Overview

The Oral Health Science course offered by the University of Essex is a programme which leads to the award of a Foundation Degree, and qualifies you to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a Dental Hygienist. It is based on the General Dental Council’s (GDC’s) guidance document Developing the Dental Team and is kept under continual review to ensure that you are ‘fit to practise’ upon qualification.

Your future

Foundation degrees are work-related, higher education qualifications designed in conjunction with employers to offer accessible and flexible learning opportunities relevant to a student's career.

A foundation degree is shorter than a standard undergraduate degree but is a higher education qualification in its own right and it can be used as a progression route to a full undergraduate degree.

The successful completion of this programme leads to the award of a Foundation Degree Oral Health Science, with 240 academic credits. This qualification is recognised by the General Dental Council (GDC) and gives you eligibility to register as a dental hygienist.

86% of our graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024).

Accreditation

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.

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Programme Structure

Courses included:

Lifelong Professional Skills

Underpinning Sciences

Dental Public Health

Critical Appraisal and Research Skills for Dental Practice

Holistic Management of Patients with Complex Needs

Management of Oral and Dental Diseases

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-10-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-14 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

76

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PTE Academic

60

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IELTS

6

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Credits

240 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Colchester, United Kingdom
Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Dentistry Health Sciences View 470 other Bachelors in Health Sciences in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

76

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

GCSEs: Mathematics and English Language C/4. Acceptable alternatives are listed further down this page. GCSE Science C/4 is also required if you are applying with a National Dental Nurse Certificate or Diploma in Dental Nursing.Single Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics are all accepted.

A-levels: CC to include a core science (Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science or Physics).

BTEC: MPP in a science-related subject.

IB: Two Higher Level certificates with 44 to include Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications.

QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 45 level 3 credits at Pass.

T-levels: Pass of a Science-related subject with E in the Core.

Dental Nursing qualifications: We accept the National Dental Nurse Certificate or Diploma in Dental Nursing along with a minimum of two years' experience from either pre-or post-qualification employment.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

31750 GBP / year

≈ 31750 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

9535 GBP / year

≈ 9535 GBP / year

Living costs

Colchester

United Kingdom

660 - 1140 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Oral Health Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Your future

Accreditation

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Colchester

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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