BSc (Hons)
Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy
Learn in a team-based environment with other student dentists
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Not many people like going to see their dentist. However, if you want pearly whites then it’s crucial to regularly see a dental care practitioner as they form an essential part of our healthcare regime.
This course incorporates the knowledge, skills and professionalism you will need to become an expert in oral health and a vital member of the healthcare society.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Study alongside dental hygiene, dental therapy and dental students, enabling you to build effective team-working skills
- Train in a range of dental procedures and patient management techniques in our purpose-built Dental Academy
- Put your learning into action during work placements, which can be taken in a number of community settings
What opportunities might it lead to?
Our courses are accredited by the General Dental Council. Once you complete this course, you’ll be able to register and work in the dental care sector. It also offers dual accreditation for the combined role of dental hygienist/dental therapist.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- general dental practice
- hospital dental services
- the Armed Forces
- the NHS
- health promotion
I chose to study this course because during the Open Day I loved the vibrant atmosphere and the excellent teaching facilities provided by the Dental Academy.
Amrita Kalyan, BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy student 2013
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- B750
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Entry
300 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including 100 points from a pure Science subject. All applicants are subject to interview. All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU full-time students: This course is NHS funded, please contact the department for further information.
International Students: This course is not open to International Students.
Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: please contact the department for further information- Contact
- sci.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 5550 - Department
- Dental Academy
Subject:
Health Sciences and Social Work
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- The clinical and real-life learning approach that will equip you for your chosen career
- Our simulated environments that mean you’ll gain and practise the skills you’ll need before entering the workplace
- Approachable lecturers, many of whom are teacher practitioners
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
Core units in this year include:
- Foundations of Clinical Practice
- Introduction to Behavioural Science
- Introduction to Human Sciences
- Personal and Professional Development
- Pre-Clinical Practice
- Statutory and Mandatory Training Framework – Level 4
Year two
Core units in this year include:
- Advanced Behavioural Science
- Advanced Human Science
- Clinical Practice
- Dental Radiology and Dental Imaging
- Professional Development and Team Work
Year three*
Core units in this year include:
- Clinical Practice in the Wider Community
- Comprehensive Clinical Practice
- Management and Leadership for DCP Practice
- Oral Surgery and Oral Medcine
- Researching Professional
*This course is also available as a 4-year sandwich (work placement)
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical laboratory work and guided reading. Our academic staff have expertise in clinical practice and research, and we provide a student-centred approach to teaching, with all units fully supported by online lecture and study materials.
How are you assessed?
On this course there is a balance of formal examinations and coursework assessment. You will be expected to complete coursework throughout the year, whereas exams take place at the end of the academic year.
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
The Dental Academy
We have built the optimal environment for you to study dental practice
Working as a Team
Working alongside dental students, you’ll really get a feel for what it’s like to be part of a dental team
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
The Dental Academy
We have built the optimal environment for you to study dental practice. Offering a balance of state-of-the-art teaching and clinical facilities, here’s a taste of what you’ll have access to:
- two clinics (44 dental treatment bays)
- two individual surgeries
- a phantom head room
- decontamination suite
- radiography suite
- four radiography booths
Working as a Team
Our Dental Academy is a training ground for undergraduate King’s College London Dental Institute students as well as you and others on your course. So with dental care professionals and undergraduate dentists under the same roof, you’ll really get a feel for what it’s like to be part of a dental team working within a primary dental care setting.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
The Dental Academy at Portsmouth has great facilities. Being able to interact with patients in a clinical environment from year one is great.
Shweta Patel, BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy student
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
On completing this course, you’ll be qualified to become a valuable member of the dental team. The dental hygienist/therapist operates as a healthcare professional who, from a treatment plan provided by a registered dentist, delivers a range of treatments from extraction of children’s teeth, to provision of fillings and performing scale and polishing procedures. You’ll find employment opportunities within a variety of settings such as dental practices, hospitals or other places promoting oral health.
Another option is further study such as a Master’s, Professional Doctorate and PhD in areas such as radiography, oral health education and hygiene.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- dental hygienist
- dental nurse
- practice manager
- dental therapist
- practice owner
Work experience
To broaden your range of hands-on experience, some learning can occur outside the University. Outreach increases the diversity of practice, widening your skills base. You’ll therefore have the option to work in a number of community settings including:
- work placements in community surgeries
- oral health promotion
- supervised tooth brushing in infant schools
- helping staff to develop oral care plans in residential homes
- working alongside others in the dental team to provide dental screening to offenders in the probation service
- work experience in maxillofacial departments in local hospitals
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more