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.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in dental care
Enjoy working with patients
Are detail-oriented
Want a healthcare career
Have good communication skills
Popular Career Fields
Healthcare & Public Health
Government & Public Sector
Education
Research & Academia
Your Personality Might Be:
Patient-focused
Government & Public Sector
Manual dexterity
Health-conscious
What is it?
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.
Course Summary
Study of oral health and dental care - combining science, hands-on clinical skills, and patient interaction to prepare for a professional role in dentistry.
What you'll study
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.
Skills You'll Gain
A Dental Hygiene and Therapy degree helps you build both clinical and professional skills, which might include:
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.
Explore Uni Open Days
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
After graduation, you can register with the GDC and work in:
NHS and private dental practices
Community and hospital dental services
Dental education, research, or public health
Work Experiences & Placements
All Dental Hygiene and Therapy degrees include clinical placements, where you’ll treat patients under supervision in settings such as:
NHS dental hospitals and clinics
Community and school dental services
Private dental practices
Placements develop your clinical confidence, patient care skills, and professional responsibility.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent including Biology and Chemistry (or at least one Science). Some universities prefer two Sciences.
Personal Statement Tips
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.
What to do Next
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.
Wider Reading
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.