Oral Health Science
Oral health science is the academic and clinical discipline that underpins the work of dental hygienists and dental therapists, two registered healthcare professionals whose roles are central to preventive dentistry and the promotion of good oral health across the lifespan. Oral health has deep connections to general health: periodontal disease, for example, is linked to cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, while poor oral health affects nutrition, speech, confidence, and quality of life. Practitioners in oral health science combine scientific knowledge of the mouth, teeth, and supporting structures with clinical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with patients of all ages.
At the University of the Highlands and Islands, this three-year full-time programme prepares you for dual registration as a dental hygienist and dental therapist with the General Dental Council. You will study oral anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and the clinical procedures involved in scaling, root surface debridement, polishing, radiography, and restorative dental care. The programme includes both on-campus learning and work-based activity in partner clinical settings, giving you the hands-on experience needed to develop clinical confidence and patient management skills.
You will also complete learning digitally and at industry partner locations, reflecting the flexible and distributed nature of healthcare education in the Highlands and Islands.
Graduates register with the General Dental Council and work in primary care dental practices, community dental services, hospital dental departments, and specialist periodontal and paediatric settings. The dual registration as hygienist and therapist gives graduates considerable professional flexibility and is highly valued by NHS and private employers. Some graduates develop advanced practice in periodontics, special care dentistry, or oral health promotion, while others move into education, research, or clinical leadership.
The degree is a direct pathway into a regulated healthcare profession with strong employment prospects.