Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy BSc at University of Leeds

We offer the BSc (Hons) in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy for students wishing to train as a dental hygienist and dental therapist. Upon successful completion of the course and registration with the General Dental Council (GDC), you will be qualified to practise as both a dental hygienist and dental therapist.

This course aims to train Dental Care Professionals (DCP) who can work within a team to provide safe, effective oral care and treatment within the remit of a dental hygienist and dental therapist in a professional and caring manner. The course also recognises the importance and necessity of lifelong learning and professional development.

Graduates will be able to demonstrate the core skills, knowledge and learning outcomes required by the General Dental Council (GDC) and be capable of fulfilling the role of a dental hygienist and dental therapist in many different clinical settings. You will also be well prepared to embark on a career in research, regulation or as an educator.

Career opportunities

Workforce planning reports have predicted that demand for dental hygienists and therapists is expected to rise and significantly exceed supply. The GDC in 2013 removed the barrier preventing patients from having direct access to selected groups of DCP including dental hygienists and dental therapists.

Dental hygienists and dental therapists are now permitted to provide dental treatment within their scope of practice without a prescription from a dentist. These changes have helped to ensure employability for dental hygienists and dental therapist in the future, extending scope of practice and providing long term job satisfaction.

Most starting dental therapy posts in hospital or community dental services are advertised at Band 6 salary level on the NHS pay scale. New graduates who take up positions within a general dental practice can usually expect to earn salaries equal to Band 6 or up to 30-50% higher.