Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy Higher Education Diploma

2025-26 entry
School of Clinical Dentistry

Gain professional accreditation as a dental hygienist and dental therapist with this 27-month full-time course, starting in April. You’ll learn alongside dental surgery students in a way that prepares you for the realities of working in a dental practice, and our outreach programme means you can treat patients of all ages and backgrounds in real work environments.

Key details

Explore this course:

    Course description

    Dental student shows teeth mould to patient

    This course allows you to gain professional accreditation as a dental hygienist and dental therapist after only 27 months of full-time study, starting in April.

    World-class, multidisciplinary research

    You will be taught by a team of experienced dental professionals and biomedical and social scientists who work together to help you become an excellent clinician. Many of our staff are involved in world-leading research, so you'll learn about the latest techniques and advances in the field of dentistry.

    We recognise the importance of training the dental team together, so you’ll learn alongside dental surgery students in a way that prepares you for the realities of working in a dental practice. We place great emphasis on helping you become a caring, competent and confident member of the dental team.

    What you’ll study

    After an introduction to essential anatomy and physiology, you’ll begin clinical skills training so you can treat patients. This includes sessions in our state-of-the-art simulation suite, where you can practise dentistry in a virtual reality environment, and use "phantom heads" in our clinical skills learning environment. You’ll also visit and assist in clinics to help build your confidence and communication skills in a clinical environment. 

    Starting in your second year, you’ll benefit from our outreach training programme; one of the most rigorous placement programmes in the UK. Treating patients of all ages and backgrounds in real work environments will allow you to sharpen your skills and get you a headstart in your chosen career.

    By the time you reach the third year and the last few months of the course, you will have acquired a vast range of knowledge, skills and experience. Our teaching will inform you of the important issues you will confront in the workplace and help ensure you leave the University as a well-rounded professional.

    The General Dental Council quality assures and approves qualifications for registration, for the following registrant groups: Dentists; dental hygienists; dental therapists; dental nurses; clinical dental technicians; dental technicians; and orthodontic therapists.

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:

    Title: Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy Higher Education Diploma
    UCAS code: DENU103
    Years: 2022, 2023, 2025
    First year

    At the beginning of the first year, you’ll develop your understanding of the anatomy and physiology relevant to dentistry. You’ll also be introduced to a range of study skills to help you thrive at University.

    After the first month, you’ll begin clinical skills training so you can treat patients. You’ll be introduced to the concept of putting patients’ needs first, as well as careful and thorough instrumentation. Alongside this you’ll visit and assist at clinics to help build your confidence and communication skills in a clinical environment – we place great emphasis on helping you become a caring, competent and confident member of the dental team.

    Throughout the first year, you’ll also develop your knowledge and understanding in other subject areas including law, ethics and professionalism, health promotion and education and oral disease. Our course is very dynamic and within no time you’ll be treating patients under close supervision in the Dental Hospital.

    Highlights

    Virtual reality operative dentistry

    During your first year, you'll benefit from our simulation suite, where you can practise dentistry in a virtual reality environment. This state-of-the-art, innovative technology provides real-life visual, auditory and tactile sensory feedback and will enable you to learn, develop and improve your operative dentistry skills. This fun learning and teaching opportunity is a unique feature of our programme and complements the ‘traditional’ training you will undertake in the clinical skills learning environment on ‘phantom heads’.

    Integrated learning and teaching

    At Sheffield, we recognise the importance of training the dental team together. During your first year, you’ll complete some of your clinical skills training alongside our dentistry students. You’ll also attend a series of integrated lectures. This integrated teaching approach will help prepare you better for practice.

    Themes

    Currently, our first-year learning and teaching is divided into the following themes:

    • Study Skills and Personal Development
    • Dental Foundation
    • The Human Body in Health and Disease
    • Law, Ethics and Professionalism
    • Pre-Clinical Skills I
    • Health Promotion and Education I
    • Clinical Practice
    • Oral Disease I
    • Pre-Clinical Skills II
    • Pre-Clinical Skills III
    • Health Promotion and Education II
    • Dental Radiography

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    You'll learn through lectures, clinical skills learning environment work, clinical sessions and tutorials. A strong emphasis is also placed on directed self-learning.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 online access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    Many of our staff are internationally respected for their research. Some are general dental practitioners with years of clinical experience.

