Dental Hygiene (DipHE)
- Subject area: Dentistry
- UCAS code: B750
- Next intake: September 2025
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
Fully funded places available
A full NHS bursary, including tuition fees and non-repayable bursary for living costs, is available for BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene students and DipHE Dental Hygiene students.
Top 4 in the UK
for dentistry (The Complete University Guide 2025).
Early clinical exposure
You'll gain early clinical exposure in the University Dental Hospital, which we are lucky enough to call our home, under the close supervision of experienced, supportive clinicians.
£2.2 million simulation suite
Our £2.2 million state-of-the-art simulation suite, cutting edge intra oral scanners, and 3D printing will prepare you for delivery of dental care to patients.
Studying at the only dental hospital in Wales you will have the opportunity to serve and manage a diverse group of patients with a wide range of dental disease.
Dental hygienists work closely with other members of the dental team. A dental hygienist can carry out treatments such as scaling and polishing, oral health promotion and preventative fissure sealants for both adults and children.
Our programme is a two-year course and is validated by the General Dental Council (GDC). We offer an exciting blend of taught and practical teaching. The modular programme makes integrated use of lecture-style teaching, interactive seminars, clinical simulation and clinical practice.
You will be taught by a dedicated team of dental hygiene staff with further interactions under the supervision and support from consultants and primary care supervisors. Many are internationally renowned in their areas of expertise, as reflected in the School’s recent performance in the Research Excellence Framework, ranking first in the UK in its Unit of Assessment.
We have state-of-the-art dental clinics that are available throughout our School which facilitate chair-side teaching in a professional and caring environment. You will also benefit from a £2.2M refurbishment of our pre-clinical (phantom head) teaching facilities. We have a recently renovated and dedicated Dental Library that can be found within the Dental School that houses an extensive collection of books and private study spaces to aid your learning. You will also have access to an undergraduate IT suite and to a £1.5M redevelopment of lecture theatres.
Your opportunity to engage and motivate patients and provide contemporary clinical treatments make dental hygiene a stimulating career. You will be equipped with all the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to prepare you for the working environment of dental hygiene.
On qualification, clinicians who register with the General Dental Council and are able to work in various areas of the dental sector: general practice; community dental clinics; teaching hospitals and dental schools as well as opportunities in the armed forces.
Accreditations
Subject area: Dentistry
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
CC-CD. Must include grade C in Biology or Human Biology.
- Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application. Eligible students will be given an offer that is lower than the standard offer (usually the middle or lower end of the advertised grade range).
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional consideration in the selection process.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
17 overall or 55 in 2 HL subjects. Must include grade 5 in Biology.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Other essential requirements
You must have:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
- and four other GCSEs at grade C/4, or equivalent qualifications (level and grade).
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
ENROLMENT CONDITIONS
Before you start your course, you will need to undergo a health check—including screening for blood-borne viruses—by our Occupational Health Service. If you are non-immune to Hepatitis B, you will need to complete a full immunisation programme before taking part in clinical procedures.
You will also need to have had a Tetanus vaccination within the last 10 years.
Having a blood-borne virus or other infectious diseases won’t prevent you from completing this course and obtaining General Dental Council registration, but some specialties won’t be open to you during training or in your career.
If you have a health issue that you think might have an impact on your ability to study or practice, please contact us before submitting an application.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
You will be required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check if your application is successful. If you are applying from certain countries overseas, a Certificate of Good Conduct may be required. If you have a relevant criminal conviction, this will be stated in the check and may affect your ability to enrol on the course. Applicants who are on the barred list should be aware that applying to this course is likely to be considered a criminal offence.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
MM in a BTEC in Applied or Medical Science.
T level
Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Interview or selection process
We won’t make an offer without an interview.
Applicants must meet the minimum requirements at Level 2 (typically GCSE) and Level 3 (typically A-level) in order to be eligible for consideration for interview.
If more suitable applications are received than available interview places, a selection process will be used to prioritise interviews.
Applications are typically scored using achieved qualifications, including mandatory subjects. The personal statement and reference will also be evaluated. Applicants must submit a satisfactory personal statement and reference to be eligible for consideration for an interview.
We are committed to Widening Participation and fair access, and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. An applicant’s background and participation in our Widening Participation initiatives may be considered during the selection process.
Welsh domicile applicants who have completed a Level 3 or 4 science-based Access to Higher Education course with an appropriate amount of Biology will also typically be invited to interview. A minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 are required (15 credits at Distinction and 30 at Merit) to meet the terms of the offer if successful at interview. Level 2 requirements must also be met, and the personal statement and references satisfactory.
Please see our admissions policy and Frequently Asked Questions for further information on the selection process.
Our interview process
We use the multiple mini interview (MMI) format, which is a series of short, carefully timed interview stations that you will rotate around in turn.
The MMIs help us to determine if you:
- can think on your feet
- have thought about some of the issues that are important to the profession
- can critically appraise information
- can communicate ideas effectively.
They also focus on exploring the personal qualities and attributes that are important to your future career development.
These interviews allow us to meet you in person and assess information that isn’t always readily forthcoming in the application process.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
A full NHS bursary, including tuition fees and a non-repayable bursary for living costs, is available to applicants from the UK. Full details, including information for applicants from the EU, are available on our NHS funding pages.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
An NHS placement is a required part of this course. The NHS only makes placements available to students who are eligible to pay UK fees. Therefore, this course is not available for international students.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
You do not need any specific equipment.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2025 and this page will be updated by end of October 2025 to reflect the changes.
We offer two closely allied programmes: a Diploma in Dental Hygiene (two year programme) and a BSc in Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene (three year programme), both of which are modular, running in parallel for their first two years.
