Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is a regulated healthcare profession concerned with the prevention and treatment of oral disease, particularly periodontal conditions and dental caries, and with educating patients about how to maintain good oral health throughout their lives. Dental hygienists work primarily in primary dental care settings, carrying out scaling, polishing, and debridement procedures, applying preventive treatments such as fluoride and fissure sealants, taking radiographs, and providing tailored oral health advice to patients with a wide range of backgrounds and needs. The profession plays a vital role in preventing the dental disease that, if untreated, can have significant consequences for both oral and general health.

At Teesside University, this three-year full-time programme introduces you to evidence-based practice from the outset, developing your ability to find, evaluate, and apply research evidence to clinical decision-making. You will study the anatomy and physiology of the mouth, head, and neck, the microbiology and pathology of dental disease, pharmacology relevant to dental hygiene practice, and the communication skills needed to work effectively with diverse patient groups. Clinical placement runs throughout the programme, giving you direct patient contact under supervision and developing the dexterity, judgement, and professional manner that clinical practice requires.

Graduates are eligible to register with the General Dental Council as dental hygienists and are qualified to practise clinically in NHS and private dental settings. The profession offers strong employment prospects and a clear structure for continuing professional development. Many dental hygienists go on to extend their scope of practice or to qualify as dental therapists, and postgraduate study in oral health promotion, dental public health, or related fields is available to those who wish to specialise further.