Dental Hygiene Or Dental Therapy 2026

2

Hi everyone!

I’m a 22-year-old Dental Nurse. I completed an Access Course in 2022 and received a conditional offer for Dental Therapy, but unfortunately missed out by three distinctions.

I decided to retake the Access Course and reapply, but didn’t receive any offers that time.

I reapplied again and received an unconditional offer for Dental Hygiene. The university is about three hours away from me, and I’m wondering if it’s worth studying just Dental Hygiene — there’s a postgraduate route into Dental Therapy at the same university, though it requires support from a dental practice.

I’d really appreciate any advice from Dental Therapists, Hygienists, or anyone with experience in a similar situation.

Thank you!

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

ru1998

8

Hi. It’s completely up to you, I would say take the dental hygiene because even if you don’t do the therapy top up at the same uni, there are other top up courses available at other unis, inc the 1 year recently opened one at Bangor uni.
Dh and dt is very competitive so if you gave up your hygiene place now there’s no guarantee you’ll get therapy next year.
Plus dental hygiene is a great career on its own !

Reply 2

nxmraaaaaaa

1

Original post

by ru1998

Hi. It’s completely up to you, I would say take the dental hygiene because even if you don’t do the therapy top up at the same uni, there are other top up courses available at other unis, inc the 1 year recently opened one at Bangor uni.
Dh and dt is very competitive so if you gave up your hygiene place now there’s no guarantee you’ll get therapy next year.
Plus dental hygiene is a great career on its own !

I thought the same! I know a lot of Dental Therapists who have the dual qualification but choose to pursue Hygiene only after graduating. I would have preferred to have the choice but grateful nonetheless. Thank you for your advice.

Dental Hygiene Or Dental Therapy 2026

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