Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc(Hons)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.