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This course is currently closed for Clearing 2026.
This programme is subject to receiving interim approval from the General Dental Council (GDC). Approval of the programme is necessary for graduates to be eligible to apply for registration with the GDC.
The Gateway Year offers an alternative route into the BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Therapy degree, designed for students who do not meet standard entry requirements. It builds the academic skills, scientific knowledge, and confidence needed for degree-level study and is particularly suited to current dental nurses seeking career progression.
On completion, you will progress to the full degree, preparing you to become a skilled and compassionate dental professional eligible for General Dental Council (GDC) registration. With simulation training, clinical experience, and a public health focus, this course leads directly to professional practice and strong career opportunities.
The Gateway Year offers an alternative route into the BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Therapy degree, designed for students who do not meet standard entry requirements. It builds the academic skills, scientific knowledge, and confidence needed for degree-level study and is particularly suited to current dental nurses seeking career progression.
On completion, you will progress to the full degree, preparing you to become a skilled and compassionate dental professional eligible for General Dental Council (GDC) registration. With simulation training, clinical experience, and a public health focus, this course leads directly to professional practice and strong career opportunities.
Professional route to practice aligned with General Dental Council requirements
Learn by doing through simulation training and supervised patient care
Strong public health focus addressing oral health inequalities
Early clinical development building confidence from year one
Supportive, small-group learning with close academic and clinical guidance
Clear career outcomes in a profession with sustained demand across the UK
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You’ll develop the scientific knowledge, clinical competence, and professional judgement required of a safe and effective dental therapist.
Across the course, you’ll study areas including:
Learning is structured so that knowledge and skills are revisited and strengthened over time, helping you progress steadily from theory to confident clinical practice.
Year 0: Preparing for degree study
You'll build essential scientific knowledge and study skills to support your transition to degree-level learning. Teaching combines theory and practical activities aligned with A Level Biology and Chemistry, with a focus on dental and oral health. As the year progresses, you'll develop confidence in independent study and begin applying your knowledge to clinical contexts. By the end of the year, you'll have a solid understanding of human anatomy and physiology, preparing you to progress into Year 1 alongside direct-entry students to the BSc.
Year 1: Building foundations
You'll develop core scientific knowledge alongside communication and professional skills. Training begins in advanced simulation environments, allowing you to practise safely before working with patients. Key safety assessments ensure you are fully prepared for clinical activity.
Year 2: Developing clinical confidence
You'll begin treating patients in supervised clinical settings, applying your learning in real-world contexts. Alongside this, you'll continue simulation training, small-group teaching, and professional portfolio development.
Year 3: Becoming practice-ready
Your final year focuses on expanding clinical experience, including more specialised care settings. You'll refine your skills, develop greater independence, and complete final clinical assessments aligned with professional practice. Teaching includes simulation-based learning, supervised clinics, small-group sessions, and guided independent study.
Year 0: Preparing for degree study
You'll build essential scientific knowledge and study skills to support your transition to degree-level learning. Teaching combines theory and practical activities aligned with A Level Biology and Chemistry, with a focus on dental and oral health. As the year progresses, you'll develop confidence in independent study and begin applying your knowledge to clinical contexts. By the end of the year, you'll have a solid understanding of human anatomy and physiology, preparing you to progress into Year 1 alongside direct-entry students to the BSc.
Year 1: Building foundations
You'll develop core scientific knowledge alongside communication and professional skills. Training begins in advanced simulation environments, allowing you to practise safely before working with patients. Key safety assessments ensure you are fully prepared for clinical activity.
Year 2: Developing clinical confidence
You'll begin treating patients in supervised clinical settings, applying your learning in real-world contexts. Alongside this, you'll continue simulation training, small-group teaching, and professional portfolio development.
Year 3: Becoming practice-ready
Your final year focuses on expanding clinical experience, including more specialised care settings. You'll refine your skills, develop greater independence, and complete final clinical assessments aligned with professional practice. Teaching includes simulation-based learning, supervised clinics, small-group sessions, and guided independent study.
This module introduces the core academic, professional, and transferable skills needed for success in a dental programme. It supports students in becoming confident, reflective learners, developing skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, alongside study skills such as numeracy, academic writing, time management, and basic laboratory techniques.
This module provides a foundation in human anatomy and physiology, including the structure and function of body systems and the principles of homeostasis. It prepares students for further study in biomedical and dental sciences.
This module introduces the core principles of microbiology, immunology, and infectious disease, with a focus on oral and systemic health. Students explore microorganisms, immune responses, and infection prevention, while developing basic microbiology practical skills.
