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Dental Hygiene and Therapy: University of Birmingham

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Degree 
BSc
Address
Dental Hygiene and Therapy: University of Birmingham, The School Of Dentistry, University Of Birmingham, St Chad's Queensway, Birmingham B4 6NN, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Subject
Dentistry
Duration 
3 years
Telephone 
+44(0)121 237 2761
Fax 
+44(0)121 625 8815
Website 
http://www.dentistry.bham.ac.uk



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This is an integrated programme leading to a qualification in dental hygiene and dental therapy. It is a collaborative programme funded via the South Birmingham Primary Care Trust and validated by the University.

The course is delivered at Birmingham Dental Hospital located in the city centre. Outreach clinical placements in the second and third years are located within the West Midlands and do not involve an overnight stay.

First year

In the first term the Professional Development module prepares you for studying at university. Clinical orientation in dental hygiene is a major component of this early part of the course and prepares you for seeing your first patient at the beginning of the second term by teaching skills of scaling and polishing teeth. The Biomedical Sciences and Oral Health Promotion modules prepare you for the study of disease, patient management and health education later on in the course. In the third term you will begin to learn how to manage dental decay and to restore teeth using manikins in the laboratory.

Second year

During your second year you will be managing and meeting your own list of patients and gaining confidence and competence in clinical skills. Applied pharmacology, general pathology and dental radiography are all taught in this year. In addition you learn the specialties of paediatric dentistry and the management of periodontal disease.

Third year

In the final year you will spend 60% of your clinical teaching at outreach clinics to broaden your experience and prepare you for life after graduation. Integrated clinical practice combines the dental hygiene and therapy skills into whole-patient care. Two terms will be spent undertaking a research project with relevance to your studies.

Innovative clinical projects are structured to bring together undergraduate dental students and dental hygiene and therapy students in shared learning experiences.

Teaching and assessment

From the beginning of the course teaching is fully integrated, combining basic clinical science topics with clinical and patient management skills. The course is delivered in 18 modules. Competence in each must be demonstrated for progression.

A variety of teaching methods are employed, including lectures, small group work, individual tuition, computer-assisted learning, and self-led learning. Practical classes provide the opportunity for one-to-one advice. Clinical treatment sessions are closely supervised by qualified tutors and each student receives immediate feedback on their performance.

Modular assessments include: written examinations; extended matching sets questions; practical examinations; objective, structured clinical examinations; continuous assessment; assignments and competency tests; and presentation of patients.

Career opportunities

Qualified students are able to register immediately with the General Dental Council. Graduates work in general dental practice, salaried dental practice and in hospitals, where they form a vital part of the dental team working under the prescription of a dentist providing primary dental care and advice. There are good opportunities for full-time, part-time and flexible working hours.

Selection of students

The admissions panel looks for a commitment to working with people to improve their oral health and general well being. Communication and teamworking skills are therefore very important, as is the ability to undertake intricate practical tasks.

Candidates should demonstrate work experience in dentistry and evidence of good dexterity (for example, through playing a musical instrument, model-making, DIY work or art). All applicants who have been offered a place at Birmingham will be offered the opportunity to attend the department for a day of familiarisation with the programme.

Professional accreditation

Graduates are eligible to apply to the General Dental Council for entry on to the Dental Care Professionals Register

Entry requirements

  • Number of A levels required: 3 (NVQ Level III in Dental Nursing may be offered in lieu of one A level subject)
  • Typical offer: BBC
  • Required subjects and grades: Biology at A level (grade B); Chemistry is strongly recommended
  • GCSE requirements: candidates are expected to offer Chemistry and Biology or higher tier dual award Science. English Language and a minimum of three other subjects at grade C or above.
  • General Studies: not accepted
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 28–30 points including Biology and preferably Chemistry

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details.
Please note: this course is open to home/EU students only.

Additional information

  • A satisfactory health declaration, including evidence of appropriate immunisation, is required from accepted candidates before registration for the programme. Part of this documentation is to produce evidence of having satisfactorily completed a full course of immunisation against Hepatitis B (and to be non-infectious for Hepatitis B and C) before commencing clinical training. The immunisation process can take up to nine months and applicants are therefore advised to consult their GP at the earliest opportunity. We will retest students on entry in order to obtain a validated blood sample which will be checked for Hepatitis B and C. Students who are found to be infectious will be withdrawn from the course.
  • A satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau check (enhanced level) is required from accepted candidates before registration for the programme.
  • All students will be required to sign the subject-specific Fitness to Practise Code of Conduct on entry, details of which will be forwarded with an offer letter.
  • Candidates are expected to show a range of skills including dexterity, communication and teamwork. Some work experience in dentistry is required before completing the UCAS form.

Contact details

For general information about open days

Main University Switchboard

  • Postal address: The University of Birmingham
    Edgbaston
    Birmingham
    B15 2TT
    United Kingdom
  • Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
  • Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

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