Dental Hygiene (DipHE) at Cardiff University

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.