This module introduces the fundamental chemical and biological principles underpinning human health. Students explore key molecules, cell structure and function, genetics, and basic biochemical processes, with contextual links to dental practice.
This module introduces the foundational principles that support safe and effective dental practice. You’ll build core knowledge across integrated biomedical sciences, including anatomy, histology, physiology, cell biology, neuroscience, microbiology, and pathology, with a focus on how these areas relate to oral health and disease. You’ll explore the causes of oral diseases, infection prevention and control, thesafe use of ionising radiation, and relevant statutory regulatory requirements.
This module explores the principles of community health and social care, with a focus on the wider determinants of health and their impact on both general and oral health outcomes. Students will examine how environmental, social, economic and demographic factors influence health behaviours, access to services and health inequalities within local populations. The module introduces the structure and function of community and social care systems, highlighting the roles and collaborative responsibilities of services in supporting population health, including the integration of oral health within wider care provision. Students will also develop foundational academic skills in evidence searching, critical appraisal and interpretation, while fostering an understanding of their professional role within the broader healthcare system.
This module prepares students for the safe delivery of introductory, patient-centred clinical skills within a simulated learning environment. Students will develop the fundamental competencies required for early-stage dental hygiene and dental therapy practice, focusing on clinical procedures, patient assessment, and record management. Through structured skills training and competency-based assessments, students will gain experience in areas such as clinical examination, non-surgical periodontal care, preventive treatments, restorative techniques, and infection prevention and control.
This module introduces the fundamental principles of professionalism within dental practice, focusing on expected behavioural standards, effective communication, and reflective practice. Students will explore their ethical and legal responsibilities while developing an awareness of the attributes required of safe and competent dental care professionals.
Through structured reflection and engagement with personal and professional development tools, students will evaluate their progress across the curriculum, identifying strengths and areas for growth. The module supports the early formation of professional identity and encourages a commitment to continuous improvement, quality enhancement, and high standards of patient-centred care.
This module develops students’ integrated understanding of the scientific, clinical, behavioural and professional principles underpinning oral and dental diseases. Building on prior learning within a spiral curriculum framework, students will revisit and extend core concepts with increasing complexity, autonomy and criticality as they progress.
Through a combination of lectures, clinical skills laboratories, and small group learning, students will apply their knowledge to the safe, effective and evidence-based management of patients within the scope of practice of a dental hygienist and dental therapist. Key areas include infection prevention and control, biomaterials, radiographic principles, communication, safeguarding and reflective practice. The module is aligned with regulatory expectations and supports the development of patient-centred, ethical and professional care.
This module develops students’ ability to locate, evaluate and apply evidence from a range of authoritative sources to understand health issues within populations. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based approaches and the critical appraisal of information to inform health improvement strategies. Students will explore how social, cultural and behavioural determinants influence how different population groups perceive, experience and respond to their health needs.
Through a community engagement project, students will work collaboratively with external organisations and in small teams to design and deliver a health improvement initiative for a specific population group. This applied experience supports the development of teamwork, communication and partnership-working skills, while fostering an understanding of health promotion beyond the clinical setting.
This module supports students in the transition from simulated learning to supervised clinical practice, enabling the safe, ethical and effective delivery of patient care within the scope of a dental hygienist and dental therapist. Building on prior knowledge and skills, students will consolidate and refine their clinical competencies in areas including patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, preventive care, non-surgical periodontal therapy and restorative techniques.
Students will apply integrated scientific, behavioural and clinical knowledge to patient-centred care, with emphasis on communication, radiographic principles, and the management of medical risk and emergencies in both adult and paediatric patients. Through supervised clinical experience, the module fosters increasing confidence and autonomy, preparing students for progressive independent practice.
This module develops students’ ability to critically evaluate their personal and professional performance in relation to the standards, behaviours, and ethical and legal responsibilities of a dental hygienist and dental therapist. Students will engage with reflective models and structured feedback to enhance self-awareness, communication, professionalism and professional identity.
Through guided reflection and critical appraisal of their progress, students will identify strengths, areas for development and strategies for continuous improvement. The module supports the development of accountable, patient-centred and evidence-informed practice, aligned with the General Dental Council (GDC) Safe Practitioner Outcomes framework, preparing students for safe and effective professional practice.
This longitudinal module develops students’ integrated understanding of the scientific, clinical, behavioural and professional principles underpinning oral and dental diseases. Using a spiral curriculum approach, core concepts are revisited and extended with increasing complexity, autonomy and criticality as students progress through their studies.
