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Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc(Hons)

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    Overview

    This course is now full and closed to new applications.

    Are you keen to make a difference to people’s oral health and wellbeing? If you’re compassionate, detail-oriented, and thrive in hands-on environments where patient care comes first, our Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc(Hons) course is for you.

    This course has been designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s healthcare landscape and equip you with the expertise, skills, and professional confidence to become a registered Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist. Developed in alignment with the General Dental Council (GDC) Safe Practitioner Framework, this course blends theoretical learning with practical, hands-on experience in a supportive and inclusive environment.

    Why study Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc(Hons)

    This course will prepare you to put your skills and abilities into practice after qualification, both through reflecting on the evidence from ongoing research and your own practice. You’ll be taught by an experienced team of lecturers and clinicians who bring real-world insights to the classroom, you’ll also benefit from a curriculum that integrates cutting-edge techniques, public health considerations, and sustainable healthcare practices.

    From mastering foundational knowledge in oral disease prevention and dental radiography to managing complex cases involving special educational needs, oral cancer, and dental implants, throughout the course you’ll be supported to become a competent and effective Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist.

    Through extensive clinical practice, including work-based learning in community clinics and dental practices, you’ll gain the confidence and competence to provide high-quality patient-centered care in diverse professional settings.

    In Dec 2025, the University’s new Emily Siddon Building will open on the site of the National Health Innovation Campus where you’ll benefit from specialist clinical teaching facilities and state-of-the-art simulation technology, enabling you to learn in a safe, but realistic environment utilising phantom heads. You’ll also provide care to patients in the new onsite Dental clinic.

    Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible for registration with the GDC as both a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist, opening doors to a rewarding career in dental care and oral health promotion. If you’re compassionate, detail-oriented, and committed to improving patient outcomes, this course is your gateway to a fulfilling future in dentistry.

    Not quite ready to start Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc(Hons)? Successful completion of our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree will equip you with the foundation knowledge to study as a dental hygienist and dental therapist.

    Entry requirements

    ABB-BBB at A Level including a relevant Science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Human Biology or Applied Science) and excluding General Studies. If you are studying Science A Level, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course.

    128-120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications excluding General Studies, and including one of the following: A Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Human Biology or Applied Science, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate/Diploma in Applied Science, Medical Science or Biomedical Science. If you are studying Science A Level, the endorsement for practical work is essential and a requirement for entry to our degree course.

    Merit in T Level in Health or Healthcare Science.

    DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science, Medical Science, Biomedical Science or Dental Technology.

    • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits at Merit or above, 30 of which must be passed at Distinction including at least 15 credits at Distinction in a relevant Science.
    • 128-120 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications including a relevant Science at Higher Level at grade 6.
    • Qualified Dental Nurse with at least one of the following post-qualifications: Dental Radiology/Radiography, Sedation, Oral Health Promotion/Practitioner/Education, Special Care Dental Nursing.

    In addition, you must have GCSE English Language or Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme, or Ofqual regulated Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.

    Offers will be subject to an interview and references. Please note all the information provided in support of your application may be checked and must be verifiable as a true record. You will also need a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearances prior to registration on the course. We arrange these as part of the application process. You will be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year and at the end of the course. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination. We will request an Overseas Police Check if you have lived in a country outside of the UK for 6 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years before applying to us and whilst aged 18 or over.

    Placement providers for this course may require you to have received a number of vaccinations, unless medically exempt, and provide evidence of these. As a student on a course with a clinical or healthcare placement, we strongly recommend that you complete any courses of vaccinations required under current guidelines for your future profession. Failure to do so may result in your inability to undertake a placement in certain clinical settings, therefore impacting upon your academic progression, and may result in academic failure of your course.

    Please note places are limited and attainment of the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an interview or offer. You must include details of any previous study.

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum of IELTS 7.0 overall with no element lower than 6.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page. If you have alternative qualifications or do not meet the IELTS requirement we also offer a range of Pre-Sessional English Programmes.

