BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene Bachelor's degree at Teesside University

You are introduced to evidence-based practice and sources of evidence: primary and secondary research, guidelines, audits and evaluations. Consider how to use sources of evidence to support clinical decision-making and develop skills in formulating focused questions, developing effective search strategies and literature retrieval.

You examine the underpinning theory and the practice of clinical skills, required in the scope of practice of the dental hygienist. You gain the required knowledge and skills for the safe treatment of patients including instrumentation, dental indices to monitor periodontal disease and to assist in the treatment of a patient. Oral hygiene instruction will be applied when you demonstrate the various methods of plaque control, including both chemical and mechanical means and incorporating appropri

You explore dental, oral craniofacial anatomy in relation to patient management and their relevance to oral health and oral disease along with its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. You acquire an understanding of how these oral manifestations appear within the oral cavity, their aetiology along with preventative strategies and treatment. For dental anatomy you examine the structure and morphology of both the deciduous and permanent dentition allowing you to recognise, identify and describe i

This multidisciplinary module introduces basic processes principles and concepts of human physiology required by a range of health professionals, including healing and repair processes.

You develop an understanding of your role in the delivery of contemporary health and social care within the context of interprofessional practice and behaviour, preparing you for the demands of practice and ensuring you are sufficiently informed and equipped to practice safely. The module will also introduce you to the concepts of continuous professional development and lifelong learning and the tools to demonstrate this through the use of the e-portfolio. This will prepare you to produce eviden

Build on your knowledge of different research methodologies, designing a project using primary or secondary research methods.

You gain the depth and breadth of theoretical and practical knowledge in the setting up, taking and processing of dental radiographs as well as exploring the physics, radiation protection, equipment, quality assurance and patient care and safety involved in the procedure. You learn about the importance of health and safety, ethics and clinical audit which surrounds the subject.

You further investigate those manifestations of common oral disease and disorders that may impinge on dental treatment. You acquire detailed knowledge of the classifications, aetiology, pathogenesis and process of common oral diseases/oral surgery, allowing you to employ balanced and logical decisions on patient treatment needs, as well as analysing, applying and interpreting knowledge of drugs administered and prescribed, identifying how their unwanted effects can affect the management of patie

You reflect on current and contemporary issues and explore the implications for personal and professional practice. Ethical and dento-legal responsibilities will also be explored to equip you for your future practice as a dental hygienist. You examine the role of the dental hygienist within the NHS, and the roles and responsibilities of the multidisciplinary team.

You consolidate and build on the knowledge, understanding and skills that you have gained in Year 1, and further develop dental hygiene skills including decision-making skills, providing appropriate advice, assessment, treatment, management, and care for service users. You focus on the wider scope of dental hygienist practice involving the application of fissure sealants, fluoride varnish and the delivery of local anaesthetic.

You advance your theoretical knowledge to apply comprehensive and detailed consideration to a broad scope of clinical problems of increasing complexity. Comprehensive oral care is covered, including geriodontic and paediatric patients and those who have physical or learning disabilities, mental health problems or those who are medically compromised. You also explore the domiciliary care provision and variety of clinical settings. The principles of restorative techniques are examined and the diso

You develop knowledge and understanding of healthcare, statutory and professional policy, exploring the impact with respect to patient care, professional practice and service delivery. Focus on personal and professional development, and examine the theories and concepts underpinning continuous professional development, leadership, human dimension of change and quality improvement.

You consolidate and further develop the knowledge and skills you have gained, and carry out the project you previously designed.

You consolidate the clinical skills of the dental hygienist introduced in Years 1 and 2 enabling the application of a comprehensive scope of clinical procedures of increasing complexity. Through the management of differing patient groups, you develop your periodontal and preventive clinical skills, and your autonomy to effectively plan and manage the care of their patients.