Through a combination of lectures, skills laboratories, case-based learning and professional practice, students will apply their knowledge to the safe, effective and evidence-based management of patients within the scope of practice of a dental hygienist and dental therapist. Key areas include infection prevention and control, biomaterials, radiographic principles, communication, safeguarding and reflective practice. The module aligns with regulatory expectations and supports the development of patient-centred, ethical and collaborative professional practice.
This module prepares students for independent practice as dental hygienists and dental therapists. Students will develop and demonstrate competence in assessing, diagnosing and managing oral health across patients of all ages, using appropriate techniques and materials within their scope of practice.
Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, autonomous patient management, and safe, ethical care, alongside understanding referral pathways, direct access, and regulatory frameworks. The module aligns with General Dental Council (GDC) requirements and supports readiness for professional registration.
This capstone module enables students to critically appraise evidence and demonstrate professional accountability in preparation for independent practice. Integrating knowledge, skills and behaviours developed across the programme, students will apply evidence-based decision making to complex clinical and professional scenarios.
Through reflective practice and personal development planning, the module emphasises continuous improvement, ethical and legal awareness, and the delivery of safe, autonomous and patient-centred care.
This module develops students’ ability to work effectively within interprofessional teams and contribute to quality improvement in dental and wider healthcare settings. Students will critically evaluate healthcare systems, clinical governance frameworks, and patient safety principles to support safe, effective and patient-centred care.
Through the application of evidence-based strategies, quality improvement methods and reflective practice, students will design and implement approaches to enhance service delivery, patient outcomes and professional practice.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
This module introduces the core academic, professional, and transferable skills needed for success in a dental programme. It supports students in becoming confident, reflective learners, developing skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, alongside study skills such as numeracy, academic writing, time management, and basic laboratory techniques.
This module provides a foundation in human anatomy and physiology, including the structure and function of body systems and the principles of homeostasis. It prepares students for further study in biomedical and dental sciences.
This module introduces the core principles of microbiology, immunology, and infectious disease, with a focus on oral and systemic health. Students explore microorganisms, immune responses, and infection prevention, while developing basic microbiology practical skills.
This module introduces the fundamental chemical and biological principles underpinning human health. Students explore key molecules, cell structure and function, genetics, and basic biochemical processes, with contextual links to dental practice.
This module introduces the foundational principles that support safe and effective dental practice. You’ll build core knowledge across integrated biomedical sciences, including anatomy, histology, physiology, cell biology, neuroscience, microbiology, and pathology, with a focus on how these areas relate to oral health and disease. You’ll explore the causes of oral diseases, infection prevention and control, thesafe use of ionising radiation, and relevant statutory regulatory requirements.
This module explores the principles of community health and social care, with a focus on the wider determinants of health and their impact on both general and oral health outcomes. Students will examine how environmental, social, economic and demographic factors influence health behaviours, access to services and health inequalities within local populations. The module introduces the structure and function of community and social care systems, highlighting the roles and collaborative responsibilities of services in supporting population health, including the integration of oral health within wider care provision. Students will also develop foundational academic skills in evidence searching, critical appraisal and interpretation, while fostering an understanding of their professional role within the broader healthcare system.
This module prepares students for the safe delivery of introductory, patient-centred clinical skills within a simulated learning environment. Students will develop the fundamental competencies required for early-stage dental hygiene and dental therapy practice, focusing on clinical procedures, patient assessment, and record management. Through structured skills training and competency-based assessments, students will gain experience in areas such as clinical examination, non-surgical periodontal care, preventive treatments, restorative techniques, and infection prevention and control.
This module introduces the fundamental principles of professionalism within dental practice, focusing on expected behavioural standards, effective communication, and reflective practice. Students will explore their ethical and legal responsibilities while developing an awareness of the attributes required of safe and competent dental care professionals.
Through structured reflection and engagement with personal and professional development tools, students will evaluate their progress across the curriculum, identifying strengths and areas for growth. The module supports the early formation of professional identity and encourages a commitment to continuous improvement, quality enhancement, and high standards of patient-centred care.
This module develops students’ integrated understanding of the scientific, clinical, behavioural and professional principles underpinning oral and dental diseases. Building on prior learning within a spiral curriculum framework, students will revisit and extend core concepts with increasing complexity, autonomy and criticality as they progress.