    Assessment

    Throughout the course, you will be assessed by a variety of methods including written and practical examinations, assignments and an extensive project. As part of your final examination you will present a patient for whom you have provided an extensive range of treatments.

    You'll also have to demonstrate you clinical competence in a range of key clinical skills expected of a qualified dental hygienist and dental therapist. Through our broad range of assessment methods you will develop a wide collection of transferable skills.

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Find programme specification for this course

    Entry requirements

    These are the minimum requirements for our April 2025 intake that must be met by the deadline for receipt of applications. Pending qualifications, due after the deadline for receipt of applications, will not be taken into consideration.

    • 5 GCSE at grade C / grade 4 to include Mathematics, English Language and Science.

    Plus one of the following options:

    • Level 3/4 Dental Nurse Qualification plus 1 A Level in a relevant Science subject (preferably Biology) at grade C.

    Post-qualification certificates in Dental Nursing can strengthen an application but cannot be used to meet the minimum requirements.

    • Level 5/6 Dental Nurse Qualification.
    • 2 A Levels to include one in a relevant Science subject (preferably Biology) at grade CC.
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma (60 credits with 45 at Level 3 at grade Merit) including 36 Level 3 credits in relevant Science units (preferably Biology) at grade Merit. 

    An Access to Higher Education Diploma can also be used in lieu of two GCSEs. However, you must still have GCSE Grade C/Level 4 in Mathematics, English Language and Science.

    • BTEC National Diploma at grade MM including 90 credits or 540 GLH of relevant Science subjects (preferably Biology) at grade Merit.
    • 2:2 degree in a relevant scientific subject.

    We will consider other national and international qualifications on an individual basis. If your qualifications aren’t listed here, please contact us to discuss your application.

    Applicants with international qualifications are also encouraged to submit a certificate of comparability from UK NARIC with their application form.

    Proof of all qualifications will be required.

    Clinical requirements

    Our School also has a series of clinical requirements for clinical students. Before accepting an offer of a place, you must confirm you will comply these requirements.

    Personal qualities and experience

    You must possess a high level of manual dexterity and demonstrate attention to detail. You must also demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, and have the ability to work as a team, think logically and respond positively to feedback. You must have a genuine interest in the care and treatment of patients, be empathetic and act without discrimination.

    You are strongly advised to spend some time observing dental care professionals to ensure you have a good understanding of the profession.

    The School offers a free online course via Future Learn which explores the impact dentistry has on our lives. You may find it useful to complete our Discover Dentistry course before you apply.

    We also seek to select dental students with values and behaviours which align with the values of the NHS Constitution.

    These are:

    • Working together for patients
    • Commitment to quality of care
    • Improving lives
    • Respect and dignity
    • Compassion
    • Everyone counts
    </div> " class="video-embed-field-lazy">

     The NHS core values form part of the NHS constitution. You are advised to take a look at the NHS constitution before you apply.

    English language requirements

    If your first language isn’t English, you may need to take a language test – for example, IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in each component (the test should have been completed no more than two years before the start date of our course).

    Health clearance

    All new students must obtain occupational health clearance, which may require an individual assessment. This is to ensure that you meet the fitness to practice standards detailed on the Higher Education Occupational Practitioners (HEOPS) guidance.

    We offer support to students with additional needs, for example, through the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service or Student Support Services. You can find out more about the network of support services we provide. A very small number of conditions might, on health and safety grounds, affect your registration with the appropriate regulatory body and your ability to practise in certain clinical situations.

    If you're offered a place, you'll need to comply with the Department of Health and Social Care mandatory immunisation requirements.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Graduate careers

    Our graduates can register with the General Dental Council and work as dental hygienists and dental therapists in local NHS and private dental practices as well as hospital services, community dental services or even the armed forces via the Ministry of Defence. Others go on to research and teaching roles within universities or hospital trusts.

