Key information
For:
starting September 2026
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
120-128 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including 40 UCAS points from a pure Science subject
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Dental hygienists treat and prevent oral diseases. They support people in maintaining their oral health by providing treatments and advice designed to improve the health of the mouth, teeth and gums.
If you want a career as a dental hygienist, this BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene degree course is for you.
Studying in our Dental Academy, you’ll get the skills and knowledge for registration with the General Dental Council (GDC), which is essential for practicing as a dental hygienist.
Course highlights
- Be taught in our Dental Academy, complete with the latest technology used in dental practices including 2 clinics with 44 dental treatment bays, 2 individual surgeries, a phantom head room, a new haptics suite, a decontamination suite, and radiography booths
- Build your experience working as part of a dental team, studying alongside dental therapy, dental nursing and dental students as well as qualified professionals
- Get out of the classroom to work with real patients, performing dental procedures and taking part in local community outreach projects
NHS Learning Support Fund
At least £5,000 a year
Students on this course may be eligible for additional funding through the NHS Learning Support Fund bursary of at least £5,000 a year.
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
5th
for health professions in the UK
(Guardian University Guide, 2026)
7th
for general nursing in the UK
(Guardian University Guide, 2026)
94%
of students were positive about the learning resources and facilities provided on this course
(NSS, 2025)
Accredited by:
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.
Explore BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene at Portsmouth
Discover how our BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene degree course will equip you with the skills and knowledge for registration with the General Dental Council (GDC).
Debbie Withers: The BSc Dental Hygiene course is a three-year degree course where you will come out as a qualified dental hygienist and be able to go out and get a job in practice.
I think what attracts students to this course, you get to use quite complex dental instruments and also you get to look after people. We're quite fortunate, we've got really good facilities. We've got two big open-plan clinics, we've got our phantom head lab where we get to practice on plastic teeth before students are let free on patients. So it just provides as realistic as possible element of teaching.
[The course is accredited by the General Dental Council]
Debbie Withers: You can work in dental practice, you can work in prisons, in special care, in hospitals. You can work in public health, you can work in schools, it's a really diverse career that's available to students who qualify here.
We're really proud of the support we offer both as a university and departmentally and we're really, really proud that all of our students can get a really good job or final study after they graduate.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Apply now for September 2025
If you have your results, you can apply now to start in September 2025.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
Even if you don't receive the grades you need, we recommend still calling us on 023 9284 8090 as we still may be able to consider you for a course
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2025
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or other information.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office.
Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - ABB-BBB
- UCAS points - 120-128 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a pure Science subject at grade B. For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application (calculate your UCAS points).
- T-levels - Merit. Acceptable T Level Subjects:
T Level in Healthcare Science (Acceptable Occupational Specialisms: Assisting with healthcare science), T Level in Science - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM
- International Baccalaureate - 27-28
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
- Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course. This includes screening to exclude infectivity with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels - ABB-BBB
- UCAS points - 120-128 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a pure Science subject at grade B. For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application (calculate your UCAS points).
- T-levels - Merit. Acceptable T Level Subjects:
T Level in Healthcare Science (Acceptable Occupational Specialisms: Assisting with healthcare science), T Level in Science - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM
- International Baccalaureate - 27-28
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
- Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course. This includes screening to exclude infectivity with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Hear from our Dental Academy students, Cynthia and Said
Dental Academy students Cynthia and Said talk about their experiences studying dentistry at the University of Portsmouth.
Cynthia: Reading about the University of Portsmouth in the Dental Academy, I realise it's a good place for me to harness my potential of becoming the dental nurse I've always wanted to become.
Said: Looking after the patient, caring for the patient has been the best part of my degree.
Cynthia: Right after your first year, you become a qualified dental nurse so while you are studying, you can still practice.
Said: The most useful skills were the clinical skills that I acquired during my phantom head sessions where I did extensive work on periodontal treatments. Working now in clinics with patients I feel more confident and having the support of the staff and other colleagues has helped me quite a lot.
Cynthia: We have a very friendly staff, nurses who are willing and always available to help students. When you find yourself in like any kind of confusion, they are there at your beck and call.
Said: You have to be really good with communication as well because you will continuously be communicating with patients. Also, staff and students and collaborative and professional work needs good communication skills.
Cynthia: For those willing to study at the University of Portsmouth, I would encourage you, once you get here, to make good use of all the facilities available.
Said: Caring for the patient is not just looking at their mouth and treating what we see but also is strongly correlated with the general health of the patient.
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.
Facilities and specialist equipment
Discover our dental facilities
Explore our dental facilities, where you'll access a range of specialist equipment and build your skills towards your chosen career.
