BSc Oral Health Science at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The BSc Oral Health Science trains students for a career as a dental hygienist and dental therapist and leads to registration with the General Dental Council on completion. Clinical skills and patient treatment are taught in supervised clinics at UHI House in Inverness and the Western Isles Dental Centre in Stornoway, with theory delivered online. It is open to school leavers, qualified dental nurses and career changers.

Duration: 3 years full-time | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Behavioural science, Biomedical science, Oral biology, Clinical dentistry 1 and Clinical practice 1. Year 2 covers Clinical dentistry 2, Radiography and radiology, Dental public health, Human disease and Clinical practice 2. Year 3 covers a literature review, Advanced clinical dentistry 1 and 2, Clinical practice 3 and Preparation for practice, with a final-year placement in dental clinics.

Career pathways

General dental practice, salaried dental practice, hospital practice, armed forces and academic training.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Four Scottish Highers at grade B or above, or three A levels at grade BCC or above. One B grade must be in a science subject, preferably Biology or Human Biology; English is preferred, otherwise National 5 English at grade C or above or GCSE English at B/5 or above. A science-based HNC such as Applied Sciences with grade B or above in the graded unit is accepted. Qualified dental nurses are considered (other Highers/A levels must then include a science), and other applicants can submit a portfolio of alternative evidence. All applicants attend an interview, must be passed fit by occupational health and hold PVG Scheme membership (Category 1 course). SWAP access courses are an accepted route. No deferred entry.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Students normally domiciled in Scotland with a term-time address in Scotland (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status) Source

International applicants: GBP 17,970 a year (2026/27). For UK-resident students assessed as international for fee status; the course is not open to international students needing Student Route visa sponsorship Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time

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