    There are also opportunities to work within multinational organisations specialising in healthcare and pharmaceutical products. You may even consider topping up your qualification to a degree, studying for a postgraduate qualification, or studying to become a dentist.

    </div> " class="video-embed-field-lazy">
    Graduate Kimberley Lloyd-Rees talk about her experiences as a dental hygienist and dental therapist and professional educator

    School of Clinical Dentistry

    School of Clinical Dentistry building

    Our teaching is driven by world-class research. You'll learn about the new techniques and advances that are rapidly taking place in the field of dentistry.

    We believe in training the whole team together. Our dentistry and dental hygiene and therapy students learn alongside each other in a way that helps to prepare them for practice. Our combination of integrated teaching and practical experience produces caring, confident professionals.

    Our students find that our courses provide them with opportunities to explore ideas, apply what they have learnt and achieve their best. This is reflected in the National Student Survey where we consistently achieve high scores for overall student satisfaction.

    We're committed to delivering an exceptional student experience. Our staff are involved in the quality assurance of teaching in Sheffield and other universities. Many have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to learning and teaching and commitment to professional development through professional bodies such as the Association for Dental Education in Europe and the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and some have gained national recognition, such as the ADEE Excellence in Dental Education Award, Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and National Teaching Fellow. 

    Many of our staff are also internationally respected for their research. Some are general dental practitioners with years of clinical experience.

    Our placement programme for students is outstanding. You'll learn the value of evidence-based dentistry and how to apply it to clinical practice.

    We also have links with the Medical School and the local community.

    Our placement programme for students is outstanding. You'll learn the value of evidence-based dentistry and how to apply it to clinical practice.

    Dentistry students are based at the School of Clinical Dentistry, situated within the University campus to the west of Sheffield. The school has a very close working relationship with the adjacent Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, a specialist facility offering dental services to people in Sheffield and surrounding areas. This is where most of our teaching takes place.

    Facilities

    We aim to provide a stimulating interdisciplinary environment, with access to some excellent facilities. In our virtual simulation suite you can practice dentistry in a virtual reality environment.

    We have dedicated research facilities and laboratories for tissue culture, molecular biology, materials science, histology-microscopy and electrophysiology, all with dedicated technical support.

    We continually seek to improve our range of facilities to meet the needs of our student and research community.

    School of Clinical Dentistry

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
    StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report


    School of Clinical Dentistry

    Top 10 in the UK for dentistry

    The Times Good University Guide 2024
    The Complete University Guide 2024

    The University of Sheffield is within the top 100 in the world for clinical and health subjects

    Times Higher Education (THE) World Subject Rankings 2021

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Additional funding

    All eligible home students can apply for additional funding support from the NHS Learning Support Fund (NHS LSF). This includes a training grant of £5,000 per academic year.

    NHS funding

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've made an application to study with us, we may invite you for an interview. If you are then successful in receiving an offer, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    To apply for a place on our Higher Education Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Therapy course, you'll need to complete and submit an online application for Alternative Routes and Programmes at the University of Sheffield. Applications are not made through UCAS.

    It is in your best interests to submit your application as early as possible. This will enable us to clarify any details necessary to assess your application fully.

    You will have 10 working days after the published deadline to provide any additional information or documents required to process your application. This includes additional information or documents to confirm you meet the minimum entry requirements and the receipt of a satisfactory reference. After this date, if your application is incomplete it will be unsuccessful.

    Read the following carefully to find out more about the application process:

    Step 1: Apply online

    Read the following guidelines before you fill out our online application. If you don’t read this guide, you may jeopardise the success of your application.

    You should only submit an application if you will meet the minimum entry requirements by the deadline for receipt of applications.

    Pending qualifications which are due after the deadline for receipt of applications will not be taken into consideration.

    Your application will be automatically rejected if you don’t meet the minimum entry requirements by the deadline for receipt of applications.


    Create an application account

    You’ll need to set up an application account online. You'll need an email address in order to do this.

    You'll have the option to save and return to your online application as many times as you like. Once you’ve filled in all the mandatory sections you’ll be able to submit your application.


