DipDHyg Dental Hygiene

Dental hygienists form an important complementary branch of the dental profession. Working under the supervision of a dentist, the dental hygienist helps patients maintain their oral health by preventing and treating gum disease and promoting good oral health behaviour. Dental Hygienists are permitted to carry out the following procedures:

Give advice in relation to oral health, including dietary advice
Scaling, polishing and debridement of teeth
Taking and processing radiographs
Administer local infiltration and inferior block anaesthesia
Apply fissure sealants
Apply desensitising agents
A career in dental hygiene will appeal to students who have empathy for people, who are interested in their welfare, and who like carrying out precision work with their hands and have a professional approach.

Year 1 is spent between the university campus and the Cork University Dental School and Hospital studying basic medical sciences and introductory elements of dental hygiene. Year 2 is spent in the Cork University Dental School & Hospital and at other local clinical placements.

Students benefit from small class numbers and from intense patient contact during the latter stages of training. This is a Full-time programme with clinics, teaching and assessments scheduled throughout the week.

Leaving Certificate requirements Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. Subjects must include Irish (unless exempt), English, another language, Mathematics and Biology. Mature Students Mature applicants should be 23 years old on or before IELTS - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and minimum of 6.0 in each band. TOEFL iBT - Minimum overall score of 90 and minimum of 20 in each section