BSc Dental Hygiene and Therapy (B750)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Bristol Dental School has a long and established history of training programmes in both dental hygiene and dental therapy. Based in our new state-of-the-art Dental School from autumn 2023, BSc Dental Hygiene and Therapy students will have access to cutting-edge technology, experienced dental professionals in a purpose-built facility. This course provides an exciting opportunity to study alongside undergraduate students on the BDS Dentistry course.

Launched in 2019, the BSc was accredited by the General Dental Council in June 2022. The Inspection Report highlighted: 'One of the strengths of this programme is the relationships between staff and students, and the open-door policy is valued by all students undertaking this programme.'

The three-year degree comprises integrated and compulsory units of academic teaching, clinical skills and practice and dissertation.

Year one provides you with essential preclinical teaching and training, in addition to your introduction to personal and professional development (PPD) and patient contact on the Periodontal Clinic.

In year two term one you will complete operative techniques in restorative dentistry which is integrated with the dental undergraduate students (BDS) and start to treat adult restorative patients.

In your final year you will have completed your preclinical training in paediatric dentistry alongside continued clinical development, treating adult and paediatric restorative and periodontal patients. You will work within a simulated clinical practice environment, treating a wide range of patients with a variety of needs, working towards a holistic approach of patient management.

You will complete an individual research project in an area of dentistry relevant to your role as a hygienist/therapist as well as completing your final modules in order to gain a BSc (Hons) in Dental Hygiene and Therapy.

Accreditations

Our Dental Hygiene and Therapy BSc is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (GDC) so as a a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

Each year comprises of four units:

  • Foundations for Practice: the underpinning knowledge for safe and effective patient care.
  • Clinical Skills: learning the skills needed for your clinical work using manikin heads in the clinical skills laboratories.
  • Clinical Practice: applying your knowledge and skills to patient care on the clinics at the Dental School and community clinics.
  • Personal and Professional Development: becoming a rounded dental professional, able to self reflect, understand your legal and ethical remit as set out by your governing body the General Dental Council, and develop skills such as communication and leadership.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

ABB including Biology. We will accept certain Dental Nursing or Dental Technician Level 3 professional qualifications plus BB in two A-levels including Biology. Please contact the University for full details.
DDM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Biology units

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in Biology
29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in Biology

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
77% overall, with 8.0 in Biology
Advanced Higher: AB including Biology, and Standard Higher: AABBB
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 15 credits at Distinction and 30 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from Biology units

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
More about UK qualifications.