Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc

Course overview

Our BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy course integrates clinical dentistry, science and professional development. You will graduate from Leeds as a highly qualified, well-equipped and insightful professional who can think critically and work independently. You will be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to practice as a General Dental Council defined Safe Practitioner Dental Hygienist and Therapist.

You will engage in clinical learning from an early stage so you can apply your academic knowledge to the clinical environment. You will develop your skills in clinical reasoning, communication and leadership, as well as your ability to work as part of a dental team. Clinical skills are developed using the latest simulation technology; following this, you will gain experience with real patients in a range of clinical environments.

Your learning will integrate key cultural and societal themes such as equality, diversity and inclusion, and environmental sustainability. You will learn about how to be a socially accountable practitioner with an understanding of population needs, including inequalities in the provision of dental care. You will be able to explore how research and service development advance our understanding of dental science and the improvement of patient care by undertaking a Capstone Project in your final year.

Becoming an effective and ethical professional is a key part of your experience on the course. You will learn to become resilient and adaptable, and identify your ongoing development needs. As a dental hygiene and dental therapy student you will be expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professional behaviours that will continue into your career.

Completing the course will demonstrate you have developed the skills needed to fulfil the role of a dental hygienist and dental therapist, in a range of settings within the dental profession.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB B in Biology, excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. You must achieve a pass in the practical element of any science A-levels.

GCSE: A minimum of 5 GCSEs, at Grade 4/C or higher including Chemistry and Biology (or Dual Science) plus English and Maths. We accept Functional Skills English and/or Maths in lieu of GCSEs.

Other course specific tests:

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

Workforce planning reports have predicted that demand for dental hygienists and therapists is expected to rise and significantly exceed supply. The GDC in 2013 removed the barrier preventing patients from having direct access to selected groups of DCP including dental hygienists and dental therapists.

Dental hygienists and dental therapists are now permitted to provide dental treatment within their scope of practice without a prescription from a dentist. These changes have helped to ensure employability for dental hygienists and dental therapist in the future, extending scope of practice and providing long term job satisfaction.

Most starting dental therapy posts in hospital or community dental services are advertised at Band 6 salary level on the NHS pay scale. New graduates who take up positions within a general dental practice can usually expect to earn salaries equal to Band 6 or up to 30-50% higher.