    Applications are reviewed on merit and other suitable experience and qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

    Course Detail

    Anatomy and Physiology

    This module introduces the foundations of scientific knowledge for Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy. You’ll be provided with an overview of the whole body, as well as focusing on oral anatomy including relevant head and neck structures and nerve innovation. You’ll also learn about physiology, studying the individual cells and organs and how they interact to function as a living unit.

    Dental Radiology and Radiography

    This module will provide you with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the fundamental sciences used in dental radiology. This will include the physics of radiation, management and radiation protection of an individual being exposed, and the knowledge of current UK legislation for the use of ionising radiation (IRMER and IRR). You’ll focus on the clinical skills of taking dental radiographs, the equipment required, and techniques used.

    Foundations and Clinical Practice 1

    This module will enable you to put into practice the theory developed in the Theory of Dental Hygiene module. You’ll develop the clinical skills of a dental hygienist using phantom head simulation, before moving on to practising non-invasive treatments on your peers. You’ll gain some initial patient contact either out in the community or in the dental clinic to build your confidence.

    Oral Disease Prevention

    You’ll have the opportunity to develop essential knowledge about the prevention of oral diseases. You’ll also develop key skills such as communication and empathy which will enable you to tailor preventive advice to the individual needs of the patients, taking into consideration any cultural and religious beliefs. You’ll learn to adapt to any patient-reported anxieties within this module and you’ll be introduced to the underpinning ethos that prevention is better than cure, and that on the whole dental diseases are largely preventable.

    Professional Development and Research 1

    This module involves a multidisciplinary team-based learning approach, where you'll work with occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry students and speech and language therapy students. It will introduce you to the role of research and evidence-based practice exploring different research methodologies and the concept of ethics within healthcare research. You'll have the opportunity to develop transferable skills in literature searching using electronic databases, academic writing and referencing. You'll also explore lifelong learning, reflective practice and continuing professional development that underpins the essential skills needed to understand registration requirements for your specific professional and regulatory body.

    Theory of Dental Hygiene

    You’ll have the opportunity to develop essential knowledge that builds a strong foundation for dental professionals. You’ll study the scope of practice of a Dental Hygienist, which will include theoretical knowledge of cross-infection, decontamination and sterilisation. Latest guidance will be used to develop knowledge in periodontal diseases, including diagnosis, management and treatment. You’ll also study the rationale and placement of temporary restorations and re-cementation of crowns, whilst developing basic theoretical knowledge of treatment-planning, including history-taking. You’ll develop your knowledge of working to a prescription within scope and gain an understanding of the rationale for the procedure for fissure sealants, impressions and the application of fluoride. You’ll also gain knowledge of local anaesthetic and its delivery.

    Clinical Practice 2 Hygiene Phase

    Through this module you’ll develop your clinical skills further in order to make progress towards meeting the competencies of a Dental Hygienist as set out by the General Dental Council. You'll have the opportunity to utilise the full scope of practice of a Dental Hygienist in the University clinic and/or during external placements.

    Clinical Practice 3 Therapy Phase

    Through this module you’ll develop your clinical skills further in order to begin to make progress towards meeting the competencies of a Dental Therapist as set out by the General Dental Council. You’ll have the opportunity to develop these skills in the University clinic and/or during external placements.

    Foundations of Clinical Practice 2

    The module will enable you to put theory into practice. You’ll have the opportunity to practise the clinical skills of a dental therapist, using phantom head simulation. This will include restorative skills, using a range of dental materials and techniques. You’ll also study paediatric dentistry which will include extractions, pulp treatments and hall technique crowns.

    Oral Pathology/Medicine

    This module introduces the theoretical knowledge of the oral cavity (mouth). This knowledge forms the foundations of patient care and underpins all the clinical modules. You’ll develop an understanding of the principles of oral pathology and medicine, and of the oral cavity in terms of oral health and oral diseases, including when to make an urgent referral to other healthcare professionals.