The excellent facilities - highly advanced decontamination suite, recently renovated clinic, sophisticated dental equipment - I think the University of Portsmouth stands out in this aspect.
Careers and opportunities
As the title suggests, dental hygienists help patients keep their teeth clean, but there's much more to the role than this alone.
Dental hygienists provide treatments, carry out procedures and give dietary and oral hygiene advice to maintain a healthy mouth, teeth and gums. Patients are often referred to dental hygienists by dentists, although many opt to see a hygienist regularly themselves.
Dental hygienists are needed in both the NHS and within private healthcare. Once you graduate you'll be ready to take your skills into areas such as general dental practice, hospital dental services or the Armed Forces, so you'll have great employment prospects as you embark on your dental career.
Looking to study dental hygiene and learn how to carry out additional procedures such as fillings and extractions? Take a look at our BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy degree.
What areas can you work in with a dental hygiene degree?
When you graduate, you'll be qualified to work in areas such as:
- general dental practice
- hospital dental services
- the Armed Forces
- the NHS
- health promotion
What jobs can you do with a dental hygiene degree?
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- dental hygienist
- oral health educator
- practice manager
- practice owner
You could also continue your studies or do research at postgraduate level.
State of the art facilities, supportive teaching staff and a fun learning environment. The Dental Academy is the ideal starting place for any aspiring dental care professional.
Potential salary
As an NHS dental hygienist in 2021, you could expect a Band 5 starting salary of £25,655, moving up to £31,534.
With more experience, you could earn from £32,306 to £39,027 (Band 6) and with a role training, you could make up to £45,839 (Band 7).
In the private sector, dental hygienists make from £16.56 to £31.18 an hour.
Ongoing careers support
After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability Service as you advance in your career.
Work experience with patients in the community
To help you gain professional experience, you'll help to provide free dental health services to the public at the Dental Academy and work with patients in local community settings.
You'll have the chance to offer preventative and educational dental support within institutions such as school clinics and hostels for homeless people, enabling you to gain a better understanding of the social impact of good dental care.
Our community work experience projects include:
- 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
- providing dental check ups to elite athletes, including first team players from Portsmouth Football Club
Portsmouth FC players get a check up at the Dental Academy
Thanks to a collaborative partnership with Portsmouth Football Club, our undergraduate dental students gave first team players Clark Robertson and Liam Vincent a full oral health assessment at our Dental Academy.
Check ups like these are an opportunity to catch any potential issues early, such as dental trauma from the sport, tooth decay from a diet that’s often high in carbohydrates and sugars, or dental erosion caused by acidic sports drinks.
Professor Chris Louca: Today we are resurrecting a collaboration between the University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Football Club. So in this case, we've got final year Dental Hygiene students who are looking at the Portsmouth Football Club players and they're carrying out a full oral health assessment.
This is a really big area of interest, looking at the link between oral health and the performance of elite athletes. There's a growing body of evidence to show that there is a link between these two areas.
Francesca Lee: So an athlete's diet consists of high sugar, so the advice I'd give to athletes is to minimise eating sugary foods and drinks and if they're going to have it, eat it in one sitting rather than snacking throughout the day.
Liam Vincent: I've just had a check up and they've removed some decay off my teeth. My teeth are a lot better now!
I never really considered the health of my teeth before, as much as I will do now.
Clark Robertson: I didn't really think about it too much in relation to actually playing football, but it's something I'll be more aware of moving forward.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Throughout your first year we'll support you in your transition to higher education and provide you with core knowledge and skills that will prepare you for your career in dentistry.
You’ll be introduced to the fundamental topics related to dentistry, including human anatomy and physiology, microbiology and infection control, communication skills and preventive approaches to patient care and the regulatory aspects of dental service provision. You'll develop the essential scientific, professional and clinical foundations for safe, evidence-based dental practice.
We use a blended learning approach for theoretical based teaching and alongside this you will undertake lab-based clinical skills sessions, developing an understanding of the equipment used and hands-on practices of dentistry. Through structured observation, simulation and closely supervised clinical activity, you'll progress from exploring the clinical environment to contributing to prevention and stabilisation in patient care. This module emphasises active, collaborative and self-directed learning, with regular feedback that builds confidence, digital capability and ethical, globally aware professional behaviour.
You'll extend your scientific knowledge, clinical capability and professional behaviours through an integrated blend of theory, observation, simulation and supervised patient care.
This module will see you refine diagnostic understanding of oral diseases, enhance skills in radiography, local pain control and periodontal health, and gain insight into adult and child oral care by exploring social, cultural, psychological and environmental factors.