Throughout the programmes the teaching and implementation of professionalism is critical. You will be taught aspects of law and ethics in dentistry as well as the practicalities of dental treatments, and to recognise the importance and necessity of your lifelong and professional development.
Your opportunity to engage and motivate patients and provide contemporary clinical treatments make dental hygiene a stimulating career.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/2026 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.
Year one
In your first year you’ll explore biomedical sciences, human disease subjects, and oral disease and its prevention.
You’ll also start developing your clinical practice skills, to prepare you for your first patient during term three.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Sciences | DE7102 | 20 credits |
| Human Diseases | DE7103 | 20 credits |
| Oral Diseases and their Prevention | DE7104 | 20 credits |
| Dental Radiography (Year 1) | DE7105 | 10 credits |
| Introduction to Clinical Dentistry | DE7111 | 30 credits |
| Clinical Practice | DE7112 | 20 credits |
Year two
In your second year, you’ll delve into topics such as dental radiology, oral medicine, dental public health, and periodontology (gum disease).
You’ll manage your own list of patients under the close supervision and support of experienced dental professionals, and embark on clinical placements where you’ll treat a variety of patients.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Radiography and Radiology 2 | DE7201 | 10 credits |
| Patient Management | DE7204 | 20 credits |
| Clinical Practice 2 (DipDH) | DE7207 | 40 credits |
| Preparation for Practice | DE7208 | 20 credits |
| Dental Public Health | DE7209 | 10 credits |
| Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology | DE7210 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
Teaching on the programme is integrated, so you will learn the scientific and pathological processes underlying oral and dental disease at the same time as you acquire the clinical skills to manage patients appropriately. We use a variety of methods to enrich your learning experience. These include lectures, small-group seminars and tutorials, direct clinical teaching and e-learning packages. You will be encouraged to research topics and on occasions to present work to your peers.
Knowledge, skills and professional attitudes are assessed both formatively and summatively throughout the course, using a range of assessment tools. Assessment tasks include written examinations and assignments, clinical case reports, practical skills tests, projects, portfolios, competency assessments, online assessments, oral presentations and clinical examinations.
How will I be supported?
You will receive the support of personal tutors based at the School of Dentistry. When on placements, you will be supported by an experienced clinical lead.
General communication will be delivered via Learning Central, the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, to which all students have access. Notes from lectures and other course material, as well as online assessments, will be available on Learning Central. Our SMS Service also allows important information to be sent directly to mobile phones.
The School of Dentistry operates an inclusive curriculum policy. This means that, for most academic assessments, reasonable adjustments can be made in line with recommendations from Student Support. High professional standards are expected, and although reasonable adjustments will be met as far as possible, the School will need to consider the requirements of the General Dental Council. If you have concerns regarding adjustments you may need, we are happy to discuss the nature, implications and potential solutions as part of the pre-application process.
Feedback
Formative feedback is provided following assessment tasks and during clinical encounters both verbally and as digitally recorded written feedback. Students are encouraged to use personalised feedback to inform their future learning. Assessments at each level are scheduled at appropriate stages, and are identifiable within an assessment blueprint.
How will I be assessed?
The assessment schedule is designed to demonstrate that you have:
-
attained the standards required by Cardiff University for the award of a Diploma of Higher Education in Dental Hygiene;
- achieved the required level of competency to become an independent practising dental hygienist having met the registration standards expected by the General Dental Council (GDC).
This will be measured across four domains identified by the GDC: clinical, communication, professionalism, management and leadership (Preparing for Practise 2015).
For further information please visit the GDC website: www.gdc-uk.org
What skills will I practise and develop?
- Clinical Skills. You will develop the clinical skills required to graduate as an independent practising dental hygienist.
- Team-working. You will undertake a variety of group-based activities, working in pairs and alternating between operating and assisting. This develops your ability to work collaboratively. We ensure that you work closely with the wider dental team, including: NHS consultants, dental care professionals, dental nurses, dental technicians and administrative staff.
- Communication skills. You will develop the ability to communicate effectively throughout the course, from formal lectures to interaction with individuals from different backgrounds. You are expected to demonstrate this ability through a commitment to a reflective practice ePortfolio.
- Self-directed learning. You are expected to commit a substantial amount of time to self- directed learning, using the vast information resource provided. Your ability to drive your learning and development will be vital in continued personal and professional development.
- Information technology. Skills will be developed through Computer Aided Learning, Word Processing, Statistical Packages, Presentation software, information skills and the computer-based patient booking and electronic record system SALUD.
Upon graduation, as a result of engaging fully with the course, you will be able to:
- fulfil the requirements and curriculum presented by the General Dental Council;
- understand the main disciplines relevant to the role of dental hygienists;
- promote team working skills with an appreciation of working in a multi-cultural environment;
- deal with clinical situations and the management of patients;
- contribute to the dental workforce;
- demonstrate critical independence, intellectual integrity and practical skills in the context of safe clinical practice;
- demonstrate competency at the range of procedures identified by the GDC.
Careers and placements
Career prospects
Our DipHE Dental Hygiene programme will open up so many career opportunities for you.
When you graduate you can register with the General Dental Council and work in general dental practice, community dental clinics, teaching hospitals, dental schools, and the armed forces.
Graduate careers
- Specialist/General dental practice
- Community dental practice
- Medical research posts
Placements
In years two you will have the opportunity to attend clinical placements at local outreach dental clinics, providing treatment to the dental public in situations closely allied to the general practice arena. In some of these areas you will work alongside dental students in a teamwork approach to patient care.
Next steps
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How to apply
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