    Theory of Dental Therapy

    You’ll have the opportunity to gain the knowledge required to treat patients safely within the clinical environment. This will include consent and the complexities that need to be considered when treating special care and paediatric patients. You’ll develop your knowledge of the treatments that are outlined in the scope of practice of a dental therapist. Aspects of anxiety management will be considered including assessment of anxiety, acclimatisation, and basic behaviour management techniques. This module also introduces you to the theory which you’ll put into practice using specialist facilities, such as phantom head simulation.

    Research 2

    This module provides the opportunity to build on your knowledge of research from Year 1 and prepares you to undertake an area of research in Year 3. You’ll explore data collection and analysis in relation to methods which are currently used in research and evaluation of practice.

    Clinical Practice 4

    Through this module you’ll develop your clinical skills further in order make ongoing progress towards meeting the competencies of a Dental Therapist as set out by the General Dental Council. You’ll have the opportunity to develop these skills in the University clinic and/or during external placements.

    Clinical Practice 5

    Through this module you’ll develop your clinical skills further in order to make progress towards meeting the competencies of a Dental Therapist as set out by the General Dental Council. You'll have the opportunity to utilise the full scope of practice of a Dental Therapist in the University clinic and/or during external placements.

    Complex Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy

    This module will introduce you to some of the more complex areas of Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy. You’ll have the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of direct access, writing treatment plans and radiography reporting. Implant maintenance knowledge and clinical skills will also be covered and alternative methods to biofilm disruption will be introduced. You’ll also learn about the care of oral cancer patients and special care patients.

    Enterprise, Employability and Leadership

    In this module you'll gain an understanding of how health and social care is influenced, shaped and provided in the UK. You'll explore how leadership at all levels of an organisation is key to transforming and providing quality person-centred care. This module will help you to prepare for future employment and your career progression. It aims to equip you with the skills and mindset necessary for sustained growth, adaptability and leadership throughout your career.

    Research 3

    This is a multidisciplinary module which follows on from Research 2. You'll undertake a small-scale research project related to an interdisciplinary research environment. You’ll work in a multi-professional group, with other health professional students on a defined topic area with a named supervisor. You’ll also be involved in data collection. Your research proposals will be subject to the necessary ethical approvals within the University.

    This course has modules making up 360 credits over the 3 years, with each credit being 10 hours of study (3,600 hours in total).  An average of approximately* 37% (1,347 hours) of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors in seminars, group work, practical experience, lectures and interactive learning packages. The remainder of the time will be spent on independent study. Assessments take place through a variety of coursework, practice/competency-based learning and examination, in the form of written assignment, presentations, observed assessment of practical skills (OSCE), multiple choice assessments and competency log.

    Subject to mode of study. *Based on current core and compulsory modules.

    Calculated using data from the academic year 2024/25, as of November 2024.

    The teaching year for most courses normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Teaching on other courses including professional courses, postgraduate taught, research, distance learning and apprenticeship may have other start dates including January and May. All start dates can be found on each course page and term dates are also available. Students on a full-time course may have to attend every day of the week. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Our courses are taught at our University campus and you can expect that your lectures and seminars will be held face to face, except in cases of emergency or if specifically stated otherwise in the module description.

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    You may progress to the next stage of your course or research degree, subject to meeting University assessment criteria and professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Placements

    We believe nothing can replace the exhilaration, pace and decision making of actually doing the job. That is why we consider clinical placements an invaluable part of learning and a compulsory element of the course, in order to offer you a range of experience and expertise. With placements undertaken throughout the three years, you’ll be required to complete 850 hours of practice across the course, gaining hands-on experience in various settings.

    You may work in environments such as our bespoke onsite clinic, general dental practices, specialist clinics, and hospital settings, ensuring you gain exposure to a wide range of patient cases and treatment scenarios. This allows you to develop the clinical skills and professional behaviours expected by the General Dental Council (GDC).

    Please note, you may need to travel to different locations for your placements.

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    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Cancellation of a course you have applied for

    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

    Equal opportunities

    The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

    Data protection

    The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

    Students’ Union membership

    Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.