Through a combination of lectures, clinical skills laboratories, and small group learning, students will apply their knowledge to the safe, effective and evidence-based management of patients within the scope of practice of a dental hygienist and dental therapist. Key areas include infection prevention and control, biomaterials, radiographic principles, communication, safeguarding and reflective practice. The module is aligned with regulatory expectations and supports the development of patient-centred, ethical and professional care.
This module develops students’ ability to locate, evaluate and apply evidence from a range of authoritative sources to understand health issues within populations. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based approaches and the critical appraisal of information to inform health improvement strategies. Students will explore how social, cultural and behavioural determinants influence how different population groups perceive, experience and respond to their health needs.
Through a community engagement project, students will work collaboratively with external organisations and in small teams to design and deliver a health improvement initiative for a specific population group. This applied experience supports the development of teamwork, communication and partnership-working skills, while fostering an understanding of health promotion beyond the clinical setting.
This module supports students in the transition from simulated learning to supervised clinical practice, enabling the safe, ethical and effective delivery of patient care within the scope of a dental hygienist and dental therapist. Building on prior knowledge and skills, students will consolidate and refine their clinical competencies in areas including patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, preventive care, non-surgical periodontal therapy and restorative techniques.
Students will apply integrated scientific, behavioural and clinical knowledge to patient-centred care, with emphasis on communication, radiographic principles, and the management of medical risk and emergencies in both adult and paediatric patients. Through supervised clinical experience, the module fosters increasing confidence and autonomy, preparing students for progressive independent practice.
This module develops students’ ability to critically evaluate their personal and professional performance in relation to the standards, behaviours, and ethical and legal responsibilities of a dental hygienist and dental therapist. Students will engage with reflective models and structured feedback to enhance self-awareness, communication, professionalism and professional identity.
Through guided reflection and critical appraisal of their progress, students will identify strengths, areas for development and strategies for continuous improvement. The module supports the development of accountable, patient-centred and evidence-informed practice, aligned with the General Dental Council (GDC) Safe Practitioner Outcomes framework, preparing students for safe and effective professional practice.
This longitudinal module develops students’ integrated understanding of the scientific, clinical, behavioural and professional principles underpinning oral and dental diseases. Using a spiral curriculum approach, core concepts are revisited and extended with increasing complexity, autonomy and criticality as students progress through their studies.
Through a combination of lectures, skills laboratories, case-based learning and professional practice, students will apply their knowledge to the safe, effective and evidence-based management of patients within the scope of practice of a dental hygienist and dental therapist. Key areas include infection prevention and control, biomaterials, radiographic principles, communication, safeguarding and reflective practice. The module aligns with regulatory expectations and supports the development of patient-centred, ethical and collaborative professional practice.
This module prepares students for independent practice as dental hygienists and dental therapists. Students will develop and demonstrate competence in assessing, diagnosing and managing oral health across patients of all ages, using appropriate techniques and materials within their scope of practice.
Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, autonomous patient management, and safe, ethical care, alongside understanding referral pathways, direct access, and regulatory frameworks. The module aligns with General Dental Council (GDC) requirements and supports readiness for professional registration.
This capstone module enables students to critically appraise evidence and demonstrate professional accountability in preparation for independent practice. Integrating knowledge, skills and behaviours developed across the programme, students will apply evidence-based decision making to complex clinical and professional scenarios.
Through reflective practice and personal development planning, the module emphasises continuous improvement, ethical and legal awareness, and the delivery of safe, autonomous and patient-centred care.
This module develops students’ ability to work effectively within interprofessional teams and contribute to quality improvement in dental and wider healthcare settings. Students will critically evaluate healthcare systems, clinical governance frameworks, and patient safety principles to support safe, effective and patient-centred care.
Through the application of evidence-based strategies, quality improvement methods and reflective practice, students will design and implement approaches to enhance service delivery, patient outcomes and professional practice.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
Assessment on the Gateway Year combines traditional written assignments with interactive, problem-based learning. A gamified approach enhances engagement, supporting students to adapt to new styles of learning and teaching.
Once on the full degree programme, assessment is designed to support progression and professional readiness.
You may be assessed through:
- Clinical and professional portfolios
- Practical and simulated clinical examinations
- Written assignments and presentations
- Multiple-choice tests
Regular feedback and staged assessment points help you build competence and confidence throughout the degree.
Assessment on the Gateway Year combines traditional written assignments with interactive, problem-based learning. A gamified approach enhances engagement, supporting students to adapt to new styles of learning and teaching.
Once on the full degree programme, assessment is designed to support progression and professional readiness.
