Bachelor of Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is a clinical profession focused on the prevention of oral disease and the promotion of good oral health throughout a patient's life. Dental hygienists carry out professional cleaning of teeth, provide oral health education, administer local anaesthesia under prescription, and support patients in maintaining the dental hygiene practices that prevent decay, gum disease, and other conditions. The profession demands both clinical skill and the ability to build genuine therapeutic relationships, engaging patients of all ages and backgrounds with the compassion and communication skills that effective preventive care requires.

Bristol Dental School has a long and successful history of training dental hygienists and therapists in state-of-the-art clinical facilities. This three-year Bachelor of Dental Hygiene programme represents a renewed focus on the hygiene specialism within a school that now offers applicants the choice between the Bachelor of Dental Hygiene and the Bachelor of Dental Therapy, strengthening the integration between dentistry and hygiene and therapy training. You will develop clinical competence through substantial practice in dental settings, including a sandwich placement year and embedded work placement opportunities that give you direct patient experience across diverse populations.

Graduates are eligible to register with the General Dental Council and practise as dental hygienists in NHS and private dental practices, community dental services, specialist clinics, and hospital settings. The profession offers flexible working patterns, strong employment prospects, and meaningful patient relationships that are central to a fulfilling career. Many dental hygienists pursue further training in related clinical areas, including dental therapy, or go on to roles in dental education, public oral health, and oral health promotion.

Continuing professional development is an integral part of practice throughout a dental hygienist's career.