Dental Hygiene
UCAS Code: B752
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
We also accept other combinations equivalent to 128-136 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including 40 points from a pure Science subject. All shortlisted applicants will need to attend an interview. 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. For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application.
128-138 Tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma (Science- must have pure Science element).
Cambridge Pre-U score of 60-62, to include a Principal Subject in Science at M2.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
5 GCSEs at grade C or above to include English, Mathematics and Science/5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include English, Mathematics and Science.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
30 points from the IB Diploma. 665 at Higher Level - 31 points from the IB Diploma. 774 at Higher Level. To include 6 points from a Higher Level in a pure Science subject. 4 points from Standard Level English and Mathematics (if not passed at GCSE grade C).
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2,H2,H3,H3,H3-H2,H2,H2,H3,H3
To include a Higher Level in a pure Science subject at H3.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Must be in a Science subject
128-136 Tariff points from 3 Advanced Highers, including a pure Science subject at grade C.
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
You may also need to…
Attend an interview
About this course
**Overview**
If you want a career as a dental hygienist, working as a crucial part of the dental team to treat and prevent oral disease, 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. After the course, you can take your skills into areas such as general dental practice, hospital dental services or the armed forces.
**Professional recognitions**
This programme has been provisionally accepted to commence delivery by the General Dental Council (GDC) following a paper-based submission. The GDC Quality Assurance Team will carry out an on-site inspection of the programme and examinations prior to the first cohort of students qualifying, wherein approval for the purposes of registration with the GDC will be assessed by an expert panel of inspectors. This is the process for all new dental care professional (DCP) programmes.
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.
**What you'll experience**
On this degree course, you'll:
- Learn how to treat oral disease and promote oral health
- Be taught in our Dental Academy, which has the latest technology used in dental practices including 2 clinics with 44 dental treatment bays, 2 individual surgeries, a phantom head room, a decontamination suite, and radiography booths
- Get out of the classroom to perform dental procedures and patient management in the Dental Academy alongside other members of the dental team
- Take part in community outreach projects in the local area
- Build your experience in working as part of a dental team, studying alongside dental therapy, dental nursing and dental students as well as qualified professionals
**Careers and opportunities**
What can you do with a Dental Hygiene degree?
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.
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.
Modules
Year 1
Core modules in this year include:
- Core Skills Training Framework
- Foundation of Evidence Based Practice
- Foundations of Dental Hygiene Practice
- Fundamentals of Dental Hygiene Practice
- Science Informing Practice
Year 2
Core modules in this year include:
- Applied Dental Hygiene Professional Practice
- Communication for the Dental Team
- Core Skills Training Framework Repeat
- Dental Radiography and Dental Imaging
- Engaging with Service Improvement
- Evidence Based Decision Making
Year 3
Core modules in this year include:
- Behaviour Management
- Core Skills Training Framework Repeat
- Enhancing Dental Hygiene Professional Practice
- Leading Safe and Effective Care
- Project
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 modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Assessment methods
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.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
University of Portsmouth
Faculty of Science and Health
What students say
How do students rate their degree experience?
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Medicine and dentistry
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Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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