You'll need to complete a higher education diploma or degree approved by the General Dental Council. 

Subjects include:

• dental hygiene
• oral health science
• dental hygiene and dental therapy

When you apply for a university course, it might help to have some experience in a dental or healthcare setting, for example, shadowing a dental nurse or dental hygienist.

You might be able to get extra support with student finance, as a dental student, through the NHS Learning Support Fund.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree

If you're a qualified dental nurse, you may be able to do a part-time training course with a dental school to become a dental hygienist.

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

As a dental hygienist, you could:

• clean and polish teeth to help prevent cavities and gum disease
• apply dental sealants to protect against tooth decay
• demonstrate tooth brushing and flossing techniques
• refer clients to a dentist should further treatment be needed
• promote good oral healthcare to children and adults
• update and maintain patient records

You could work at a dental practice, in an NHS or private hospital or at a health centre.

You may need to wear protective clothing.