Key information
UCAS code:
B750
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
Both dental hygienists and dental therapists help people maintain good oral health by providing treatments, carrying out procedures and giving dietary and hygiene advice.
The role of dental therapist is the same as a dental hygienist, however they can also carry out some of the restorative work dentists do, such as fillings and extractions.
This dual role BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy course, accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC), gives you the theory and practical skills required to register as both a dental hygienist and dental therapist with the GDC.
Experience studying Dental Hygiene Therapy at the University of Portsmouth
This dual role BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy course, accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC), gives you the theory and practical skills required to register as both a dental hygienist and dental therapist with the GDC.
Bhavin Dedhia: The course of dental hygiene, dental therapy is a 3-year degree course. End of which, you get BSc qualification and accreditation with the General Dental Council, which leads on to a very wide-range of career opportunities.
Once you qualify, you can practise as a dental hygiene dental therapist within the United Kingdom. You can also work in hospital care settings, community placements, or special care dental services as well.
This course is unique; we get to work alongside dentists, dental hygienists, and dental nurses, and get real-life experience working in a practice. You also get community outreach programmes where you go into schools, hospitals, and special care dental places as well.
The course topics are covered very broadly. We have clinical skills, which deals with all the clinical aspects that need to be within the scope of dental hygienists and dental therapists. As well as you learn some non-clinical skills like legal and ethical issues, communications, and behaviour management that underpin the role of dental hygienist and dental therapists.
The reason that students want to study this course at the University of Portsmouth is because we have excellent facilities. We have fantastic teaching team and personal tutors who will support the students throughout their course journey as well.
Course highlights
- Practise your skills in our Dental Academy model clinical practice, with dental treatment bays and simulation technology, including our Phantom Head skill lab, new haptics suite and radiography equipment
- Work in a dental team alongside practising dentists, dental nurses and other students, giving you a taste of your future work environment
- Build your experience working as part of a dental team, studying alongside dental hygiene, dental nursing and dental students as well as qualified professionals
- Work with the public through our community healthcare projects, providing additional patient-focused work experience such as working with the homeless community and our Brush Up programme.
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.
94%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22)
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
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.
Liz's experience studying BSc Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy
Liz Wathen, a BSc Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy student at the University of Portsmouth, talks about her experiences at the Dental Academy.
Why did you choose to study Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy at the University of Portsmouth?
Liz: The facilities are really good at the Dental Academy. They have clinics on the campus. Above the clinics, you've got the phantom head labs which are just really up to date.
What is your favourite thing about the Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy course?
Liz: So my favourite thing about the course, I would say, is the practical sessions in the clinics. I enjoy learning about what we're actually going to do in practice and then putting that into practice on the phantom heads.
What's the most exciting project you've worked on as part of the course?
Liz: Going in, doing the practical sessions and particularly working with the ultrasonic scalers. I was a dental nurse before I started this course, so I have seen dentists use the ultrasonic scaler. So to be able to come in and actually be able to use it myself was very exciting.
After you graduate, what are your plans for the future?
Liz: I'm hoping to work a couple of days in a private practice, a couple of days in the NHS and I also worked as a dental nurse in the prison. I really would like to return to it as a therapist.
What would you say to convince someone to study Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy at the University of Portsmouth?
Liz: The tutors, they don't just teach you to pass your course. They really care about you having a good information and knowledge base to be able to deal with your patients as a whole. It's just amazing.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - ABB-BBB
- UCAS points - 120-128 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent, including 40 points from a pure Science subject. 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 - 29-30
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.
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.
Choosing to study Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy at the University of Portsmouth was a no brainer as the course is accredited by the GDC. Portsmouth is also a brilliant student city and absolutely beautiful in the summer!
Facilities and specialist equipment
Discover our dental facilities
Gain experience developing your skills and prepare for a career in dentistry with our dental facilities.
Explore the Dental Academy
Take a tour of our Dental Academy at the University of Portsmouth, where we teach Dental Hygiene, Dental Therapy and Dental Nursing courses.
Careers and opportunities
Both dental hygienists and dental therapists provide oral care that helps patients maintain a healthy mouth, gums and teeth, but there's much more to the role than this alone. The treatments and procedures they carry out – such as scaling and polishing, and taking dental X-rays – are designed to support good oral health and prevent dental problems before they develop.
In addition to this, dental therapists are also trained to do some of the same work as dentists, including fillings, and extracting and placing preformed crowns on 'baby' teeth.
On adult patients, dental therapists can provide any dental work that doesn't require treatment to the nerve of a tooth, which makes them an essential support to dentists and a versatile and multi-skilled member of a dental team.
Register as both a dental hygienist and a dental therapist
On this BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy degree, you'll develop the knowledge, skills and professionalism you need to take on either of these roles, both of which are in high demand throughout the UK, in the NHS and in the private healthcare sector.
After you complete this course, you’ll be able to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a dental hygienist and a dental therapist and embark on your dental career straight away.
Looking to study just dental hygiene? Take a look at our BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene degree.
What areas can you work in with a dental hygiene and dental therapy degree?
When you complete the course, you'll be qualified to work in areas such as:
- general dental practice
- hospital dental services
- the Armed Forces
- the NHS
- health promotion
- owning and managing a dental business of your own
What jobs can you do with a dental hygiene and dental therapy degree?
