Dental Hygiene and Therapy

Dental hygiene and therapy is a dual-qualified clinical profession concerned with the prevention and treatment of oral disease and the maintenance of patients' oral health. Dental hygienists focus on preventive care, including scaling, polishing, and patient education, while dental therapists also carry out restorative treatments such as fillings and extractions under prescription. The dual qualification means graduates are able to work across both scopes of practice, making them flexible and highly valued members of the dental team.

Oral health is closely linked to general health and wellbeing, and the profession plays an important role in tackling inequalities in dental care.

At the University of Manchester, this three-year full-time programme prepares you for registration as a dental hygienist and therapist with the General Dental Council. You will develop clinical skills in a structured, supervised environment, working in university dental clinics and on placement in a variety of NHS and community settings. The academic content covers oral anatomy and physiology, microbiology, periodontology, pharmacology relevant to dental practice, patient communication, and the principles of preventive dentistry.

The typical entry tariff of 168 points reflects the competitive nature of the programme and the high standards expected of students who will be entrusted with patient care.

Graduates are eligible to register with the General Dental Council and work in a wide range of settings, including NHS and private dental practices, community dental services, hospital dental departments, and dental public health. Many dual-qualified graduates find their extended scope of practice makes them particularly attractive to employers and gives them greater flexibility in how they develop their careers. Career progression opportunities include clinical leadership, teaching, and extended roles in specialist settings.

Further study at postgraduate level, including programmes in dental public health, special care dentistry, or dental education, is available for those who want to deepen their expertise.