Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy

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. Available to UK residents only.

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: Health and disclosure barring screeningAll successful applicants will also need to pass health and disclosure and barringscreening.The University has a policy statement on students with criminal records. For the vast majority of students who are resident in the UK the record will be checked via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).The DBS check can only include background checks on your time in the UK. A criminal record check from other countries in addition to the UK DBS check may be required. Abroad this may be referred to as a "Certificate of Good Conduct" (CoGC), but the name varies.To ensure a safe and professional environment for patients, you’ll also need to meet other requirements, including screening for communicable diseases. Read ‘Professional requirements’ section.Occupational healthAny offer of a place to study Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy is conditional upon a satisfactory confidential occupational health assessment, which will include a health questionnaire, and if necessary further telephone consultation and/or an appointment with an occupational health clinician. Screening for serious communicable disease, (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and a review of immunisation status and needs, which includes COVID-19, will also be arranged before beginning your studies.Alternative qualification Access to HE Diploma 30 level 3 credits awarded with Distinction. Your Access to HE programme must include a minimum of 12 graded level 3 credits in Biology. BTEC We will accept either:BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with DDDBTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science with DD plus A Level Biology at grade BPlease note, you must still meet our standard GCSE requirements as outlined above. We are also unable to accept BTECs in Health and Social Care for entry to this programme. International Baccalaureate 34 points overall with three higher level subjects at grade 5, including Biology. English must be offered at higher or subsidiary level (grade 5 minimum if not offered at GCSE). Maths Studies is acceptable. Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level) Students require a minimum of AABBBB, including Biology, English and Maths. We not accept the Irish Junior Certificate. Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers BB at Advanced Higher Level, including Biology and AABBB at Higher Level or B in Biology at Advanced Higher Level and AAABB. For applicants without Advanced Higher, we require AABBBB at Higher Level with A in Biology. Other Qualifications Graduates: Applications are welcomed from graduates (with a minimum 2:2 or equivalent plus GCSE Maths at grade 4 or C) in a relevant science or healthcare professional subject. Alternative Qualifications: Fully qualified dental nurses who have completed the University of Leeds Preparation for Higher Education course awarded with Distinction (70 overall).The University of Leeds BSc Interdisciplinary Science foundation year passed with 60% overall plus 60% in Biology.For enquiries regarding any alternative acceptable qualifications, please contact the admissions office at the School of Dentistry directly.Non-UK A-levels (other than Irish) are not accepted. Proof of English language proficiency will also be required if English is not your first language.