2024 entry (view 2023 entry)
BSc Dental Hygiene and Therapy (B750)
Course overview

Typical offer
A-level standard offer: ABB
A-level contextual offer: BBC
See entry requirements for full details and eligibility.
Course duration
3 year(s) full-time
Part-time study is not available for this course
Application method
Full-time: UCAS
Fees
£9,250 per year, home students
Fees quoted are for 2023 entry only. Fees for 2024 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2023.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
International students
Unfortunately this course is not available to international students.
Location
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.
This course is accredited by the following organisations
General Dental Council (GDC) The General Dental Council quality assures and approves qualifications for registration, for the following registrant groups: Dentists; dental hygienists; dental therapists; dental nurses; clinical dental technicians; dental technicians; and orthodontic therapists.
Found to be sufficient by the General Dental Council (GDC) for the purpose of eligibility for registration with that body (http://www.gdc-uk.org/)
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 catalogueEntry 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.
A-level standard offer
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.
A-level contextual offer
BBC including B in Biology
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offerBTEC
DDM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Biology units
Find out more about our BTEC entry requirementsInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in Biology
International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer
29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in Biology
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offerEuropean Baccalaureate
77% overall, with 8.0 in Biology
Scottish Qualifications Authority
Advanced Higher: AB including Biology, and Standard Higher: AABBB
Access to HE Diploma
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
Mature students can contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course.
Welsh Baccalaureate
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.
Cambridge Pre-U
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.
International qualifications
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Search international qualificationsApplicants must also meet these requirements
GCSE profile requirements
No specific subjects required.
Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
- IELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 in all skills
- GCSE English Language grade B or 6
- An alternative English Language Profile A qualification
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels
Additional requirements
Work experience is required - please see the Admissions Statement.
More about UK qualifications.
Selection process
- We select successful applicants based on the UCAS application and interview that includes written and practical tests. If you are offered a place you will have to pass a health assessment and undergo a DBS check.
- Full information about our selection processes for this course:
- The admissions statement above relates to 2023 entry. The statement for 2024 entry will be available in summer 2023.
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement: