over at the start of the course in September
• Feedback is only given directly to unsuccessful interview applicants who request it in writing
• The application process involves:
  • Application through UCAS before the equal consideration deadline
  • Shortlisting based on academic and non-academic criteria
  • Remote interviews
  • Offers, which may be conditional upon obtaining relevant qualifications and/or non-academic clearance checks
  • Clearance checks, including enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health Check
• The start date for new starters is usually in the first days of September each year, earlier than the start date for other undergraduate programs.