BDH Dental Hygiene (B770)
2026 entry
Course summary
Bristol Dental School has been a successful training provider for Dental Hygienists and Therapists for many years, attracting significant interest from applicants wishing to train in state-of-the-art clinical facilities. To further strengthen the integration between Dentistry and Dental Hygiene and Therapy, the BSc Dental Hygiene and Therapy recently underwent a review; the School now offers applicants the option of applying for the Bachelor of Dental Hygiene or Bachelor of Dental Therapy.
The newly named Bachelor in Dental Hygiene (BDH) will commence in September 2026. Please note you cannot apply for both programmes.
The Bachelor of Dental Hygiene (BDH) is a full-time 3-year programme which equips Graduates to work safely as a registered Dental Hygienist. Students are taught through a combination of asynchronous material, supported by in-person lectures, small-group tutorials, seminars and practical classes. Students are offered pastoral support from their individual person tutor. It is expected that each student meets with their tutor to discuss outcomes from each of the termly progress committees, as well as to engage with a personal development plan (PDP). There is a named Senior Tutor for the programme; this avenue allows a student to escalate issues to gain further support as needed.
Based in the new Dental School, which is in the city centre and located close to excellent transport links, you will benefit from an integrated curriculum with BDS students, and the concept of team training starts from year one term one. Teaching and Learning are enhanced by: By early introduction of clinical activity; Integrated academic and clinical teaching; Opportunities for community engagement.
Teaching and Assessment is delivered through a variety of evidence-based methods and includes the following:
- interactive lectures;
- flipped classroom;
- small group learning and tutorials;
- discussion groups;
- clinical Simulations in the Clinical Skills Laboratory; and
- chairside clinical teaching in a variety of locations and disciplines.
We assess students using a variety of assessments, which include:
- e-assessment;
- short answer questions (SAQ’s);
- single Best Answer;
- multiple Short Answers (MSA’s); and
- case presentations.
Upon successfully completing the programme Graduates will register as a Dental Hygienist with the General Dental Council.
Course structure
The Bachelor of Dental Hygiene has 3 units, one unit each year, with 4 themes in each unit. Year 1 introduces the fundamentals of biomedical sciences relevant to the Dental Hygienist. Once competent in the pre-clinical setting students begin patient care under supervision (Year 1 term 2), which includes understanding pain and anxiety control. Each patient session is entered into a Complete eAssessment Framework System (CAFS), with supervisor feedback, allowing for reflection and development. Critical Appraisal is introduced.
Year 2 provides opportunities to continue patient care, building on the periodontal skills acquired in year one. Patient care is delivered across a number of clinical settings, which develops knowledge and understanding of treatment modalities in both paediatric and adult patients. Personal and Professional Development builds upon knowledge gained in year one to enhance the personal and professional attributes required of a safe practitioner. Students complete an Evidence Based Summary.
The final year of the programme provides students the opportunity to consolidate underpinning knowledge to practice safely and competently using skills and clinical knowledge to diagnose, treatment plan, and treat adults and children within their scope of practice. Lectures and tutorials reduce allowing for a strong focus on clinical skills and completion of a Dissertation. From Term 2 Students undertake a clinical placement under supervision to consolidate clinical practice and complete the theoretical knowledge and clinical requirements needed to graduate.
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.
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
More about Access to HE entry requirements
Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- The admissions statement above relates to 2025 entry. The statement for 2026 entry will be available in summer 2025.