    Review and submit your application

    It's important you carefully fill in all the mandatory sections on the online application and supply the necessary documents. Most sections contain brief instructions on what information is required.


    Additional questions

    Supporting statements

    You’ll be asked to write four supporting statements. These are very important and you need to spend some time working on the content and structure of your answers. This is your chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the profession and your potential to thrive in a professional healthcare environment. Your answers should be personal to you and provide us with more details about your experiences and interests.

    Your statements can be the difference between being invited to a selection day or not. Particular attention should be paid to your spelling, punctuation and grammar. Attention to detail will be taken into consideration when assessing your application.

    Education

    You must include details of all your qualifications (including final grades/scores) to demonstrate you meet the minimum entry requirements. You should not apply if you don’t meet the minimum entry requirements. For BTECs, Access Courses, Foundation Years, Foundation Degrees, Degrees and International Qualifications it’s important you upload a copy of your transcript with a breakdown of modules and grades.

    If you have International Qualifications you are encouraged to submit a certificate of comparability from UK NARIC. If any of your certificates or transcripts have been issued in a language other than English, you should include official, authenticated English translations.

    You will have 10 working days after the published deadline to provide any additional information required to confirm you meet the minimum entry requirements. Without this information, your application may be incomplete and may be unsuccessful.

    References

    You need to supply one reference to support your application. This should be supplied by academic staff where you’ve previously studied or a current employer if employed in the healthcare sector. Referees should not be close friends or related to you. Your referee should provide their personal opinion and suitability to undertake the course, in particular your previous academic or clinical achievements and any distinct strengths and weaknesses.

    References should be supplied as scanned copies of signed letters on official letter-headed paper and/or sent from an official email address of the organisation where the referee works. You will have 10 working days after the published deadline to provide a satisfactory reference. The school does not chase referees on your behalf. Without a reference, your application is incomplete and will be unsuccessful.

    Step 2: Attend our selection day

    If your application is short-listed, you’ll be invited to attend a selection day.

    During the selection day, you will have a structured interview and take part in an interpersonal skills test.

    Your interview will be conducted by two members of staff and will last approximately 15 minutes. All applicants will be asked the same questions.

    The questions may cover

    • motivation for the course
    • motivation for the profession and knowledge of current issues
    • evidence of independent thought
    • evidence of ability to apply knowledge
    • relevant experience, commitment and values

    After your interview, you will undergo an interpersonal skills test. This will involve a group task.

    During our selection day you will also have the opportunity to find out more about the innovative aspects of our course, tour the School and its first-class facilities, and meet some of our current students. Further information will be provided nearer the time.

    When all applicants have attended a selection day, a selection panel will meet to discuss every application in detail. The selection panel will take into account the observations made from the structured interview and the interpersonal skills test. The selection panel may also refer back to your personal statements and qualifications.

    Our assessment methods are fair, valid, and applied consistently.

    Step 3: Receive an offer

    Once you have attended our selection day we will work quickly to let you know if your application has been successful. We will write to you with details of an offer.

    All offers are initially conditional and include the receipt of a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and health clearance. Academic conditions may also be applied to your offer.

    Once you have accepted our offer of a place we will be in touch with details on how to prepare for the start of our course. There will also be the opportunity to get to know your new classmates via our private Facebook group and attend an offer holder open day.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2025-2026

    To apply for a place on our Higher Education Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Therapy course, you'll need to complete and submit an online application for Alternative Routes and Programmes at the University of Sheffield. Applications are not made through UCAS.

    It is in your best interests to submit your application as early as possible. This will enable us to clarify any details necessary to assess your application fully.

    You will have 10 working days after the published deadline to provide any additional information or documents required to process your application. This includes additional information or documents to confirm you meet the minimum entry requirements and the receipt of a satisfactory reference. After this date, if your application is incomplete it will be unsuccessful.

    Read the following carefully to find out more about the application process:

    Step 1: Apply online

    Read the following guidelines before you fill out our online application. If you don’t read this guide, you may jeopardise the success of your application.

