Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene (BSc)

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 assessments will be an opportunity to show that you have reached the required standards to  receive your Bachelor’s degree, and have achieved the General Dental Council’s (GDC) required competency and standards to qualify as an independent practicing dental hygienist/therapist.

You will be assessed across four areas identified by the GDC, which include clinical knowledge and skills, interpersonal skills, professionalism and self-management (Safe practitioner framework 2023).

Assessment tasks could include written examinations and assignments, case reports, practical skills tests, projects, portfolios, online assessments, oral presentations and clinical oral examinations.

What skills will I practise and develop?

• Clinical Skills. You will develop the clinical skills required to graduate as an independent practising dental therapist/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 and dental therapists;
• 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.