BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy and Hygiene at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy and Hygiene is a patient-centred programme taught alongside dental and nursing students in the Simulated Dental Learning Environment and clinics. The dental therapy and hygiene and dentistry courses are closely integrated to build team working.

Faculty: Faculty of Health | Department: Peninsula Dental School | Duration: 3 years full-time (with placements) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers the scientific basis of normal structure, function and behaviour, prevention of dental disease and early clinic experience. Year 2 builds on common dental problems and disease mechanisms and develops clinical skills. The final year furthers clinical experience, including multidisciplinary case presentations, as preparation for dental practice.

Career pathways

Graduates enter dental therapy and hygiene careers designed around the needs of the NHS.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GCSE: 6 passes at grade C/4 or higher including English Language, Mathematics and two science subjects. A levels: typical offer ABB including Biology (general studies excluded). Dental Nursing: National Certificate or Diploma in Dental Nursing plus 2 A levels at BB including Biology; City & Guilds Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing at Distinction plus 2 A levels at AB including Biology and a second science. BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science with sufficient Biology content (A-level Biology at grade B strongly advised); BTEC National Diploma: DD plus A-level Biology at grade B. Access to HE Diploma: science Access course with 60 credits including 45 at level 3 (15 in Biology or Human Biology) and Merit or Distinction in 33 level 3 credits. International Baccalaureate: minimum 34 points with Higher Level 5 in Biology and in another science. Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB including Biology. Irish Leaving Certificate: H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 with H2 in Biology. Level 3 qualifications must be completed within five years of the application cycle. Interview selection thresholds vary with the number of applications. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in Speaking and Listening, taken within 12 months of entry at an approved centre.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 25,750 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

Duration: 3 years

Health Sciences