Why Sunderland for Dental Education

Join our new dental education courses and help improve access to dental services in the north-east. Learn in new facilities and work with real-life patients through our free care offer for NHS patients. As dental care staff are in demand, you'll have excellent job opportunities once you graduate.

A dentist practicing their scaling skills on a set of false teeth

Our courses

From September 2027 or 2028*, our new dental education courses will include:

BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy
BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene
BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene Apprenticeship (Level 6)
FdSc Dental Technician Apprenticeship (Level 5).

They'll qualify you to become a key member of a dental care team, as dental therapist, dental hygienist, or dental technician.

These courses are subject to approval from the General Dental Council (GDC). By studying a GDC-approved course, you'll be eligible to register for practice on completion.

We're currently not offering a full five-year Dental Surgery (BDS) course.

Addressing health inqualities

In the north-east, oral health inequalities are high. The availability of NHS appointments is reducing while the private dentistry industry grows. Patients in our region are struggling to access dental care when they need it most. Increasing the dental care workforce in the north-east will make dental services more accessible. This is essential for improving our health and reducing health inequalities. Our new courses aim to increase dental education in the region and create more dental care professionals to meet patients' needs.

Learn more about north-east oral health inqualities

Greenery outside of the John Dawson Sciences Complex at City Campus

Stay up to date

By registering your interest, you'll stay up to date with any news about our dental education courses. We'll contact you with key updates, including events you can attend to learn more, and when you can apply.

Dental therapy

Dental therapists carry out a range of dental procedures. These include fillings, scaling and polishing, and dental x-rays. You could work in a dental practice, a hospital, or out in the community.

Our BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy course will provide you with the knowledge and expertise to become a qualified dental therapist.

You'll study for three years, becoming part of a dental care team alongside dental hygiene and other healthcare students.

You'll learn from dental care experts and work with real-life patients, both out on placement and on campus as part of our free care offer for NHS patients.

Learn more about being a dental therapist

Dental hygiene

Dental hygienists help patients look after their teeth and improve their oral health. This includes educating them on how to clean and care for their teeth and gums and advising them on preventative treatments. You could work in a dental practice, a hospital, or out in the community.

Our BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene course will give you all the training you need to become a qualified dental hygienist.

You'll study for two years, learning alongside dental therapy and other healthcare students. Together, you'll form a dental care team and provide real-life patients with care, on placement and on campus.

There are opportunities for you to progress to the BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy course upon completion of your dental hygiene course.

Learn more about being a dental hygienist

A student speaking with a patient and taking their patient history

Dental care apprenticeships

Our dental care apprenticeships are:

BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene Apprenticeship (Level 6)
FdSc Dental Technician Apprenticeship (Level 5).

The BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene Apprenticeship is co-taught alongside BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy.

These courses are for existing or newly recruited employees working in dental care settings. They're an excellent route for dental nurses who are looking for career progression.

More about apprenticeships

A dentist practicing their polishing skills on a set of false teeth

Teaching and learning

You'll learn through:

Hands-on experience in our Anatomy centre
Immersive simulation sessions that re-create different clinical settings and patient cases
Lab sessions to gain practical skills and understanding of physiology, cell biology, microbiology and infection control.

Your teaching staff will include dental care, anatomy, and biosciences experts.

Our new dental education facilities will include phantom heads and haptic VR simulators. These will help develop your clinical skills in performing oral examinations, tooth restorations, and periodontal procedures. You'll develop these skills further through working with real-life patients on placements and on campus in the clinic.

*Exact course entry dates are to be confirmed. Register your interest to stay up to date with any details about start dates.