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- dental hygienist
- dental therapist
- oral health educator
- practice manager
- practice owner
You could also continue your dental studies or do research at postgraduate level.
Our graduates have progressed in many areas within the dental sector including working within the Forces, HM Prison, community and hospital dental services and general practice. A number of our graduates have successfully set up their own dental practices and companies.
Potential salary
As an NHS dental hygienist in 2021, you could expect a starting salary of £25,655 moving up to £31,534 (Band 5).
With more experience, you could earn from £32,306 to £39,027 (Band 6) and with a role training others in dental hygiene, you could make up to £45,839 (Band 7).
As a dental therapist in the NHS in 2021, your starting salary would be between £25,655 and £39,027 (Bands 5-6). Once you have more experience, you could earn up to £45,839 (Band 7).
In private practice, hourly rates for dental hygienists and dental therapists range from approximately £16.56 to over £50.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
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
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
You'll develop an academic awareness, as well as understanding different perspectives on particular subjects, topics and ideas. You'll develop and apply these skills by searching for and gaining an overview of public health, health inequalities and the provision of health and social care. You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
Identify the scientific principles underpinning the use of dental bio-materials in restorative dentistry and apply these in a pre-clinical and clinical environment.
Grow abilities using evidence-based methods to prevent dental diseaes and maintain oral health while also supporting treatment.
Learn the causes and development of dental caries and periodontal disease while identifying how changes in periodontal health can be recorded and monitored.
Reflect on proven methods to prevent dental issues and maintain oral health while applying the principles of minimal intervention.
You'll develop an understanding of the laws and practises relevant to the professional and safe delivery of patient centred care and management of the dental patient whilst developing the skills necessary to underpin your academic and professional studies. You'll be introduced to communication skills and the principles of preventive oral health promotion. You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
Specifically, you'll have the opportunity to learn anatomy and physiology and how this knowledge can be applied within the practice of dentistry. You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
You'll engage in both preclinical (learning in a simulated environment) and clinical environment. To demonstrate competence of key clinical skills the Longitudinal Integrative Fully Transferable Undergraduate Postgraduate Portfolio software (LIFTUPP) will be used to monitor and record clinical development, progression and achievement. You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
On this module you'll:
- Analyse the impact of barriers to effective communication.
- Locate, access and appraise the use of a range of communication methods, engaging with familiar and emerging digital technologies in support of clinical practice.
- Apply the principles of equality, respect and dignity (equality and diversity) to demonstrate evidence based reflective practice based on professional responsibility, ethical practice and social justice and sustainability.
- Explore and discuss opportunities for personal development.
- Discuss the impact of medical and psychological conditions in the patient and how to manage anxiety and pain through effective communication and relevant behavioural techniques.
- Interpret the principles of information governance.
The module explores the theory relevant to radiography. This module is under the direction of a specialist in the areas that relate to dental radiography. You'll be supervised taking radiographs on patients until successful completion of this module.
You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
Key content of the module includes 'Finding your voice' as a member of an interprofessional team in healthcare, with the aim of delivering person centred care, while reducing and managing errors and near misses.
You'll critique knowledge and awareness of evidence in the context of their respective discipline. You must pass both assessment artefacts to successfully pass the module.
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
On this module you'll:
- Critically assess the health needs and health indicators of a local community in a defined geographical part of the UK
- Analyse the local health needs, health promotion and provision against current national norms.
- Critically discuss the role of key stakeholders when planning innovative approaches to health (promotion).
- Analyse the components of inter-professional collaborative working in health improvement
- Appraise the complexity of influences on social and individual behaviour when working to effect behaviour change
You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
To demonstrate competence of key clinical skills the Longitudinal Integrative Fully Transferable Undergraduate Postgraduate Portfolio software (LIFTUPP) will be used to monitor and record clinical development, progression and achievement. You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
The module aims to ensure that you develop a critical understanding of the processes of clinical governance and continuous quality improvement through clinical leadership and can apply these principles to the clinical setting, using a range of communication skills, reflection, clinical judgement and critical evaluation of the evidence base for clinical practice. It follows a two stepped approach; focusing on self through reflection on leadership attributes and working with others to manage legal or professional challenge accurately, fairly, openly, ethically and professionally. You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
You'll collect and analyse evidence from a variety of sources and explore an area of best practice. From this research, you'll then develop a plan that communicates and critically discusses your findings.
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 exams
- practical exams
- 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.
The tutors, they don't just teach you to pass your course. They really care about you having a good information and knowledge base to be able to deal with your patients as a whole. It's just amazing.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- pre clinical simulated practice and live patient clinics
- guided reading
- supervised clinical sessions
- practical workshops
In the second and third year, there are student clinics within the school to develop skills and apply knowledge for up to 2 days a week.
Our academic staff have expertise in clinical practice and research, and you'll be fully supported face to face and online with the appropriate study materials.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy 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
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.
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, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
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 a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
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
Tuition fees
- UK students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £25,400 per year (subject to annual increase)
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’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
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 get 2 sets of scrubs (clinical clothing) and a name badge at the start of the course. You can order extra or replacement scrubs at £11 per set. You can also order replacement name badges for £7.
You’ll need to buy your own visor frame (available from the Dental Academy for £12) and a pair of black shoes which enclose the foot (not canvas or clogs).
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 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – B750
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
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.
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.
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.