BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene with Integrated Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Dentistry, designed as a pathway for students aiming towards Dental Therapy and Hygiene roles. The programme covers microbiology, immune system biology, cell regulation, human physiology, and interdisciplinary team-based learning. Clinical learning with patients begins in the first year, and the course includes a Dental Outreach component engaging with local communities. Ranked 6th in the UK for dentistry in the Guardian 2026 league table.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
GCSE: Applicants need to achieve 6 GCSE passes (grade C/grade 4 or higher) which must include the following subjects: English Language Mathematics Two Science subjects – either GCSE Double Award Science or two from single award Chemistry, Biology, or Physics Plus suitable Level 3 qualifications as outlined below: Level 3 qualifications: Experience in lieu of Level 3 entry requirements At least 2 years in practice experience as a qualified registered Dental Nurse and an A level in Biology at grade C is mandatory. OR A level CC at GCE A level, which must include A level Biology. We are only able to consider Level 3 qualifications completed within five years of the start of the application cycle. For example, qualifications completed since 2019 would still be valid when applying in September 2024. BTEC National Extended Diploma DMM in Applied Science or Health and Social Care, including sufficient Biology content containing at lesat 4 of the preferred modules. Due to the competitiveness of entry onto this course, it is also highly recommended that applicants complete an A Level in Biology at grade C or above alongside a suitable BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma. BTEC National Diploma DM in a predominantly science subject area. As desirable, an A level in Biology is also strongly advised alongside this qualification at grade C. City & Guilds Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing Distinction and an A level in Biology at grade C is mandatory. Access to Higher Education Diploma Pass an Access to HE Diploma in a predominantly science subject area with 15 Merits and 30 Pass Credits. Due to the competitiveness of entry onto this course, it is also highly recommended that applicants complete an A Level in Biology at grade C or above alongside a suitable Access to Higher Education Diploma. International Baccalaureate 24 points overall to include Higher Level 4 in a Science subject. Due to the competitiveness of entry onto this course, it is also highly recommended that applicants complete an A Level in Biology at grade C or above alongside a suitable International Baccalaureate Diploma. GNVQ and AGNVQ Passes in Science subjects. Selection and admissions process: Applications should be made through UCAS by the published deadline. This is typically 15 January. All decisions on applications are made by the Admissions Advisory Panel, which consists of academics, clinicians and senior members of the administrative team. The University of Plymouth Medicine and Dentistry Admissions Team process applications as follows: 1. Shortlisting for interview – Applicants are considered for interview based on relevant academic qualifications alone. We do not currently consider personal statements or work experience when selecting for interview. The Admissions Advisory Panel consider many factors when choosing who will be invited to attend an interview, including the number of places available on the course and the number of applications received, alongside the academic profiles of all of our applicant 2. Interview – Successful applicants are invited to attend an interview process. We use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) as the format for our interviews, and full details can be found on the Medicine and Dentistry selection and admissions process page. Following interviews, candidates are ranked based on the score achieved and the top performing applicants are offered a place on the course 3. Offer – Offers are made via UCAS. Within all offers, candidates are required to complete a series of health and police checks, full details of which are communicated to firm offer holders by the Admissions Team. Practising as a doctor requires the highest standards and we take seriously our commitment to only enrol and teach students with the integrity required of the profession. Full details can be found on our Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise page. Full details of our selection and admissions process can be found on our Medicine and Dentistry selection and admissions process page. Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise Please view our Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise page. Deferred entry: Unfortunately we cannot permit deferred entry. However, if you have a query please contact the admissions team who will be able to explain the application process in more detail at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk .
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What students say
Based on about 78 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 30 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 10%
Most common jobs
- Other Health Professionals: 60%
- Health associate professionals: 35%
- Medical Practitioners: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 100%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 100%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 270 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 15%
- South East: 13%
- South West: 35%
- Wales: 6%
- Scotland: 3%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- 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.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Learning Skills for Dentistry
- Infection, Immunity and Therapeutics
- Current Developments in Human Biology and Biomedical Sciences
- Molecules to Cells
- Introduction to Human Physiology
- Interdisciplinary Learning and Team Based Learning (Enquiry learning)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene with Integrated Foundation Year at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £42,000 after 15 months, £48,000 after 3 years, £52,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £47,000 and £59,000. The £52,000 median after five years is £9,000 more than the UK median for Dentistry.
What do graduates of BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene with Integrated Foundation Year at University of Plymouth do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene with Integrated Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene with Integrated Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 113 UCAS points.
Is BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene with Integrated Foundation Year at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. 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.
How many students continue on BSc Dental Therapy and Hygiene with Integrated Foundation Year at University of Plymouth?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.