Degree Programme in Dental Hygiene

Qualification Awarded and the Level of Qualification

Bachelor of Health Care EQF 6

Contact Information

Ida Nikkola
Manager of Degree Programme
ida.nikkola@tuni.fi
tel. 0406473553
Irmeli Nieminen
Study Counsellor
irmeli.nieminen@tuni.fi
tel. 0503119677

Special Admission Requirements

General admission criteria, see TAMK’s websites.

Recognition of Prior Learning

It is possible for students to have their prior competence recognized.
See TAMK’s credit transfer guidelines

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

General qualifications for university of applied science required.

Profile of the Programme

The degree is a bachelor-level professional higher education degree.
The degree complies with the criteria set by the Finnish national degree system as well as with the European framework for degrees and other competence.
Ammattikorkeakouluja koskevaa lainsäädäntöä

Key Learning Outcomes

heme of the 1st year: On the way to becoming a professional in oral healthcare
After the first year of study, students have the study skills required in university studies and can use digital tools and learning environments to assist them in their studies. Students are familiar with the study program and the professional competence of dental hygienists in the oral healthcare service system. Students can apply the mathematical and natural science knowledge they have acquired in basic studies in their professional studies. Students can operate in the changing operating environments of oral healthcare and have adopted a safety-promoting work attitude as part of their evolving professional role. Students can act in first aid situations and participate safely in guided practice sessions involving medication. Students have basic knowledge and skills related to the development, symptoms, and treatment of common oral diseases. Students can participate in the treatment of oral diseases as part of the oral healthcare team. Students can independently utilize evidence-based participatory teaching and guidance methods to promote oral health in individuals and provide individualized oral care instructions. Students can guide clients at the clinic and in seeking oral healthcare services. Students interact respectfully and appreciatively with classmates, professionals, and clients in their studies and practical training.

Theme of the 2nd year: As a Dental hygienist, part of patient-centered oral health care teams.
During the second year of study, students deepen their expertise in treating common oral diseases. Students familiarize themselves with the oral healthcare of families, children, and adolescents. Additionally, they explore oral healthcare for adults. Students acquire skills in providing nutritional advice and using evidence-based support measures in supporting smoking cessation. Students expand their safety skills in radiation protection. Students acquire skills for independent work in the oral healthcare of individuals of different ages during supervised practice periods and learn to use pain relief methods to aid in oral healthcare. Additionally, students become acquainted with current developments in their field. At the end of the second year of study, students can use Finnish and English in oral healthcare guidance situations. Students are familiar with the social and healthcare service system, can guide clients to services, and work as part of multidisciplinary teams.

Theme of the 3rd and 4th year: Dental hygienist as a developer, influencer, collaborator, and lifelong learner in oral health care.
During the third year of study, students explore oral healthcare for the elderly and individuals with special needs. In promoting oral health, students deepen their expertise in promoting the oral health of populations and understand oral health promotion as part of sustainable development in society. Additionally, students familiarize themselves with the specialties of dentistry, local management, entrepreneurship, and research and development methods. During supervised training, students gain experience in working independently in oral healthcare for individuals of different ages and in health promotion. During the third year, students complete a thesis under supervision. After the third year, students who have completed two-thirds of their studies can work as substitutes for licensed dental hygienists.

During the fourth year, on the final semester, students deepen their expertise in oral healthcare. During supervised training, students deepen their professional expertise in a practice chosen by themselves. Upon graduation, students work as experts in oral healthcare. They can work independently in their own area of responsibility, recognizing the need for timely consultation. Students can ensure the safety of their operating environment and are familiar with legislation in their field. Their actions are based on ethical decision-making and evidence-based knowledge. They consider customer orientation and sustainable development as part of their daily work. Graduates are prepared for continuous self-development in an industry where digitalization and health technology create a need for ongoing learning.

Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples

Dental hygienists enjoy excellent employment prospects. They can
work in clinical settings in well-being services counties healtcare
centers or hospitals, as well as in private practices in the oral health sector. Some may choose to operate independently or as entrepreneurs. Dental hygienists may also take on administrative roles or positions of leadership. Employment opportunities may extend to sales and marketing or research and development roles within the
field.

Access to Further Studies

The degree gives eligibility for master’s degrees.

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

Assessment of study performances is based on TAMK’s assessment criteria
The detailed assessment criteria can be found in course implementation plans.

Graduation Requirements

Completion of studies and achievement of competence objectives in the extent set by the curriculum.

Mode of Study

The Dental Hygiene degree program leading to a qualification consists of 210 credits and typically lasts for around 3.5 years, conducted as full-time daytime studies. Various teaching methods are employed, including lectures, small-group instruction, online learning, simulations, practical sessions, workplace-based training, and independent study.

The Dental Hygiene degree program includes 75 credits of practical training aimed at advancing professional skills. Some of the training may also occur during evenings or weekends in different locations throughout the Pirkanmaa region.

Development of the Programme

The Ministry of Education and Culture’ definitions of policy and TAMK’s strategy have been considered in the curriculum. In addition the national and international requirements for the professional competence of oral hygienists have been taken into account.