FdSc Dental Hygiene at University of Essex

Programme overview

The FdSc Dental Hygiene is a two-year foundation degree at the Colchester Campus preparing students for professional practice as a dental hygienist. It combines academic study with clinical training in dental skills labs and academic dental clinics, with four supervised placements.

Department: School of Health and Social Care | Duration: 2 years full-time | Intake: September 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 modules are Introducing Clinical Practice, Lifelong Professional Skills, Underpinning Sciences and Dental Public Health. Year 2 modules are Advancing Clinical Practice, Critical Appraisal and Research Skills for Dental Practice, Holistic Management of Patients with Complex Needs and Management of Oral and Dental Diseases.

Career pathways

Registration with the General Dental Council and work as a dental hygienist in NHS and private general dental practices, community dental services, hospital and specialist dental departments, and oral health promotion and outreach services.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GCSE Mathematics and English Language grade C/4 or acceptable OFQUAL level 2 equivalents; GCSE Science C/4 also required for applicants with a National Dental Nurse Certificate or Diploma in Dental Nursing. Plus one of: A-levels CC including a core science (Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science or Physics); BTEC MPP in a science-related subject; IB two Higher Level certificates with 44 including Biology, Chemistry or Physics; QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma with 45 level 3 credits at Pass; T-levels Pass in a science-related subject with E in the core; or National Dental Nurse Certificate or Diploma in Dental Nursing with a minimum of two years' experience. Additional requirements: pass of an interview, satisfactory reference, Occupational Health check and enhanced DBS check (with DBS Update Service registration). All applicants must complete the Casper situational judgement test (65-85 minutes) for 2027 entry; applying before the UCAS equal consideration deadline of 13 January 2027 is recommended. The course is not suitable for applicants needing a Student visa, so no international English test is specified.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Fees as listed for the course (start October 2027); fees increase for each year of study. Placement year is charged at 20% of the standard fee and a full study-abroad year at 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 33,350 a year. Fees as listed for the course (start October 2027); fees increase for each year of study. Placement year is charged at 20% of the standard fee and a full study-abroad year at 15%. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 2 years full-time

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