Through guided simulation, supervised clinics and richer diagnostic exploration, you’ll begin to take a more active role in delivering safe, evidence‑based care.
Clinical skills development through deliberate practice will enable you to provide preventive advice, stabilisation and treatment of periodontal diseases as part of patient care. As you work with adult and child patients, you’ll also explore how social, cultural, psychological and environmental factors shape oral health.
This broader perspective helps you develop into a practitioner who understands not just what to treat, but why health behaviours and needs differ across communities.
You'll apply and critically evaluate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for independent practice using the full scope of a dental hygienist. You'll learn how to manage increasingly complex patient care, including developmental anomalies, implant maintenance and medical emergencies.
Emphasis will be placed on advanced communication, professionalism, reflective capability, quality improvement, and holistic care planning to prepare students for safe, ethical, evidence‑based practice.
You will advance your ability to manage more complex patient needs, from developmental anomalies and implant maintenance to responding effectively to medical emergencies. Through deeper diagnostic reasoning, enhanced periodontal management and increased clinical responsibility, you’ll strengthen both your technical capability and your clinical decision‑making.
Problem‑based learning and research‑informed enquiry will help you think critically, evaluate evidence and refine your approach to patient care.
Changes to course content
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. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written examinations
- computer examinations
- presentations
- 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.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- pre clinical simulated practice and live patient clinics
- practical workshops
- guided reading
Our academic staff have expertise in clinical practice and research, and you'll be fully supported by online lecture and study materials.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between studying at school or college and university is the level of control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face teaching with independent study. You’ll take part in lectures, tutorials and lab sessions, alongside guided self‑study in your own time. Throughout your course, you’ll be supported by academic staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. Optional field trips may include evening or weekend activities. There is usually no scheduled teaching on Wednesday afternoons.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Dental Hygiene degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, practical classes and workshops and guided independent study sessions. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course.
Most timetabled 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.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Due to the clinical elements of the course and the professional, regulatory and statutory body requirement of the General Dental Council, the Dental Academy (UPDA) term dates will differ from the standard University dates, meaning you'll need to attend campus from early September to the end of July.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Personal Tutor
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
Learning Support Tutors
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
Student Success Advisors
These are the team that are your first point of call to help with any pastoral concerns and to link you in with all areas of university life; from help with your mental wellbeing to improving your attendance.
Lab Support
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
Maths Cafe
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
Support with English
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
You can access information on the personal, emotional and mental health support available to you from your college. They can help you understand the support available locally, as well as other support that might be available to you to help you engage with your studies and improve your wellbeing.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need, your partner college should be your first point of contact for arranging reasonable adjustments.
However, our University specialist team is also available to offer advice and guidance if needed. We can help you:
-
Explore reasonable adjustments in collaboration with your partner college
-
Liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
-
Connect with external services where appropriate
-
Provide advice and support on accessing the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University's library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from librarians who specialise in your subject.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
How we set our tuition fees
Fees for full-time and part-time undergraduate students from the UK and Channel Islands may increase each year, subject to conditions set by the UK or Channel Islands governments.
Fees for new international and EU undergraduate and postgraduate students (both full-time and part-time) will increase each year, based on factors such as inflation. For continuing students, fees will not increase by more than 5% per year.
For more information, please refer to our Tuition Fee Policy.
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,790 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £10,300 a year (including EU Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,950 per year (subject to annual increase)
Please note, we'll confirm 2027 course fees soon.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional funding – at least £5,000 a year
Students on this course may be eligible for additional funding through the NHS Learning Support Fund of at least £5,000 a year. The bursary is non-repayable and is in addition to any other support you are eligible for, including Government student loans.
For more information, including eligibility criteria, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
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.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module. We endeavour to make all required books accessible online.
You can also borrow most of these online from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We endeavour to be a paperless and sustainable university. As such, files and content is kept electronically on e-databases where possible. Most academics will print the paperwork if required. If you choose to print, photocopy, or bind your work, you may want to budget up to £30 a year for this.
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 need to bring your own 40mm padlock if you use our locker facilities.
You’ll attend outreach locations to support your studies, and you’ll need to cover travel costs. The NHS may meet some of these costs through its Learning Support Fund.
Optional conference trips will cost in the region of £100–£200. You may have the opportunity to engage in the Erasmus programme, which will incur additional costs.
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2026, please contact us.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To apply for BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene, you'll need the right UCAS code and our institution code.
- 3 years full-time course code – B752
- Institution code – P80
Apply now through UCAS
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Open Days
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.