| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
King's College London's BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy & Hygiene program trains students to become safe and effective dental therapists. The program combines academic rigor, clinical experience, and inter-professional education, preparing graduates for a successful career in oral healthcare. Ranked 1st in the UK by QS World University Rankings, the program offers a unique opportunity to learn from internationally renowned staff and gain exposure to diverse patient populations. Graduates are well-equipped to provide preventive and restorative dental care, promote oral health, and pursue further study in the field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Dentistry at King's is ranked 1st in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)
The BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy & Hygiene course trains students to be safe beginner clinicians, prepared for registration with the GDC and employability as a dental therapist. The program offers a spiraled modular curriculum using a variety of inspiring evidence-based teaching and assessment methods. It combines the latest thinking in dental education with a range of clinical experience required for the future dental therapist.
Degree Objectives:
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective oral healthcare to patients.
- Develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Prepare students for a successful career as a dental therapist.
- Foster students' professional development and ethical practice.
Program Description:
The BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy & Hygiene program is a three-year full-time program. It is taught at King's College London's Guy's Campus, next to the Shard. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and clinical placements. Students will gain experience in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals, dental practices, and community health centers. The program is designed to integrate with the undergraduate BDS program, offering students the opportunity of co-training. This inter-professional education complements the GDC's expectations in education of the future dental team.
Benefits of the Program:
- Internationally renowned staff: Students will be taught by internationally renowned staff who are experts in their field.
- Exposure to diverse patient populations: The program offers students the opportunity to work with a diverse range of patients, which will help them to develop their clinical skills and cultural competency.
- Evidence-based and research-led degree course: The program is based on the latest evidence and research, which ensures that students are receiving the most up-to-date information.
- High level of clinical experience: The program provides students with a high level of clinical experience, which will prepare them for a successful career as a dental therapist.
- State-of-the-art facilities: The program is delivered in state-of-the-art facilities, which will provide students with the best possible learning environment.
- Interprofessional education: The program offers students the opportunity to learn alongside other healthcare professionals, which will help them to develop their teamwork skills and understanding of the wider healthcare system.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Biomedicine in Relation to Dentistry 1 (30 credits)
- Biomedicine in Relation to Dentistry 2 (30 credits)
- Clinical Humanities & Wellbeing (15 credits)
- Dentistry in Society (15 credits)
- Simulated Clinical Practice I (15 credits)
Year 2:
- Biomedicine in Relation to Dentistry 3 (30 credits)
- Biomedicine in Relation to Dentistry 4 (30 credits)
- Clinical Humanities & Wellbeing II (15 credits)
- Dentistry in Society II (15 credits)
- Simulated Clinical Practice II (15 credits)
- Student Selected Component II (15 credits)
Year 3:
- Biomedicine in Relation to Dentistry 5 (30 credits)
- Biomedicine in Relation to Dentistry 6 (30 credits)
- Clinical Humanities & Wellbeing III (15 credits)
- Dentistry in Society III (15 credits)
- Simulated Clinical Practice III (15 credits)
- Student Selected Component III (15 credits)
Module Descriptions:
- Biomedicine in Relation to Dentistry: This module covers the basic sciences relevant to dentistry, such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
- Clinical Humanities & Wellbeing: This module explores the social, ethical, and psychological aspects of dentistry.
- Dentistry in Society: This module examines the role of dentistry in society, including public health, health inequalities, and access to care.
- Simulated Clinical Practice: This module provides students with the opportunity to practice their clinical skills in a simulated environment.
- Student Selected Component: This module allows students to choose a topic of their interest and undertake an independent research project.
Assessment:
The program is assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include written (short answer) examination, online (MCQ) examination, poster presentation, structured clinical reasoning examination, clinical competence assessments, and special projects and reports which must be successfully completed to progress through the course.
Teaching:
The program is delivered by a team of experienced and qualified academics and clinicians. The teaching methods used include lectures, seminars, workshops, and clinical placements. The program also emphasizes the importance of inter-professional education. Students will have the opportunity to learn alongside other healthcare professionals, such as dentists, nurses, and hygienists. This will help them to develop their teamwork skills and understanding of the wider healthcare system.
Careers:
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy & Hygiene program have a wide range of career opportunities. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, dental practices, community health centers, and public health organizations. Possible career paths include:
- Dental therapist: Dental therapists provide preventive and restorative dental care to patients under the supervision of a dentist.
- Oral health educator: Oral health educators teach patients about the importance of oral health and how to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Dental hygienist: Dental hygienists provide preventive dental care to patients, such as cleanings and fluoride treatments.
- Researcher: Researchers study the causes, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases. The program also prepares students for further study, such as a master's degree in public health or dental education.
Other:
- The program is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that it is up-to-date and relevant to the needs of the dental profession.
- The program is accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC).
- The program is offered in partnership with King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Conclusion:
The BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy & Hygiene program at King's College London is a rigorous and rewarding program that prepares students for a successful career as a dental therapist. The program offers a unique combination of academic rigor, clinical experience, and inter-professional education. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make a positive impact on the oral health of the community.
Full time tuition fees UK: The UK tuition fee for the 2024-25 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government's cap. Additional Costs Accommodation and subsistence expenses Library fees and fines Personal photocopies Printing course handouts Society membership fees Stationery Graduation costs Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses. These costs are not included in your tuition fees. DBS ongoing subscription: approximate cost £13.00/year after first check Travel between campuses (to Denmark Hill from Guy’s): approximate cost up to £200.00 in each year (typically years 2 & 3 of the course) Initial funding of placement travel (can be claimed back): approximate cost £98.00 (e.g. to West Norwood)
