Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy University of Suffolk

Overview

Program Details

The Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy program is offered by University of Suffolk.

Both dental hygienists and dental therapists help people maintain good oral health by providing treatments, carrying out procedures and giving dietary and hygiene advice.

The role of dental therapist is the same as a dental hygienist, however they can also carry out some of the restorative work dentists do, such as fillings and extractions.

Both dental hygienists and dental therapists provide oral care that helps patients maintain a healthy mouth, gums and teeth. The treatments and procedures they carry out – such as scaling and polishing, and taking dental X-rays – are designed to support good oral health and prevent dental problems before they develop.

In addition to this, dental therapists are also trained to do some of the same work as dentists, including fillings, and extracting and placing preformed crowns on 'baby' teeth.

Dental therapists can provide any dental work that doesn't require treatment to the nerve of a tooth while working with adult patients, which makes them an essential support to dentists and a versatile and multi-skilled member of a dental team.  

Career opportunities

• This dual role BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy course is currently undergoing accreditation by the General Dental Council (GDC).
• The course will provide students with the theoretical and practical skills required to register as both a dental hygienist and dental therapist with the GDC.