Dental Technology (top-up)

Dental technicians manufacture, modify and repair custom-made dental appliances (such as braces, bridges, crowns, implants and prosthetics) to a high standard of precision. There is an increasing demand for skilled dental technicians, with work requiring close attention to detail, colour and manual dexterity.

If you already have a full Level 5 qualification, this course allows you to ‘top up’ to a full BSc (Hons) degree in Dental Technology with just one more year of full-time study (or two years' part-time).

This brand-new course is currently subject to approval, with a first intake of students planned to start in September 2026.

About the course

This is a dedicated Level 6 BSc (Hons) ‘Top up’ degree, leading on from our highly successful Foundation Degree in Dental Technology programme. It has been planned to meet the needs of those higher-level Dental Technicians who are already registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). Its aim is focused on the development of skills, knowledge and understanding at degree level by applying a skills escalator approach to the individual’s career within the dental team.

Indicative modules:

-Making Experience Count
-Management
-Specialist Dental Technology Discipline
-Clinical Integration
-Aesthetics
-Degree Project (Dissertation)

Entry requirements:

-You must have successfully completed (or expect to achieve) a dental technology-related Level 5 qualification - such as a Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND) or Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), worth 240 academic credits of study at undergraduate level; or professional qualification at an equivalent level.

-You must be registered with the General Dental Council and able to provide a current GDC registration certificate. It is not possible to register with the GDC as a Dental Technician with this qualification alone. Applicants seeking registration with the GDC need to pass the Level 5 Foundation Degree first.

-If English is not your first language, you should have attained (or expect to achieve) an overall IELTS test score of 6.0 (with no component less than 5.5) or equivalent in a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK Government.

-Sufficient industry experience is essential. Applicants must be working in the sector or have access to a working Dental Laboratory to produce case studies and access clinical based activities as part of this qualification.

-You will be invited to an interview and present a portfolio of your recent work.

New HE Science Centre
Our science and innovation centre opened at the City Hub campus (close by Nottingham train station) in September 2022, offering purpose-built higher level technical facilities for students in biology, chemistry, forensics, pharmaceuticals and dental technology. This represents a huge long-term investment in our facilities and resources, ensuring our students have access to the best industry-leading equipment and tools available.

Teaching and Assessment:
Coursework is assessed continually through a variety of individual and group assignments; such as practical activities and investigations, research projects, written reports and presentations. Some modules include assessment by examination to help prepare you for further study.

Qualification:

Level 6 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Dental Technology (subject to validation).

Careers and Progression:

Dental Technology graduates have excellent prospects for a successful career or further postgraduate study. Dental technicians are employed in the NHS, commercial laboratories, private practices and dental schools. Within the NHS there is a clear career structure allowing for advancement. In the commercial sector, after some years of experience, it would be possible to become a laboratory manager or owner.

Alternative career options include Clinical Dental Technology, Research and Development, Teaching and Education, or Medical Sales.