Subject area: Oral Health Sciences
Why choose Oral Health Sciences at the University of Edinburgh?
This is the only four-year oral health sciences honours programme in the UK. You will have access to state of-the-art clinical facilities and a designated clinic for patient treatment sessions, which start in Year 1.
You will be given a firm learning foundation in health and disease, clinical practice, personal and professional development, and preparation for practice, which is taught throughout the programme in class sizes of 10 students a year.
In Year 4, you will attend clinical placements for two days a week, working in outreach centres where you will gain valuable experience treating patients in a primary care setting.
The programme is providing me with the key clinical skills and knowledge I need to pursue a career in dental hygiene or therapy, as well as skills that will be beneficial in everyday life.
Introducing Oral Health Sciences
BSc (Hons) in Oral Health Sciences at the University of Edinburgh is the only honours programme available in Scotland.
Studying at the University of Edinburgh is a unique and exciting opportunity to gain a qualification in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy.
The BSc (Hons) Oral Health Sciences programme is accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC). This gives you the theoretical and practical skills required to register as both a dental hygienist and dental therapist with the GDC.
Over the four-year honours programme you will study courses from four key areas:
- health and disease
- clinical practice
- personal and professional development
- preparation for practice
Our small class sizes provide a supportive learning environment.
We offer a significant focus on practical skills, with clinical treatment of patients starting in Year 1.
Scope of practice
The role of dental hygienists and dental therapists is varied. They are able to provide clinical and educational care including:
- disease prevention
- periodontal (gum) therapy
- routine restorative treatment (fillings)
The full scope of practice of dental hygienists and dental therapists can be found on the General Dental Council (GDC) website.