Qassim University

What you'll study

The programme combines biomedical science, clinical skills and public health to prepare graduates for professional practice as dental hygienists. Teaching typically progresses from foundational science and pre-clinical laboratories through to supervised clinical practice and community outreach.

• Foundational biomedical modules: oral anatomy and histology, dental physiology, microbiology, pathology and general medical sciences relevant to dentistry.
• Core dental hygiene subjects: periodontology, preventive dentistry, dental prophylaxis, oral health assessment, scaling and root planing techniques, oral disease prevention and patient education.
• Clinical and practical skills: clinical radiography and imaging, infection control and sterilisation, chairside patient management, pain and anxiety management, and use of dental instrumentation in simulation labs and clinical settings.
• Public health and community dentistry: epidemiology of oral diseases, oral health promotion, school-based programmes, community screening and planning population-level interventions.
• Professional practice and ethics: legal and ethical issues, communication skills, record keeping, interprofessional teamwork and practice management.
• Research and evidence-based practice: research methods, biostatistics, critical appraisal of literature and a supervised research or capstone project.
• Clinical placements: progressive patient-based training in university dental clinics, affiliated hospitals and community sites under faculty supervision to achieve clinical competencies required for registration and employment.

Entry requirements

Admission to the bachelor programme is competitive and focussed on students with strong science backgrounds. Typical entry expectations include:

• A completed secondary school certificate (science stream) or an equivalent qualification with strong grades in biology, chemistry and physics or mathematics.
• Successful completion of the university's general admission criteria, which may include a centralised application process, academic transcript review and any national entrance assessments used by higher-education institutions.
• Demonstrated proficiency in English where required for instruction, or completion of the university's preparatory requirements for language support.
• Health clearance, up-to-date immunisations and suitability for clinical work; some programmes require interviews or practical assessments to judge manual dexterity and interpersonal skills.
• Applicants with diplomas in allied dental fields or relevant healthcare experience may be considered for entry subject to faculty review and any bridging requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in oral healthcare both within Saudi Arabia and internationally, subject to local registration requirements. Common career paths include:

• Dental hygienist roles in public and private dental clinics, hospitals and specialised dental centres providing preventive care and periodontal therapy.
• Community oral health positions in primary healthcare centres, school health services and public health programmes focusing on prevention and outreach.
• Positions in dental education and training, assisting with patient supervision in clinics, community education and continuing professional development courses.
• Opportunities in research, clinical quality assurance, infection control coordination and practice management within dental services.
• Further study options such as postgraduate diplomas, master's programmes in dental public health, clinical specialties or allied healthcare fields to expand career scope.

Why study at Qassim University

Qassim University offers dental education within a well-established regional university with links to teaching hospitals and community health services. Students benefit from modern clinical facilities and simulation labs that support the development of practical skills alongside theoretical learning.

• Structured clinical placements across university dental centres and affiliated hospitals providing varied patient experience and community exposure.
• Faculty with clinical and academic experience who supervise both practical training and research projects.
• Opportunities for community engagement in the Qassim region, enabling students to develop public health skills and experience in oral health promotion.
• Integration of evidence-based practice and research training to support graduates' ongoing professional development and eligibility for further study or specialised roles.