BSc (Hons) Dental Technology
Course Overview
Interested in a career that combines technical skill, the ability to care for people and a level of artistry? Dental technicians (or dental technologists as they are often referred to) make dentures, crowns, bridges and dental braces that improve patients’ appearance, speech and chewing function. The University of Bolton is home to state-of-the-art facilities and knowledgeable, professional staff committed to delivering a varied curriculum of theoretical, practical and transferable material. Studying subjects within the fundamental areas of oral anatomy and physiology, you’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on with the latest equipment in our specialised laboratories and learn the biomechanics and biomaterials science behind dental appliance design.We’re dedicated to coaching the next generation of dental technicians in the knowledge and competency required to compete and exceed in this sought-after profession. Strongly employer informed and designed to meet the learning outcomes required by the General Dental Council, this course aims to provide students with a thorough overview of the key regulatory, legal and ethical topics relevant to the industry today, as well as the essential theory of dental technology and biomedical science.
Highlights
- As a dental technology undergraduate, you’ll have access to the latest specialist equipment in our advanced laboratories and have the chance to participate in regular hands-on sessions to help develop your practical capabilities.
- You’ll have the opportunity to apply your skills to live patient cases via work-based learning modules.
- The course has strong employer links, reinforced by industrial dental laboratory work placements. Every student is assigned a work-based mentor, supported by a work placement officer from the dental academic team.
- On successful completion of this course you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Dental Technology.
Key Features
- Practical projects are assessed in the three key disciplines of fixed prosthodontics, removable prosthodontics and orthodontics. You’ll have the opportunity to further demonstrate your skills by completing a specialist dental technology module.
- In preparation for your dissertation, you’ll focus on study skills and research methodologies over two modules.
- Opportunities for progression after completing the include BSc (Hons) course include dental technology MSc and PhD programmes.
- By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.
Entry Requirements
- 96 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T-levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications.
- Your Level 3 subjects must include a science subject; for instance, A-level Biology or BTEC Extended Diploma in Dental Technology.
- You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent) including English, Mathematics and Science.
- You’ll be required to attend an interview and undertake a manual dexterity test as part of the application process.
- If you have experience of working in other dental team roles, we’ll be happy to consider your application, providing you can present evidence of satisfactory level 3 qualifications.
- Some work placements involved in this course involve unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults, also known as regulated activity. If you’ll be undertaking a placement that involves regulated activity you’ll have to get an Enhanced Disclosure certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) beforehand. Charges are payable to cover the cost of the DBS Enhanced Disclosure application and annual registration with the online Update Service.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- Please note that this course is subject to the University of Bolton's Fitness to Practise procedure.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
The University of Bolton's BSc (Hons) in Dental Technology offers you the opportunity to learn the fundamental aspects of oral anatomy and physiology and its influence on dental appliance design. We emphasise practical skills development as this is a crucial element in the training of a dental technician, alongside learning relevant theory. This course challenges you to critically analyse theoretical principles to make informed choices on the methods and materials used to produce a range of biomechanically sound appliances.
This course is ideal if you want to work in the field of dental technology or dental biomaterials and seek a career in academia, research or industry.
What can I do with this qualification?
Dental science has a rich history of academic development. As a graduate, you may progress to MSc postgraduate courses and PhD research. Possible postgraduate study options can support progression into clinical dentistry, research or teaching.
Alternatively, you could train as a healthcare scientist, specialising in reconstructive sciences like maxillofacial prosthetics through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).
Alternative career options
Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Examples of possible careers include:
- Dental implantology
- Clinical dental technology
- Dental therapy
- Teaching and education
- Research and development
- Nursing
- Sales
Professional Recognition
This programme was new for 2016 and has been provisionally accepted to commence delivery by the General Dental Council (GDC) following initial quality assurance processes. The GDC inspected the University provision in the academic year 2018/19 and have reported to the Registrar that the programme is fit for purpose to develop individuals for professional registration as dental technicians.
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
| Year of study | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Year | 2024/25 | 2025/26 | 2026/27 | 2027/28 | |
| 2024-25 | £9,250 | £9,250 | £9,250 | - | £27,750 |
| 2025-26 | - | ||||
International Fees
| Year of study | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Year | 2024/25 | 2025/26 | 2026/27 | 2027/28 | |
| 2024-25 | £15,950 | £15,950 | £15,950 | - | £47,850 |
| 2025-26 | - | ||||
Bursaries
Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2024-25 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
If you wish to apply to multiple institutions or courses for September, then apply through UCAS
You can apply for up to 5 courses through UCAS (at the same or different institutions) for a fee of £27. Alternatively, if you only wish to apply for a single course at a single institution then a reduced applicant's fee of £22.50 is applicable.
The online application form and guidance notes are available on the UCAS website.
You will need the following information to complete your UCAS application form:
Institution Code Name: BOLTN
Institution Code Number: B44
Tel: 0870 1122211
Web: www.ucas.com
International Applicants
The University welcomes applications from international students from all over the world. We try to make the application process as simple and as fast as possible for our international applicants.
This course is not currently accepting international online applications.
Please contact Admissions by telephone on 01204 903903 or email enquiries@bolton.ac.uk
Admissions
University of Bolton
Deane Road
Bolton, BL3 5AB
United Kingdom
Tel: 01204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk
Partner Organisation Applicants
Please contact Admissions by telephone on 01204 903903 or email enquiries@bolton.ac.uk
Admissions
University of Bolton
Deane Road
Bolton, BL3 5AB
United Kingdom
Tel: 01204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk
Teaching & Assessment
PLEASE NOTE: To meet the requirements of the General Dental Council, all modules are compulsory on this course.
Our BSc (Hons) course in Dental Technology is delivered through the blended methods of face-to-face tuition and online learning. Lectures are held to introduce specific subjects and areas of study, reinforced by tutorials, workshops and practical classes where this theory can be applied.
Class sizes are small to maximise contact with tutors and support is provided via regular feedback and advice on your progress and developmental needs. Electronic learning materials are provided through the virtual learning environment, enabling self-directed study on or off campus.
Assessment takes various forms, including examinations, essays, reports, employment journals, oral presentations, practical tasks and assessment of your practical manufacturing portfolio. In your final year of study your skills will also be assessed through a dissertation.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- Dental Technology Dissertation Project
- Principles of Dental Aesthetics and Occlusion
- Specialised Dental Technology Discipline
- Advanced Oral Biomedical Science
- Dental Technology Techniques for Orthodontics
- Dental Technology Techniques for Removable Prosthodontics
- Dental Technology Techniques for Fixed Prosthodontics
- Employment Practice B
- Research Methodology
- Introductory Dental Biomaterials Science
- Employment Practice A
- Basic Dental Technology Techniques
- Oral Anatomy and Physiology and Basic Dental Appliance Design
- Preparing for Practice and Study Skills
Assessment methods
| Level | Assessment method |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Coursework 30% Practical exams 40% Written exams 30% |
| Level 2 | Coursework 30% Practical exams 40% Written exams 30% |
| Level 3 | Coursework 30% Practical exams 40% Written exams 30% |
Learning Activities
| Level | Activity |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Guided independent study 30% Placement/study abroad 25% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 45% |
| Level 2 | Guided independent study 45% Placement/study abroad 25% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 30% |
| Level 3 | Guided independent study 55% Placement/study abroad 20% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 25% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
