Oral Health

Oral health is far more than the appearance of a smile. The condition of the mouth is closely linked to general health, with gum disease associated with conditions including heart disease, diabetes and stroke, and poor oral health disproportionately affecting the most disadvantaged communities. Oral health professionals play a vital role in prevention, early intervention and the promotion of lifelong dental health, working as part of the wider healthcare team to improve outcomes for patients and communities.

Studying oral health at Queen Mary University of London prepares you to take on this role with both the clinical skills and the public health perspective it requires.

This three-year full-time degree develops your knowledge across dental science, periodontology, dental radiography, oral medicine, preventive dentistry and the social and behavioural factors that shape oral health. You will develop clinical competence in the core tasks of the dental hygienist and therapist, including scaling and root surface debridement, tooth restoration, delivering preventive advice and supporting patients with long-term conditions. Alongside clinical training you will develop your understanding of health inequalities, communication skills and the ethical and professional responsibilities of working in a clinical setting.

Graduates in oral health typically register as dental hygienists or dental therapists with the General Dental Council, enabling them to work in dental practices across the NHS and private sector, as well as in community dental services and hospital departments. The scope of dental therapy is expanding, and the professional opportunities available to graduates continue to grow. Some graduates move into public health roles, community outreach or education, and further study at postgraduate level is also an option for those who want to specialise or pursue leadership and research careers.