Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc (Hons)
BSc Hons Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy
Overview
If you want to be a dental hygienist or therapist, this BSc (Hons) Dental and Hygiene and Dental Therapy degree course gives you the theory and practical skills to become a vital member of the dental team.
In our Dental Academy, you’ll develop skills that allow you to complete treatments on patients, such as fillings, radiographs and impressions. You’ll study and develop your skills alongside other members of the dental team.
After you complete the course, you’ll be able to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist and embark on a career treating patients in locations such as dental practices and in community dental services.
What you'll experience
On this degree course, you'll:
- Develop the knowledge, skills and professionalism you need to provide dental care to patients and become a trusted member of the dental team
- Study on a course that's professionally accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC), providing industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification
- Practise the skills you’ll use in your career in our model clinical practice, with dental treatment bays and simulation technology including our Phantom Head skill lab and radiography equipment
- Work in a dental team alongside dentists, dental nurses and other students, giving you a taste of your future work environment
- Have the chance to take part in community healthcare projects, providing additional patient-focused work experience
Work experience and career planning
This course focuses on applying your new knowledge and building the practical skills needed to succeed in a clinical environment throughout your career.
You can also get experience with patients in community settings as part of the course. For example:
- outreach activity in community surgeries and maxillofacial departments in local hospitals
- oral health promotion
- supervised tooth brushing in infant schools
- helping staff to develop oral care plans in residential homes
- providing dental screening to offenders in the probation service
Our Careers and Employability service can help you find further relevant work experience during the course. We can help you identify placements, internships and voluntary roles that will complement your studies and build your CV.
Careers and opportunities
When you complete the course you can register with the General Dental Council (GDC). You'll be qualified to work in areas such as:
- general dental practice
- hospital dental services
- the Armed Forces
- the NHS
- health promotion
- owning and managing a dental business of your own
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- dental hygienist and therapist
- oral health educator
- practice manager
- practice owner
You could also continue your studies or do research at postgraduate level.
When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry. You can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.
Professional accreditations
This course is accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC). This allows you to register with the GDC when you complete the course.
The GDC continually assess the course to make sure it meets the standard required for accreditation, so you’ll know you’re getting the most relevant and up-to-date teaching available.
Values and the NHS Constitution
We embed the principles and values of the NHS Constitution in all our health and social care courses. When you apply for this course, we’ll expect you to demonstrate how your values align with the values of the Constitution.
Entry requirements
- 120 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including 40 points from a pure Science subject.
- All shortlisted applicants are subject to interview.
- All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance. This includes screening to exclude infectivity with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
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For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application.
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English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5.
Course costs
Tuition fees (2019 start)
- UK/EU students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £25,400 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £25,400 per year (subject to annual increase)
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study units that make up 120 credits a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each unit. You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You’ll get 3 sets of scrubs (clinical clothing) and a name badge at the start of the course. You can order extra or replacement scrubs at £8 per set or £4 an item. You can also order replacement name badges for £7.
You’ll need to buy your own visor frame (available from the Dental Academy for £8) and a pair of black shoes which enclose the foot (not canvas or clogs).
You’ll need to pay a £30 deposit to use a model skull (you’ll be charged additional fees if you don't return the skull).
You’ll need a £10 deposit for locker keys.
You’ll attend outreach locations to support your study, and you’ll need to cover travel costs, which are unlikely to surpass £50. These costs are reimbursed for NHS bursary students.
What you'll study
Each unit on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study units worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 units worth 20 credits and 1 unit worth 40 credits.
Subject areas you'll study include:
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Science
- Clinical Communication
- Management and Leadership
- Research
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional units may not run every year. If a unit doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative unit.
Learning support
As well as support by faculty teaching staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a mental or physical disability, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) can give you help, support and advice so you can reach your potential.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical laboratory work
- guided reading
- supervised clinical sessions
In the second and third year, there are student clinics within the school to develop skills and apply knowledge for up to 2 days a week.
Our academic staff have expertise in clinical practice and research, and you'll be fully supported face to face and online with the appropriate study materials.
How you'll spend your time
Each academic year is divided into 2 teaching blocks and an assessment period:
- Autumn teaching block – September to December
- Spring teaching block – January to Easter
- Assessment period – Easter to June
Most teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Your workload
The time you spend in teaching activities such as lectures and seminars varies year on year and will depend on which optional units you select. As a guide, students on this course last year typically spent their time as follows:
- Year 1 students: 33% in lectures, seminars and similar learning activities, and 67% studying independently
- Year 2 students: 43% in lectures, seminars and similar learning activities, and 57% studying independently
- Year 3 students: 22% in lectures, seminars and similar learning activities, 73% studying independently and 5% on work placement
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written exams
- practical exams
- coursework
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
The way you’re assessed may depend on the units you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
- Year 1 students: 67% by written exams, 17% by practical exams and 16% by coursework
- Year 2 students: 58% by written exams, 7% by practical exams and 35% by coursework
- Year 3 students: 13% by written exams, 43% by practical exams and 44% by coursework
Apply
To start in 2019 you need to apply through UCAS. You’ll need:
- the UCAS course code – B750
- our institution code – P80
You can start your application now and submit it later if you want.
Not quite ready to apply?
Come to an Open Day to explore our course facilities, tour the campus and have a look around our halls of residence.
If you’re new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
If you're from outside of the UK, you can apply for this course through UCAS (see the 'How to apply' section above for details). You can also apply directly to us or you can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to our terms and conditions as well as the University’s policies, rules and regulations. You should read and consider these before you apply.
