Dental Hygiene and Therapy BSc
Study of oral health and dental care - combining science, hands-on clinical skills, and patient interaction to prepare for a professional role in dentistry.
YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:
Patient-focused
Detail-oriented
Manual dexterity
Health-conscious
POPULAR CAREER FIELDS
Healthcare & Public Health
Government & Public Sector
Education
Research & Academia
Is this for you?
Dental Hygiene and Therapy BSc
Is this for you?
WHAT IS IT?
Study of oral health and dental care - combining science, hands-on clinical skills, and patient interaction to prepare for a professional role in dentistry.
CAREER OPTIONS
CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES
Internships
Apprenticeships
Uni Open Days
FIND OUT MORE
About the Course
What Is a Dental Hygiene and Therapy Degree?
Dental Hygiene and Therapy focuses on preventing and treating oral disease. You’ll learn to clean teeth, take X-rays, apply fluoride treatments, and perform restorative work under a dentist’s supervision. The degree combines hygiene training (preventive care and health education) with therapy training (clinical treatments and restorations).
Why Study Dental Hygiene and Therapy?
If you’re interested in science, healthcare, and working closely with people, this degree offers a practical and rewarding route into dentistry. You’ll help patients maintain healthy mouths, improve confidence, and prevent disease - often working as part of a wider dental team.
Most Dental Hygiene and Therapy degrees cover:
Human anatomy, physiology, and oral biology
Dental pathology and disease prevention
Periodontology (gum health)
Restorative and preventive dentistry
Radiography and clinical imaging
Patient communication and pain management
Professional ethics and law
Later in your degree, you may explore areas such as paediatric dentistry, special care dentistry, or public health promotion.
Degree Type
BSc (Bachelor of Science) or BSc (Hons) - both lead to registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist.
Preventive Oral Care – delivering professional cleaning, scaling, polishing, and preventative treatments.
Periodontal Assessment – identifying gum disease and planning evidence-based periodontal care.
Restorative Clinical Skills – performing fillings, simple restorations, and some paediatric dental treatments.
Patient Education – advising patients on oral hygiene, diet, and long-term dental health.
Clinical Communication – supporting patients with clear explanations and calm, reassuring care during treatment.
A-levels or equivalent including Biology and Chemistry (or at least one Science). Some universities prefer two Sciences.
Explain why you’re passionate about dentistry and patient care.
Mention any dental shadowing, work experience, or volunteering.
Highlight communication, empathy, and precision.
Show awareness of oral health promotion and teamwork in dentistry.
You may also be invited to an interview or assessment day, including manual dexterity or scenario-based tasks.
Essentials of Dental Hygiene and Therapy by Suzanne Noble – A comprehensive textbook for students.
Your Mouth: The Gateway to Your Body by Dr Karolyn A. Gazella – Exploring the link between oral and overall health.
The Smile Stealers by Richard Barnett – A fascinating history of dentistry.
Health Promotion in Dental Care by C. Pine and R. Harris – Understanding prevention and patient education.
Arrange work experience in a dental or healthcare environment.
Attend open days to visit dental schools and clinics.
Learn about the role of dental hygienists and therapists in the NHS.
Keep up with oral health campaigns and new dental technologies.
Dental Hygiene - Dental hygienist, oral hygienist, registered dental hygienist, hygiene practitioner
Dental Therapy - Dental therapist, registered dental therapist, therapist-hygienist, dental care professional
Oral Health Education - Oral health educator, dental health promoter, oral health promotion officer, community dentistry worker
Clinical Practice - Clinical dental hygienist, hospital hygienist, specialist hygienist, advanced hygienist
Pediatric Dentistry - Pediatric dental therapist, children's dental therapist, pediatric hygienist, child oral health specialist
Periodontal Care - Periodontal therapist, gum disease specialist, perio hygienist, periodontal practitioner
Community Dentistry - Community dental hygienist, outreach hygienist, public health hygienist, domiciliary hygienist
Practice Management - Dental practice manager, hygiene coordinator, dental team leader, practice coordinator
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