You may be assessed through:
- Clinical and professional portfolios
- Practical and simulated clinical examinations
- Written assignments and presentations
- Multiple-choice tests
Regular feedback and staged assessment points help you build competence and confidence throughout the degree.
This degree leads directly to professional practice. On successful completion, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a Dental Therapist.*
Graduates may go on to work in:
Demand for qualified dental care professionals remains strong across 51±¬ÁÏÍøshire and nationally, supporting positive employment outcomes for graduates.
*Approval of the programme is necessary for graduates to be eligible to apply for registration with the GDC.
From day one, you’ll be part of a supportive learning community. You’ll have access to:
This strong support network helps you stay confident, focused, and motivated throughout your degree.
The Gateway route is designed for applicants without standard entry qualifications, offering a science pathway into dental hygiene and therapy. It is suitable for those from non-science backgrounds, particularly dental nurses seeking career progression or returning to study.
The course supports an interest in community-focused healthcare and practical learning, while providing opportunities to develop clinical skills. Students benefit from strong academic support, access to 51±¬ÁÏÍø’s developing medical school facilities, and teaching informed by current research and local initiatives.
All applicants, along with suitable level 3 qualifications, must have two years of chairside clinical experience as a registered dental nurse and one accredited post registration qualifications (please see below).
Accepted Level 3 Dental Nursing Qualifications:
- City and Guilds Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing
- NEBDN Dental Nursing Qualification
- NCFE Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Dental Nursing
- Welsh and Scottish Dental Nursing Qualifications of similar awards will also be considered.
Accredited (for example through NEBDN or BDA) post-registration qualification should be in one of the below subjects:
- Dental Radiography
- Oral Health Education
- (Dental Sedation, Special Care Dental Nursing, Dental Implant Nursing or A Level Biology, Physics or Chemistry at grade B may be considered)
Evidence of qualifications, current practice and GDC registration will be requested. Additional duties or CPD courses will not be considered.
GCSE Requirements: A minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C/4 or higher, to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject (Biology is preferred). We will also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English, and alternative English Language qualifications such as IELTS.
All offers will be subject to successful performance at interview. Interviews will take place in person in the form of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI's).
All applicants, along with suitable level 3 qualifications, must have two years of chairside clinical experience as a registered dental nurse and two accredited post registration qualifications (please see below).
Accepted Level 3 Dental Nursing Qualifications:
- City and Guilds Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing
- NEBDN Dental Nursing Qualification
- NCFE Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Dental Nursing
- Welsh and Scottish Dental Nursing Qualifications of similar awards will also be considered.
Two accredited (for example through NEBDN or BDA) post-registration qualifications should be from the below subjects:
- Dental Radiography
- Oral Health Education
- (Dental Sedation, Special Care Dental Nursing, Dental Implant Nursing or A Level Biology, Physics or Chemistry at grade B may be considered)
Evidence of qualifications, current practice and GDC registration will be requested. Additional duties or CPD courses will not be considered.
GCSE Requirements: A minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C/4 or higher, to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject (Biology is preferred). We will also accept Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English, and alternative English Language qualifications such as IELTS.
All offers will be subject to successful application screening and then subsequent successful performance at interview. Interviews will take place in person in the form of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI's).
Additional Admissions Test: Casper
All applicants are required to complete Casper as part of their application for Dental Hygiene and Therapy. Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test that takes 65-85 minutes to complete.
Visit takecasper.com to create an account, register to complete Casper, and learn more about this assessment.
Please follow the above link to book on to your Casper test. Candidates will be selected for interview based on their Casper performance.
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found below.
| 2026/27 | UK | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,535 per level* | £TBC |
The full-time tuition fees displayed above are for each year (level) of the course.
†Please note that not all courses are available as a part-time option.
* UK: The University undergraduate tuition fee may increase year on year in line with government policy. This will enable us to continue to provide the best possible educational facilities and student experience.
** International: The fees quoted are for one year of study. For continuing students fees are subject to an increase of 2% each year and rounded to the nearest £100.
Tuition fees for additional activity are payable by the student/sponsor and charged at the equivalent £ per credit point rate for each module. Additional activity includes:
Exceptionally, tuition fees may not be payable where a student has been granted a retake with approved extenuating circumstances.
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Growing the future of dental education in 51±¬ÁÏÍøshire
51±¬ÁÏÍøshire faces some of the most significant challenges in England when it comes to access to NHS dental care. At the 51±¬ÁÏÍø, we are working with people and organisations from across the region to change that with a clear ambition: to establish a dental school in 51±¬ÁÏÍøshire.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.