BDT Dental Therapy (B760)
2027 entry | view 2026 entry
Course summary
Bristol has been a hugely successful training provider for dental hygienists and therapists for many years, and our courses are ranked 2nd in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2026.
We've recently reviewed our previous BSc Dental Hygiene and Therapy course to strengthen the integration between dental hygiene and therapy, and dentistry. The result is that you can now choose between applying for:
- Bachelor of Dental Hygiene
or
- Bachelor of Dental Therapy.
Please note that you can only apply for one of these courses, not both.
Our BDT Dental Therapy course, with its state-of-the-art clinical facilities and strong focus on integrated team training, attracts numerous applicants every year.
New for 2027, the application options have been updated, but the core content, delivery and entry requirements haven't changed significantly. You'll still cover the full scope of practice for both a dental hygienist and a dental therapist. What's more, the course structure and assessment strategy is now more closely aligned with our BDS Dentistry degree.
Our three-year, full-time degree features integrated and mandatory units of academic teaching, clinical skills and clinical practice, with the completion of a dissertation in the final year.
You'll be based at our Dental School, right in the heart of the city centre and just a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads station. Here, you'll train with cutting-edge technology, alongside experienced dental professionals, in a world-class, purpose-built facility.
Ranked as the 2nd best Dental School in England (Complete University Guide 2026), we deliver the latest developments in dental education and patient care.
Our course equips you with all the knowledge, skills and experience you need to treat patients safely within the scope of practice of a dental therapist, as specified by the General Dental Council. With opportunities for community engagement, together with clinical rotations in consultant-led oral medicine and orthodontic clinics, you'll graduate from the University of Bristol as a qualified, polished and confident dental therapist.
As is standard for all new General Dental Council (GDC) registerable programmes, GDC approval will be confirmed after a successful inspection of the first cohort who joined the programme in September 2025.
You will be eligible to register as a dental therapist and dental hygienist upon successful completion of the BDT.
Course structure
We've built the structure of our BDT Dental Therapy degree to provide the right balance of practical and theoretical studies.
Year one you'll learn the fundamentals of biomedical sciences, tailored to dental therapy practice. The course combines asynchronous learning material with in-person lectures, seminars and practical classes. From term two, you'll begin supervised patient care, including pain and anxiety control. You'll also be introduced to educational principles in oral health promotion, focusing on health concepts, behaviours and sociological influences.
Year two you'll focus on patient care, enhancing your periodontal clinical skills, covering advanced treatment modalities and managing refractory cases. You'll complete operative skills in restorative dentistry for adults and children. Dental radiology is introduced and you'll start to deliver restorative patient care across various clinical settings, broadening your understanding of treatments for paediatric and adult patients.
Year three you'll concentrate on holistic patient care and fulfil the clinical requirements needed for graduation. You'll complete a dissertation and, following completion of your final year assessments, apply for registration with the General Dental Council.
Each year includes four themes:
- Foundations for practice : you'll gain the core knowledge for safe and effective patient care.
- Clinical skills: you'll experience hands-on learning using manikin heads in the clinical skills suite.
- Clinical practice: you'll apply your knowledge and skills in patient care at the Dental School clinics.
- Personal and professional development: you'll become a well-rounded dental professional, understanding legal and ethical guidelines, and developing communication and leadership skills.
Entry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
More about Access to HE entry requirements
Selection process
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
- If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
- Full information about our selection processes for Dental Therapy can be found in the Admissions Statement:
Admissions statement - The admissions statement above relates to 2026 entry. The statement for 2027 entry will be available in summer 2026.