    You should only submit an application if you will meet the minimum entry requirements by the deadline for receipt of applications.

    Pending qualifications which are due after the deadline for receipt of applications will not be taken into consideration.

    Your application will be automatically rejected if you don’t meet the minimum entry requirements by the deadline for receipt of applications.


    Create an application account

    You’ll need to set up an application account online. You'll need an email address in order to do this.

    You'll have the option to save and return to your online application as many times as you like. Once you’ve filled in all the mandatory sections you’ll be able to submit your application.


    Review and submit your application

    It's important you carefully fill in all the mandatory sections on the online application and supply the necessary documents. Most sections contain brief instructions on what information is required.


    Additional questions

    Supporting statements

    You’ll be asked to write four supporting statements. These are very important and you need to spend some time working on the content and structure of your answers. This is your chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the profession and your potential to thrive in a professional healthcare environment. Your answers should be personal to you and provide us with more details about your experiences and interests.

    Your statements can be the difference between being invited to a selection day or not. Particular attention should be paid to your spelling, punctuation and grammar. Attention to detail will be taken into consideration when assessing your application.

    Education

    You must include details of all your qualifications (including final grades/scores) to demonstrate you meet the minimum entry requirements. You should not apply if you don’t meet the minimum entry requirements. For BTECs, Access Courses, Foundation Years, Foundation Degrees, Degrees and International Qualifications it’s important you upload a copy of your transcript with a breakdown of modules and grades.

    If you have International Qualifications you are encouraged to submit a certificate of comparability from UK NARIC. If any of your certificates or transcripts have been issued in a language other than English, you should include official, authenticated English translations.

    You will have 10 working days after the published deadline to provide any additional information required to confirm you meet the minimum entry requirements. Without this information, your application may be incomplete and may be unsuccessful.

    References

    You need to supply one reference to support your application. This should be supplied by academic staff where you’ve previously studied or a current employer if employed in the healthcare sector. Referees should not be close friends or related to you. Your referee should provide their personal opinion and suitability to undertake the course, in particular your previous academic or clinical achievements and any distinct strengths and weaknesses.

    References should be supplied as scanned copies of signed letters on official letter-headed paper and/or sent from an official email address of the organisation where the referee works. You will have 10 working days after the published deadline to provide a satisfactory reference. The school does not chase referees on your behalf. Without a reference, your application is incomplete and will be unsuccessful.

    Step 2: Attend our selection day

    If your application is short-listed, you’ll be invited to attend a selection day.

    During the selection day, you will have a structured interview and take part in an interpersonal skills test.

    Your interview will be conducted by two members of staff and will last approximately 15 minutes. All applicants will be asked the same questions.

    The questions may cover

    • motivation for the course
    • motivation for the profession and knowledge of current issues
    • evidence of independent thought
    • evidence of ability to apply knowledge
    • relevant experience, commitment and values

    After your interview, you will undergo an interpersonal skills test. This will involve a group task.

    During our selection day you will also have the opportunity to find out more about the innovative aspects of our course, tour the School and its first-class facilities, and meet some of our current students. Further information will be provided nearer the time.

    When all applicants have attended a selection day, a selection panel will meet to discuss every application in detail. The selection panel will take into account the observations made from the structured interview and the interpersonal skills test. The selection panel may also refer back to your personal statements and qualifications.

    Our assessment methods are fair, valid, and applied consistently.

    Step 3: Receive an offer

    Once you have attended our selection day we will work quickly to let you know if your application has been successful. We will write to you with details of an offer.

    All offers are initially conditional and include the receipt of a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and health clearance. Academic conditions may also be applied to your offer.

    Once you have accepted our offer of a place we will be in touch with details on how to prepare for the start of our course. There will also be the opportunity to get to know your new classmates via our private Facebook group and attend an offer holder open day.

    Gain professional accreditation as a dental hygienist and dental therapist with this 27-month full-time course, starting in April. You’ll learn alongside dental surgery students in a way that prepares you for the realities of working in a dental practice, and our outreach programme means you can treat patients of all ages and backgrounds in real work environments.