Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy Higher Education Diploma

at University of Sheffield

Modules

Year 1:
 

At the beginning of the first year you’ll develop your understanding of the anatomy and physiology relevant to dentistry. You’ll also be introduced to a range of study skills to help you thrive at University.
 

After the first month you’ll begin clinical skills training so you can treat patients. You’ll be introduced to the concept of putting patients’ needs first, as well as careful and thorough instrumentation. Alongside this you’ll visit and assist on clinics to help build your confidence and communication skills in a clinical environment – we place great emphasis on helping you become a caring, competent and confident member of the dental team.
 

Throughout the first year you’ll also develop your knowledge and understanding in other subject areas including law, ethics and professionalism, health promotion and education and oral disease. Our course is very dynamic and within no time you’ll be treating patients under close supervision in the Dental Hospital.

Year 2:
 

The second year is mainly clinical – you’ll be treating your own patients and will be expected to show a commitment to compassionate, high-quality care. You’ll rotate around different specialist departments within the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, helping to broaden your clinical experience.
 

There will be the opportunity to attend Sheffield Children’s Hospital to assist with oral surgery and you’ll visit care homes to train staff in oral health care. You’ll also benefit from clinical experience in the School’s Dental Practice Unit. In addition you’ll further your knowledge and understanding in important areas of dentistry.

Year 3:
 

The third year consists of one term only.
 

By the time you reach the third year and the last few months of the course, you will have acquired a vast range of knowledge, skills and experience. Our principles of practice theme will inform you of the important issues you will confront in the workplace and help ensure you begin your career as a well-rounded professional.

These are the minimum requirements for our April 2023 intake that must be met by the deadline for receipt of applications. Pending qualifications, due after the deadline for receipt of applications, will not be taken into consideration.
 

• 5 GCSE at grade C / grade 4 to include Mathematics, English Language and Science.
   

Plus one of the following options:

• Level 3/4 Dental Nurse Qualification plus 1 A Level in a relevant Science subject (preferably Biology) at grade C.
   

Post-qualification certificates in Dental Nursing can strengthen an application but cannot be used to meet the minimum requirements.

• Level 5/6 Dental Nurse Qualification.
• 2 A Levels to include one in a relevant Science subject (preferably Biology) at grade CC.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma (60 credits with 45 at Level 3 at grade Merit) including 36 Level 3 credits in relevant Science units (preferably Biology) at grade Merit. 
   

An Access to Higher Education Diploma can also be used in lieu of two GCSEs, however you must still have GCSE grade C / level 4 in Mathematics, English Language and Science.

• BTEC National Diploma at grade MM including 90 credits or 540 GLH of relevant Science subjects (preferably Biology) at grade Merit.
• 2:2 degree in a relevant scientific subject.
   

We will consider other national and international qualifications on an individual basis. If your qualifications aren’t listed here, please contact us to discuss your application.
 

Applicants with international qualifications are also encouraged to submit a certificate of comparability from UK NARIC with their application form.

Home students
£9,250

Overseas students
£40,730
 

Additional costs

The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

Our graduates can register with the General Dental Council and work in dentistry as dental hygienists and dental therapists. Career opportunities exist in local NHS and private dental practices, hospital services, community dental services and the Ministry of Defence. Others go on to research and teaching roles within universities or hospital trusts.

There are also opportunities within multinational organisations which specialise in healthcare and pharmaceutical products. You may even consider 'topping up' your qualification to a degree, studying for a postgraduate qualification, or studying to become a dentist.