Consultancy · Study pathways
Diploma in Dental Hygiene
International study pathway: information for UK dental professionals.
Important UK registration note
The course information supplied states that the diploma leads to registration as a Dental Hygienist in the Philippines. It does not confirm automatic eligibility for registration with the UK General Dental Council (GDC). UK applicants must independently confirm the qualification and route with the GDC before enrolling or paying fees. Greyfriars Consultancy can help UK learners understand the application process, but GDC registration is decided by the GDC.
Course at a glance
The essentials in one place
Course
Diploma in Dental Hygiene
Awarding body
National University, MOA, Philippines (as provided by the course information)
Advanced pathway
Qualified, practising dentists may be eligible for an accelerated route, stated as approximately 1 year plus a term, subject to the university's entry and clinical requirements.
Learning mode
Remote Asynchronous Synchronous Learning (RASL), combining recorded learning with scheduled live online sessions.
Final clinical assessment
The supplied information states that a 4–6 week residency in the Philippines is required for final patient-based clinical examinations for the advanced pathway.
Who may apply
Three possible entry routes
Dental nurses
The provider's stated entry route asks for a Diploma in Dental Nursing and Transcript of Records (TOR). Dental nurses should obtain written confirmation from the university about eligibility, course duration, scope of the route and whether any additional entry requirements apply.
Qualified dentists
The accelerated pathway is described for qualified, registered and practising dentists. The university should confirm eligibility and the exact clinical requirements in writing.
General entry route
The supplied information also lists a high-school diploma (or equivalent) with credits in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. Confirm which route applies to you before applying.
Documents: Official transcripts should be translated into English where applicable.
How the learning works
From recorded lectures to clinical examination
Remote learning with live online sessions, then supervised clinical work and a final residency.
Recorded lectures
Pre-recorded video and audio sessions can be accessed on demand, according to the student's Certificate of Registration (COR) schedule.
Live online contact hours
Scheduled video conferences cover lecture debriefs, case studies, interactive questions and answers, and guided virtual simulations.
Pre-clinical learning
The provider's information says pre-clinical sessions for UK-based students on the standard pathway take place locally in the UK. Confirm the location, dates and whether this applies to your pathway before enrolling.
Clinical portfolio
Clinical cases are completed in the student's country of registration under university guidance and supervision, according to the supplied information. Confirm local permissions, supervision and insurance requirements.
Philippines residency
The supplied advanced-pathway information states that a 4–6 week residency is required for final clinical examinations. Accommodation may be arranged by the university, with an estimated cost of £300–£700 for the residency, depending on single or shared accommodation.
English language requirements
Accepted evidence for non-English-speaking countries
For applicants from non-English-speaking countries, the information supplied lists the following. The university may also offer its own English examination route.
- IELTS6.0
- TOEFL iBT61
- Duolingo90
- Letter from a previous collegeConfirming at least two years of study in English
Please confirm: Check current accepted tests, minimum scores, exemptions and validity periods directly with the university before applying.
UK dental nurses
GDC and UK registration
What to check before you commit.
Curriculum alignment
The provider has indicated that the curriculum aligns with GDC requirements. This should be treated as a provider statement, not as confirmation that the GDC has approved or accredited the course. Ask for written evidence of the exact alignment claimed.
Registration is not automatic
A diploma that leads to registration in the Philippines does not automatically confer UK Dental Hygienist registration. The GDC assesses applications under its current rules and decides whether an overseas qualification and evidence meet its requirements.
Support for UK learners
The provider is said to help UK learners with the GDC registration process. Clarify exactly what support is included, what documents are supplied, whether additional examinations or assessments may be required, and whether support has a separate fee.
Before paying
Contact the GDC directly to confirm whether this specific qualification and route could meet the current requirements for registration as a Dental Hygienist in the UK. Obtain written answers from both the GDC and the university/provider. Do not rely on a promise of registration.
Official regulator: General Dental Council (GDC)
Fees: advanced pathway for qualified dentists
£15,500 across four terms
| Term | Payment schedule | Term total |
|---|---|---|
| First term | £2,500 before term starts + £750 in month 2 + £750 in month 3 = £4,000 | £4,000 |
| Second term | £2,500 before term starts + £750 in month 2 + £750 in month 3 = £4,000 | £4,000 |
| Third term | £2,500 before term starts + £750 in month 2 + £750 in month 3 = £4,000 | £4,000 |
| Fourth term / second year | £3,500 before term starts | £3,500 |
| Total stated course fees | £15,500 |
Fee clarification: Confirm in writing what is included and excluded, including travel, visa costs, accommodation, insurance, examinations, resits, translations, registration support and any other charges. The supplied fee schedule totals £15,500.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
How long is the course?
The advanced pathway for qualified dentists is described as approximately one year plus one term. The wider course information also refers to different term structures and clinical blocks. Ask the university for the exact schedule for your own pathway.
Will the university help with a visa?
The information supplied says the university can provide course-related supporting documents for a visa application. A visa is not guaranteed; the relevant authorities decide applications.
Is accommodation arranged?
The university is said to arrange accommodation during clinical blocks, estimated at £300–£700 depending on single or shared accommodation. Confirm availability, dates and the final cost.
Can I register in another country?
The provider states that graduates can apply to regulators in other countries. Each regulator sets its own requirements, and acceptance is not guaranteed.
When will lectures take place?
The provider says lecture timings will be communicated in advance to accommodate international students. The official timetable is expected to be included in the student's COR after enrolment.
Next steps
Four things to do before you pay
- 01
Request the full course specification, current entry criteria and written confirmation of your pathway and duration.
- 02
Ask the university for written evidence supporting its curriculum-alignment statement and details of the UK pre-clinical arrangements.
- 03
Contact the GDC directly before committing financially to check the current overseas qualification registration requirements.
- 04
Request a complete written breakdown of fees and any additional costs.
General information
Stay up to date
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Disclaimer: This factsheet summarises information supplied by the course provider and is for general information only. Course details, fees, eligibility, recognition and registration rules may change. Confirm all details with the university and the GDC before making a decision.