This programme is subject to receiving interim approval from the General Dental Council (GDC). Approval of the programme is necessary for graduates to be eligible to apply for registration with the GDC.
The Gateway Year offers an alternative route into the BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Therapy degree, designed for students who do not meet standard entry requirements. It builds the academic skills, scientific knowledge, and confidence needed for degree-level study and is particularly suited to current dental nurses seeking career progression.
On completion, you will progress to the full degree, preparing you to become a skilled and compassionate dental professional eligible for General Dental Council (GDC) registration. With simulation training, clinical experience, and a public health focus, this course leads directly to professional practice and strong career opportunities.
Professional route to practice aligned with General Dental Council requirements
Learn by doing through simulation training and supervised patient care
Strong public health focus addressing oral health inequalities
Early clinical development building confidence from year one
Supportive, small-group learning with close academic and clinical guidance
Clear career outcomes in a profession with sustained demand across the UK
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You’ll develop the scientific knowledge, clinical competence, and professional judgement required of a safe and effective dental therapist.
Across the course, you’ll study areas including:
Learning is structured so that knowledge and skills are revisited and strengthened over time, helping you progress steadily from theory to confident clinical practice.
Year 0: Preparing for degree study
You'll build essential scientific knowledge and study skills to support your transition to degree-level learning. Teaching combines theory and practical activities aligned with A Level Biology and Chemistry, with a focus on dental and oral health. As the year progresses, you'll develop confidence in independent study and begin applying your knowledge to clinical contexts. By the end of the year, you'll have a solid understanding of human anatomy and physiology, preparing you to progress into Year 1 alongside direct-entry students to the BSc.
Year 1: Building foundations
You'll develop core scientific knowledge alongside communication and professional skills. Training begins in advanced simulation environments, allowing you to practise safely before working with patients. Key safety assessments ensure you are fully prepared for clinical activity.
Year 2: Developing clinical confidence
You'll begin treating patients in supervised clinical settings, applying your learning in real-world contexts. Alongside this, you'll continue simulation training, small-group teaching, and professional portfolio development.
Year 3: Becoming practice-ready
Your final year focuses on expanding clinical experience, including more specialised care settings. You'll refine your skills, develop greater independence, and complete final clinical assessments aligned with professional practice. Teaching includes simulation-based learning, supervised clinics, small-group sessions, and guided independent study.
This module introduces the core academic, professional, and transferable skills needed for success in a dental programme. It supports students in becoming confident, reflective learners, developing skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, alongside study skills such as numeracy, academic writing, time management, and basic laboratory techniques.
This module provides a foundation in human anatomy and physiology, including the structure and function of body systems and the principles of homeostasis. It prepares students for further study in biomedical and dental sciences.
This module introduces the core principles of microbiology, immunology, and infectious disease, with a focus on oral and systemic health. Students explore microorganisms, immune responses, and infection prevention, while developing basic microbiology practical skills.
This module introduces the fundamental chemical and biological principles underpinning human health. Students explore key molecules, cell structure and function, genetics, and basic biochemical processes, with contextual links to dental practice.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
Assessment on the Gateway Year combines traditional written assignments with interactive, problem-based learning. A gamified approach enhances engagement, supporting students to adapt to new styles of learning and teaching.
Once on the full degree programme, assessment is designed to support progression and professional readiness.
You may be assessed through:
- Clinical and professional portfolios
- Practical and simulated clinical examinations
- Written assignments and presentations
- Multiple-choice tests
Regular feedback and staged assessment points help you build competence and confidence throughout the degree.
This degree leads directly to professional practice. On successful completion, you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a Dental Therapist.*
Graduates may go on to work in:
Demand for qualified dental care professionals remains strong across Lincolnshire and nationally, supporting positive employment outcomes for graduates.
*Approval of the programme is necessary for graduates to be eligible to apply for registration with the GDC.
From day one, you’ll be part of a supportive learning community. You’ll have access to:
This strong support network helps you stay confident, focused, and motivated throughout your degree.
The Gateway route is designed for applicants without standard entry qualifications, offering a science pathway into dental hygiene and therapy. It is suitable for those from non-science backgrounds, particularly dental nurses seeking career progression or returning to study.
The course supports an interest in community-focused healthcare and practical learning, while providing opportunities to develop clinical skills. Students benefit from strong academic support, access to Lincoln’s developing medical school facilities, and teaching informed by current research and local initiatives.
All applicants, along with suitable level 3 qualifications, must have two years of chairside clinical experience as a registered dental nurse and 2 level 4 post registration qualifications.
Accepted Level 3 Dental Nursing Qualifications:
- City and Guilds Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing
- NEBDN Dental Nursing Qualification
- NCFE Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Dental Nursing
- Welsh and Scottish Dental Nursing Qualifications of similar awards will also be considered.
Post-registration Qualifications:
- Dental Radiography
- Oral Health Education
- (Dental Sedation, Special Care Dental Nursing, Dental Implant Nursing may be considered)
Evidence of current practice will be requested.
GCSE Requirements: A minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C/4 or higher, to include English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject (Biology is preferred).
Please note application assessment criteria may vary by country and we may close to applications from some domiciles. Please view the Your Country pages of our website before making an application.
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found below.
| 2026/27 | UK | International |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,535 per level* | £TBC |
The full-time tuition fees displayed above are for each year (level) of the course.
†Please note that not all courses are available as a part-time option.
* UK: The University undergraduate tuition fee may increase year on year in line with government policy. This will enable us to continue to provide the best possible educational facilities and student experience.
** International: The fees quoted are for one year of study. For continuing students fees are subject to an increase of 2% each year and rounded to the nearest £100.
Tuition fees for additional activity are payable by the student/sponsor and charged at the equivalent £ per credit point rate for each module. Additional activity includes:
Exceptionally, tuition fees may not be payable where a student has been granted a retake with approved extenuating circumstances.
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Growing the future of dental education in Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire faces some of the most significant challenges in England when it comes to access to NHS dental care. At the University of Lincoln, we are working with people and organisations from across the region to change that with a clear ambition: to establish a dental school in Lincolnshire.